Originally Posted by
GetSetJetSet
The Peninsula is underwhelming in beijing. Great location and a pretty damn good concierge floor, but so-so bar and most of the rooms are lousy. My opinion is improved because I upgraded to a duplex suite, but if you are staying in a normal room class, they are pretty pedestrian and forgetable.
I agree with most of your facts but come to the opposite conclusion -- that the Peninsula Beijing can be a very comfortable place to stay. As you say, the Duplex Suite is an extremely nice room by most any standard, and represents excellent accommodations. Moreover, the location is very convenient, and the service is good for the area. The fact that the standard room is so-so seems rather besides the point if one wants more deluxe accommodations, as the original poster seems to, and doesn't mind paying for it.
My advice would be to book the Duplex Suite at the Peninsula, which I suspect will still be less than the Aman, but much more central. The Peninsula is a different experience than an Aman, but for most people it will better serve their purpose for travelling to Beijing.