Quick update. Stayed at HIX last night and yes the Garden Inn is about 50 m North. It now has a temporary sign on the top of the building.
November looks to be a tough target even for Chinese building speeds based on what I saw. Expect a soft opening.
I walked over from Olympic station. If you know what you are doing it is decent route coming out of Olympian City 3 exit The Hermitage. Apart from the last 300m it is all covered with AC. But you have to cross a pretty high footbridge.
Area is OK and safe but not exactly prime. I suspect when open it will put pressure on rates at the HIX which have got a bit steep for such a limited offering.