Help needed with Beijing Hotel
 

I'm considering staying at either the St. Regis or the Peninsula Palace in mid April. (I've already read the other threads so I know the ins/outs of each one). Does anyone know of a discount site or better place to get good rates other than the hotel websites or Orbitz/Expedia/Travelocity? They area all showing the same rates (Peninsula: $195 Deluxe, $240 Grand Club, $337 Duplex Suite; St. Regis: $265 Deluxe). I'm an Amex Platinum member and their rates weren't any different but do have the welcome ammenity and upgrade when available. Thanks in advance!

both of those properties are very popular so discounts aren't too common. however, i can offer 2.5 pieces of advice:

1) call the hotels directly and ask to speak with managers

2) latch onto a corporate rate. lots of companies have special rate plans with the st. regis (goldman, mckinsey, and the la times come to mind) so if you know anyone that works for one of those companies, ask them to book a room for you

a 3rd technique would be to book your hotel as part of a package. however, i only know of packages ex-hkg, which probably won't help you much.