Hilton Beijing Wangfujing {CHN}
Sep 15, 2009, 9:44 pm
#76
Join Date: Aug 2001
Posts: 1,338
I don't buy this argument. If that were true, then the boss would have identified himself and stated the reason for the call - e.g. "Tipping is not recommended or encouraged by this hotel. I am checking if X asked for a tip."
Sep 15, 2009, 11:30 pm
#78
Join Date: Jul 2002
Posts: 3,643
Well, I got a quick response via email. The Front Office manager apologized, though he/she was not specific about the details of my concern. It was clear that he/she read my email, but there was nothing saying that the staff or bell staff management was instructed specifically about customer contact about tipping. I followed up and just reiterated that I believed that most customers would not appreciate a phone call from hotel staff asking about tips.
It's done as far as i am concerned, I appreciate that many here seemed to be of the same mindset as me. I am very sure that the call was not sinister, and was simply an attempt to police tips received by local staff. Most of us here seem to think that is inappropriate and my main goal was to communicate this to their management. I certainly will return to the Hilton Wangfujing... assuming my price and convenience requirements are met.
It's done as far as i am concerned, I appreciate that many here seemed to be of the same mindset as me. I am very sure that the call was not sinister, and was simply an attempt to police tips received by local staff. Most of us here seem to think that is inappropriate and my main goal was to communicate this to their management. I certainly will return to the Hilton Wangfujing... assuming my price and convenience requirements are met.
Sep 18, 2009, 3:38 pm
#80
Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: XNA
Programs: UA 1P, Hilton Diamond, Marriott Plt
Posts: 281
I just completed my second say at the Hilton Wangfujing and must say that things have indeed improved. Chynna restaurant is outstanding......very accomodating and loads of "extra's." The rooms remain very fuctional and as a Diamond was upgraded to the executive floor (16). Superalative service in the lounge, great range of breakfast items, and a very fine "happy hour."
Service is exemplary and the location cannot be beat, either for business or
tourism. IMHO a vastly better choice than the Hilton Beijing (the one by the
US embassy). YMMV.
Service is exemplary and the location cannot be beat, either for business or
tourism. IMHO a vastly better choice than the Hilton Beijing (the one by the
US embassy). YMMV.
Nov 16, 2009, 11:33 pm
#83
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Dec 2000
Location: Shanghai
Posts: 42,048
I would take a taxi the entire way, but you could also take the airport train to te 2nd ring stop (end of the line) and jump in a taxi there,... or take the ring subway down to the east/west line, exit at Wanfujing and walk half a mile.
Last edited by moondog; Nov 16, 2009 at 11:56 pm
Nov 17, 2009, 12:07 am
#85
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Dec 2000
Location: Shanghai
Posts: 42,048
You're better off buying a guide book and going it alone (visit the China forum for lots of exciting threads on the subject).
Nov 17, 2009, 8:35 pm
#87
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: Scottsdale, AZ
Programs: AA EXP, SPG Plat
Posts: 1,472
The suites look pretty good and at $270 USD per night I will probably just pay for one of the nicer suites rather than risking the chance on an upgrade. Perhaps I can get upgraded to the Penthouse suite 
Mar 26, 2010, 10:35 am
#90
Join Date: Dec 2008
Posts: 505
Was there on a 5 night reward stay last week. Got upgraded to a deluxe (?) room (just as described by JDiver), and given access to the EL. The room was near the end of the hallway (x18) towards Wangfujing St., and one of the gates of the Forbidden City was kind-of visible at times (the worst sandstorm of the season hit, so visibility was often close to zero).