InterContinental Beijing Beichen

InterContinental Beijing Beichen, a Michelin Key Selected property, is consistently praised for its luxurious amenities, strategic location, and high standards of service. It has also been recognized as a "Dual Olympic Hotel" for its role in hosting the 2008 Summer and 2022 Winter Olympic Games.

1. Overall Rating & Sentiment

The general consensus for InterContinental Beijing Beichen is highly positive, reflecting a luxurious and comfortable stay. Guests frequently rate it as "excellent" or "very good". Ratings include an impressive 8.3 on Agoda and an 8.6 "Excellent" rating from 195 reviews on IHG's website. Booking.com reviews also show a strong average of 9.0. The sentiment emphasizes satisfaction with the hotel's facilities, cleanliness, comfort, and staff performance.

2. Key Highlights

Guests consistently highlight several aspects of the hotel:

• Location: Its prime position adjacent to the Olympic Forest Park and the China National Convention Center, offering stunning views of iconic Olympic landmarks like the Bird's Nest and Water Cube.
• Service: The staff's professionalism, helpfulness, and attentiveness are frequently commended.
• Design & Amenities: The hotel features striking architectural flair, elegant public spaces with natural light, and a range of upscale facilities including an indoor swimming pool, a well-equipped 24-hour fitness center with TECHNOGYM equipment, and a luxurious spa. The award-winning Club InterContinental lounge with mixologists is also a notable feature.
• Room Quality: Spacious, clean, and comfortable rooms with great views are a recurring positive.

3. Room Quality

The rooms and suites at InterContinental Beijing Beichen are described as spacious, clean, and comfortable. Standard guest rooms measure approximately 484 square feet, with suites spanning up to 3,380 square feet. Recently renovated, they feature elegant, earth-toned decor with plush carpeting and linens. Amenities include deep soaking tubs, elegant white marble bathrooms with stand-up showers, a mini-bar, tea/coffee maker, seating area, satellite TV, in-room safe, and a pillow menu. Many rooms offer vibrant city views, with some specifically boasting panoramic views of the Bird's Nest and Water Cube, which come alive with a dazzling light show in the evening. Guests also appreciate the comfortable beds and quiet atmosphere.

4. Dining Experience

The hotel offers a diverse culinary experience with multiple dining options:

• Restaurants: There are four on-site restaurants, including Di Restaurant for contemporary Chinese cuisine, Italian Trattoria for Italian and Continental specialties, and Cafe O2 for casual fare. BLUE BIRDS provides an interactive all-you-can-eat concept with international dishes, while Chef MA's Master Studio-DI Chinese Restaurant focuses on the essence of Chinese cuisine. YATAI Japanese street food is also available in the lobby lounge.
• Breakfast: The buffet breakfast is highly praised for its wide array of delectable options, with some guests mentioning sparkling wine and Bloody Mary's. There are specific pricing for children based on height.
• Lobby Lounge: A comfortable spot for afternoon tea, Japanese street food, classic snacks, and fine drinks.
• Room Service: Available for guests who prefer to dine in the comfort of their rooms.

5. Service & Staff

Guest feedback consistently highlights the exceptional service and staff hospitality. Employees are described as friendly, attentive, professional, polite, and willing to provide information and advice. Many guests appreciate the staff's ability to communicate effectively in English and their proactive approach to guest satisfaction. Specific instances of helpfulness include staff remembering guest habits (e.g., pillow preferences) and even assisting with ordering late-night delivery by providing a local number. Bellmen are noted for being "adorable" and friendly.

6. Location & Accessibility

The InterContinental Beijing Beichen boasts an excellent and convenient location in the Olympic Park area.

• Attractions: It's within walking distance to the Bird's Nest (Beijing National Stadium), Water Cube (National Aquatics Center), National Indoor Stadium, China National Convention Center, and the Olympic Forest Park. The hotel also offers impressive views of these landmarks.
• Shopping & Dining: The Xin Ao Shopping Center is a short stroll away, providing access to restaurants and retail.
• Transport: The hotel is directly connected to the China National Convention Center. It's conveniently located near several public transport stations, including Olympic Green, Beiyuanlu North, and Beitucheng subway stations, offering easy access to major attractions like the Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square, Lama Temple, and Wangfujing shopping street. Beijing Capital International Airport is approximately a 22-30 minute drive away.

7. Value & Pricing

While considered a luxury experience, many guests feel the InterContinental Beijing Beichen offers exceptional value for money. The average price per room is around $277, which, although higher than the average Beijing hotel room price of $106, is seen as worthwhile given the opulent ambiance, meticulous design, and comprehensive amenities. Facilities like the spa can be expensive.

8. Common Complaints

Despite the overwhelmingly positive feedback, some recurring issues and criticisms have been noted:

• Wi-Fi: Inconsistent or terrible Wi-Fi connectivity has been reported by some guests.
• Maintenance: Occasional issues like a damaged steam room (only 35 degrees) or a leaking shower cabin that wasn't promptly addressed have been mentioned.
• Language Barrier: A few guests have experienced communication difficulties due to limited English proficiency among some staff members.
• Hotel Facilities (Minor): One review mentioned no dedicated bar or music, with the executive lounge having a fee for entry and the lobby coffee shop serving alcohol with some music. Some found internal facilities pricey compared to external options.
• Payment Issues: There was a report of a problem with company credit card payment and difficulty with the hotel sending a payment link or responding to emails.

Sources

1. booking.com
2. intercontinentalbeijing.cn
3. booking.com
4. agoda.com
5. forbestravelguide.com
6. hotels-beijing-ch.com
7. michelin.com
8. beijinghotelchina.net
9. hotels.com
10. beijing-hotels-china.com