lovely hotel, typing this from the room on the free (wired) internet. paid for the cheapest room available, upgraded as a plat to a terrific corner suite on the 24th floor.

two room suite with one and a half baths and a view of...not sure. mostly smog--er, fog. it's china, after all. they offered choice of amenity upon check-in, i chose points. room came with four free bottles of water, fruit basket and some sweets. typical chinese construction--which means that the rooms probably won't hold up well over time, but it's lovely now, and hopefully will be maintained when things inevitably start to fall apart. two flat screen tvs, couch, rain shower and a separate tub. glass walled toilet in the main bath, but there are louvered blinds. small mini bar/fridge, safe, robes, coffee pot, etc.

the only caveat i'd offer to someone else staying here would be to ask for a room on the side of the hotel away from the train tracks. we're on the train side, and definitely hear it running all night (and day), even on the 24th floor. it's only two nights, so we're not changing rooms.

room includes breakfast, we were told upon check-in that restaurant would be really busy this morning so we could take in-room dining instead. sure, twist my arm.

breakfast perfectly fine, mr kk had the chinese breakfast and i had the four points breakfast (eggs, meat and toast w/juice). small issues with language resulted in a bit more meat than i wanted, but in a foreign country where i don't speak much of the local language, i don't complain and have little tolerance for those who do. they're trying hard and are as gracious as can be.

fitness center and pool are open, just a bit confusing to get to. room guide says pool is on the fifth floor, which it is, but it's in a separate building! you walk out through the lobby and across the courtyard, then take an elevator in that building to the fifth floor. pool still has some kinks but it more than adequate for lap swimming--it's huge. fitness center has three treadmills, three stationary bikes, free weights and several nautilus-type machines. the treadmill touch-screens are fussy, but they do work and it's a nice space.

heard nothing about a lounge. if i remember, i'll ask today and report back. this reminds me of several of the le meridiens we stayed in in thailand rather than a four points. i'd stay again in a heartbeat.

should add that pelapela is correct, the location leaves a bit to be desired, it's not close to westlake, nor is it in an area where you can walk to anything other than mcdonald's. still, i'm happy here.