Hadn't read anything specific about this place and thought I was smart by beating early morning traffic for my flight by staying here. The friendly ladies at the hotel booking desk in the arrivals hall recommended it so I pre-booked it before heading to the Peninsula Palace for three nights.

It was the filthiest hotel room I have ever stayed in, and yes I have lived in Egypt, Syria and backpacked all around the world on a dime. Blood and urine stains on the toilet, balls of hair everywhere, toilet paper strewn on the bathroom floor, you get the picture.

None of the staff seemed fazed by my apparent disgust. Not that any spoke a word of English to express it any way.

Welcome to Beijing International Airport - gateway to the 2008 Olympics!

What a disgrace.