This is my usual spot, the past couple years, but I've seen the price slowly floating up and it's making other properties seem more attractive. The service is pretty so-so, although it gets better when you know the staff; the rooms feel dated; and I've stayed on the Gold Floor and I'm not sure it's worth the premium in Beijing. I decided to expand my horizons and book at the Kerry, not too far away, still in the CBD, and partly motivated by the advice of the concierge at Shangri-La Tokyo. Is that price hike a March aberration? Is there a better CBD alternative?