NWAKLMFlyer

It would seem the choices I have for Beijing are...Renaissance Beijing Hotel, Beijing Marriott Hotel West or Palm Springs, Beijing - Marriott Executive Apartments.

What hotel is nicer and who has the better executive lounge witht he exception of MEA. Location is not a big issue and they all seem to be in the same general area.

ExCrew

I'm in the Renaissance BJ now. Great hotel...but more expensive than the Mariott BJ West. Plus, when I arrived here, as a Platinum, they 'upgraded' me to the Executive floor. It was a standard room, but I suppose the upgrade was to the Exec floor. Not impressive. The previous weekend, I stayed at the Marriott BJ West and was given (off the bat, didn't have to ask) a HUGE suite! It was stunning! Plus, it was 100RMB less than the Renaissance!
After going downstairs and throwing around my Plat status (nicely, of course), I was given a very nice suite...non exec floor...but who cares, as long as I still have access to the lounge, right?
For the record...the Marriott BJ West is all the way to the West of BJ. The Ren. is much closer to the CBD (Central Business District) in the Chaoyung District.
Lastly...avoid the Marriott Exec. apartments at ALL COSTS! They property is stunning...but the staff is clueless! Several guests shared my opinion that the place was a complete cluster&*$#. The rooms are huge and have 2 B/Rs in each...with full kitchens, washers, etc. But for some reason, they didn't give any plates, cups, silver to me. The reason? I was only booked for 4 days and not a month or more. Gimme a break? I don't need to eat for 4 days? I am still waiting for my points from there 4 week later.

zambonisk

I'd also stay away from the Courtyard, just stayed there and was less than happy with it.

moondog

While the Ren and Palm Springs are reasonably close to each other, Beijing West is another story. I personally really like the Palm Springs people and the property..... much more than the Ren, and much, much more than "West".

The upsides:
-large, comfortable apartments for prices similar to the Ren
-a lot of open space in the middle of the complex (which is 90% actual apartments)
-easy access to Chaoyang Park; as Beijing's biggest publich park, it offers some of the cleanest air on the east side of town and is chalked full of bizzare attractions
-Palm Springs Club... is pretty nice

The downsides:
-.5 point multiplier
-no lounge, or anything of the sort
-Palm Springs itself is a bit of a mess, which means the club isn't all that,... but it's still much more impressive than its counterpart at the Ren (~100,000 square meters v. 500)

If you clue me in on the prices you're getting (btw, I might be able to help you --a little-- on the Palm Springs front), I can offer further advice.

allset2travel

I read through at least 3 separate threads on Marriott properties in Biejing. Couldn't find much recent update about the Courtyard. My interest is primarily to get confirmation if Courtyard is indeed under renovation; and if so, when will it be done?
I like the location of this property, but concern about the mixed reviews (here at FT and elsewhere). If facilities are being renovated, then this property may be ideal for me. My travel plan is at least months away.
Appreciate any recent update pertaining to subject.

allset2travel

Anyone?
Can't believe no one from this forum had not stayed at this property recently!

travelexpert

Just checked out comments about this property at Tripadvisor.com. Not favorable, really--although the location seems very good, and rates are amazing!

Interestingly, the new JW Marriott Beijing opened two months ago--and there is not even one review at Tripadvisor.com.

Also, the Marriott Residential Apartments look quite enticing and good value for money (though much higher priced than the Courtyard).

allset2travel

Much of the bad reviews at tripadvisor raised issues that would be solved by renovation (such as torn carpets, needed paint, worn bathroom etc...). I am interested in the status of the renovation and see if it did make the difference.

rmiller774

I just checked the hotel's web page and saw: "The hotel is under renovation December 1, 2007 to June 1, 2008. Work with noise will be scheduled between 8:30 am and 6 pm".

allset2travel

Oh, that's new info. At least now I know when to avoid it.

MASTERPC

Hello.

Headed there overnight and staying for 4 nights. I've only found one review online along with the youtube opening ceremony vid. Any other input would be most appreciative.
So far, so good as an agent has emailed me to confirm my stay and asked if I'd like the 2007 Bentley Arnage RL for airport pick up service. I told her "sure". She asked how many bags we'll have with us and I told her 8 but that only 2 are large and the other small bags are "carry on size". She emailed me back and told me they'd have a second Bentley waiting as back up. About 250 bucks one way but heck, I couldn't pass it up.

I'm thinking I'll be the first to review on here so please stay tuned.

Happy Holidays!

travelexpert

Please comment on location relative to tourist sites and shopping/restaurants, easy of access, whether you experience problems with taxis finding the hotel.

MASTERPC

Promise to do just that. I'll check back here for sure.

mleef

Just finished up a 5 night stay at the courtyard beijing and I was very pleased. It is true that the rooms are tired (worn carpets, bathrooms need work), but everything you read on tripadvisor, expedia, etc about non-english speaking staff is unfounded. Staff was excellent, hotel is in a very good location, and service level is far superior to a US courtyard. bang for the buck this is a winner.

SunLover

I stayed there for 3 nights at the beginning of November. I also read the mixed reviews before I arrived. Good location. Very good value for money. You will be fine.

SunLover