The Ritz-Carlton Beijing, Financial Street

The Ritz-Carlton Beijing, Financial Street stands as a distinguished luxury hotel, recognized for its opulent setting and exceptional service within Beijing's bustling financial hub. As a Michelin Key Selected property, it consistently delivers a high-end experience, blending contemporary elegance with subtle Chinese influences.

1. Overall Rating & Sentiment

The general consensus for The Ritz-Carlton Beijing, Financial Street is overwhelmingly positive, with guests frequently praising its comfort, service, cleanliness, and prime location. It garners strong ratings across various platforms, often described as an "exceptional" and "unforgettable" stay. Its selection as a Michelin Key property further underscores its commitment to quality and luxury.

2. Key Highlights

Guests consistently laud the hotel for several key aspects:

• Exceptional Service: The staff's attentive and personalized hospitality is a recurring highlight, often cited as "top-notch" and "incredibly helpful."
• Luxurious Comfort & Design: The hotel boasts an elegant, contemporary design within a modern glass skyscraper, offering a sophisticated retreat. The commitment to guest comfort is reflected in a high comfort rating of 9.2.
• Comprehensive Amenities: A 1,500-square-meter health club and spa with a heated indoor lap pool, steam, and sauna rooms are significant draws. The hotel also offers 24-hour room service, dry cleaning, and complimentary Wi-Fi.
• Superb Dining: The culinary offerings receive optimistic reviews, with guests praising the variety and quality of the on-site restaurants and the notable afternoon tea.

3. Room Quality

The rooms and suites at The Ritz-Carlton Beijing, Financial Street are described as luxurious, spacious, and elegantly appointed. They feature a contemporary design with modern furnishings that prioritize comfort, incorporating subtle Chinese decor. Key features include:

• Spacious Layouts: Most rooms are large, exceeding 500 square feet, offering ample space for relaxation.
• Lavish Marble Bathrooms: Rooms come with large marble bathrooms, often including 15-inch LCD screens.
• Modern Technology: Amenities include flat-screen TVs, laptop safes, electronic panels for controlling lights and temperature, and air purification systems.
• Comfortable Bedding: Guests frequently mention plush bedding and pillows, contributing to a good quality of sleep.
• Views: Rooms often offer city or garden views.

4. Dining Experience

The hotel offers a "culinary adventure" with a variety of dining options:

• Qi: An upscale Cantonese restaurant focusing on locally sourced ingredients and fusing modern and traditional elements.
• Greenfish: An all-day dining restaurant offering extensive buffets with Chinese and Western dishes, and a Chinese à la carte menu, praised for its fresh and tasty cuisine.
• Other Options: The hotel also features a Northern Italian option and a "flexitarian" vegetables-and-seafood choice.
• Lobby Lounge & XuanLang Bar: These venues are popular for traditional English afternoon tea, champagne, cocktails, and jazz in the evenings.
• Breakfast: The breakfast is consistently described as rich, diverse, and well-prepared, with many guests expressing satisfaction. The Club Lounge also offers five daily food presentations, including a comprehensive breakfast with a variety of gourmet options.

5. Service & Staff

The service and staff at The Ritz-Carlton Beijing, Financial Street are a strong point, frequently receiving "exceptional" ratings. Guests commend the "finest service available" and describe staff members as "VERY NICE and helpful." Examples of outstanding hospitality include warm room decorations and special touches for families with children, prompt and accessible concierge services, and attentive wait staff. Housekeeping is noted for its warm and professional service, with thoughtful gestures like providing fresh fruit. English language is not an issue, as most staff members speak excellent English.

6. Location & Accessibility

The hotel is strategically located in the heart of Beijing's Financial Street, a vibrant district known as the financial hub of the city, surrounded by numerous banks and multinational corporations.

• Attractions: It's conveniently located approximately 1.9 miles from the Forbidden City and Tiananmen Square. Popular shopping areas like Xidan and Galeries Lafayette Beijing are a 10-minute walk away. The White Pagoda Temple is also nearby.
• Transportation: The hotel boasts excellent accessibility to public transport, with multiple subway stations (Muxidi, Fuchengmen, Fuxingmen, Caishikou, Nanlishilu Road, Chegongzhuang, Changchunjie) just a short distance away, allowing easy exploration of Beijing's landmarks.
• Airport Access: Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK) is approximately a 40-minute drive away, and Beijing Daxing International Airport (PKX) is about 51 km. The hotel offers airport transfer services.

7. Value & Pricing

While positioned as a luxury property, The Ritz-Carlton Beijing, Financial Street is sometimes noted for providing "unparalleled value for money" given its opulent setting and world-class amenities. Typical prices for a 1-night stay for two adults can start from approximately $159 to $180, though these prices are subject to change.

8. Common Complaints

Despite the high praise, some recurring criticisms have been noted:

• Room Readiness & Check-in: A few guests have experienced delays with room readiness upon arrival, leading to waiting times.
• Maintenance Issues: One reviewer mentioned an overall "dusty" room with visible dust particles, a dysfunctional in-room phone, and issues with shower drainage. Some amenities were perceived as "a bit outdated."
• Thermostat/AC Issues: An American guest reported issues with the thermostat and a "lack of AC" as a "real bummer."
• Dining Crowding: During weekend breakfast, the presence of many non-staying guests could make the dining area feel cramped for in-house guests.
• Staff Attitude (isolated incidents): While service is generally excellent, one review mentioned an "uncomfortable employee experience" and instances where front desk staff were perceived as not polite or trying to "harass the guest" regarding room upgrades or availability.

Sources

1. michelin.com
2. michelin.com
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4. hotels.com
5. trip.com
6. luxurylink.com
7. booking.com
8. ritzcarlton.com
9. forbestravelguide.com
10. youtube.com
11. travelweekly.com
12. ritzcarlton.com
13. lajollamom.com
14. expedia.com
15. kayak.com