Just checked into the hotel this late afternoon. It was dark outside already, but the lobby was as bright as day. A lot of cameras and lighting around, as apparently, they were shooting photos/video for the hotel's promotional materials. Very, very noisy in the lobby area and quite a lot of chaos.

Checked into the hotel very efficiently. First question they asked was "What time do you usually like your evening turndown?" Never been asked this at checkin anywhere else before. Booked a cheap rate of CNY 1,260 (Red Hot Deal on spg.com). Had a slight discrepancy where the hotel said that this rate was +15% service charge, but the website had offered inclusive. The hotel said that they had this error on any reservation with the hotel prior to 04.Dec, so they will waive the service charge this time. Well, let's see tomorrow at checkout.

Offered one of three choices as the Platinum amenity: 500 points or breakfast or... I didn't even wait for the receptionist to finish her sentence; I just took the points.

Reception said that, as a Platinum member, I had been upgraded to a Courtyard Suite.

I was quite disappointed that no mention of other Platinum benefits were mentioned by the reception nor given to me in writing. I was lucky that I had contacted the hotel prior to my arrival and had inquired of all benefits already. This is what they wrote to me:

1. Upgrade to best available room, including standard suites (upon availability)
2. Platinum welcome amenity
3. Welcome fruits and chocolates
4. Complimentary evening cocktail from 18:00 - 20:00 in Lobby Lounge
5. Complimentary in-room minibar, excluding snacks and alcohol
6. Complimentary 2 pieces of pressing per stay
7. Complimentary 2 hours meeting room rental in Business Centre
8. Complimentary 5 pages B&W printing
9. Complimentary wireless high-speed internet access in room
10. Free local calls in room
11. Unlimited download international newspapers
12. Free late checkout until 4pm (subject to availability) ** NOTE: I intend to question them about this, since 4pm checkout should be a guaranteed Platinum benefit.
13. Early arrival arrangement (subject to availability)

Got to the room, and had a welcome letter from the General Manager. The letter only mentioned the evening cocktail, but nothing else.

Room was ok, but not the "Wow" for me. I really wonder whether I got an upgrade to a suite.

Photos have been posted on Flickr here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/9312877...7632191919154/

Some remarks:

• Looking at the floorplan, this supposed Courtyard Suite is quite small, compared with the other rooms on the plan, unless of course, this floor plan is not to scale.
• Basic hardware looks ok, but the quality of some finishing used is not up to standards. For example, closet doors were already loose (hinges were loose). The doors to the minibar cabinet could not close flush; one door was hanging crooked already (again, hinges were loose).
• Basic drinks available in the minibar, but no snacks at all.

That's all the observations I have for now. Will report back before checkout tomorrow should I find anything else of interest.