You must stay at this affordable hotel when you come to Beijing.
《A Resort Experience at Sofitel Beijing Hotel》
1. End of Vacation and Hotel Booking
My vacation is over, and I have to go back to work. Life in China is really convenient, with food delivery, taxis, and restaurants everywhere, which makes me reluctant to leave.
Before going back to work, I impulsively booked two nights at the Sofitel Beijing Hotel (formerly the W Hotel) with my Diamond Card.
2. Overall Hotel Experience and Comparison
The Sofitel Beijing Hotel is actually quite good, but there are some differences compared to the Sofitel I stayed at in France. Of course, the overall environment is different, so I won't go into detail.
I arrived at the hotel at dinner time, and as soon as I entered, I smelled a mixed aroma, like a combination of takeout food, reminiscent of the underground food courts near university towns.
The front desk service was very enthusiastic, and it seemed that the hotel was not short of guests, as most of the guests were families.
3. Room Condition and Service Experience
The room was quite large for me, but the maintenance was not very good, with peeling paint, cracks, and holes.
I used my Diamond Card to book a basic room, and the Gold Card includes one breakfast. The second breakfast can be redeemed by scanning the Diamond Card QR code at the restaurant, which is very convenient.
The room service was also excellent, with prompt responses to requests and questions. The cleaning staff and doormen were also very helpful.
For me, the hotel service was really good, and I don't understand why some people complain. We can't always say that the customer is king, as times have changed, and we need to "evolve."
4. Room Rates and Value for Money
However, if the room rate is over 1,000, I don't think it's worth it, as it is slightly inferior to the InterContinental Beijing Beichen I stayed at last time.
But if the room rate is around 600/700, considering the location and the current hotel conditions, it is worth considering.
5. Room Features and Location Advantages
When I entered the room, the changing background lights made me feel a bit disoriented. Upon closer inspection, I realized that this hotel used to be the W Hotel, which explains the nightclub vibe, haha.
The hotel is in a great location, near the East Second Ring Road, with a subway station nearby, making it very convenient for travel. If you're visiting Beijing for the first time and want to visit places like the Forbidden City, I recommend staying here, as it's very close.
The large bathtub in the room is very comfortable for soaking, and after a day of sightseeing, a soak in the tub is very relaxing.
However, the facilities are a bit old, and there are no USB ports, which could be improved.