Waldorf Astoria Beijing

The Waldorf Astoria Beijing, a Michelin One-Key property, consistently garners high praise for its blend of luxurious comfort, exceptional service, and strategic location in the heart of Beijing. It is widely considered a top-tier choice for discerning travelers seeking an opulent and culturally rich experience.

1. Overall Rating & Sentiment

The general consensus for the Waldorf Astoria Beijing is overwhelmingly positive, with an "Exceptional" rating of 9.4/10 based on over 5,300 reviews on Agoda.com, and a 9.5/10 based on 4943 reviews on Trip.com. Guests frequently describe their stays as "incredible," "amazing," and "fantastic," highlighting a strong sense of satisfaction and a desire to return. The sentiment emphasizes luxury, comfort, and outstanding hospitality.

2. Key Highlights

Guests consistently laud the Waldorf Astoria Beijing for several key aspects:

• Service & Hospitality: The staff's warmth, attentiveness, and personalized approach are frequently mentioned, with a staff-to-guest ratio approaching one to one. Personal concierges often go above and beyond, assisting with everything from Great Wall trips to tailor-made suit arrangements.
• Location: Its prime position on Jinyu Hutong in Wangfujing is a major draw, offering easy access to major attractions like the Forbidden City and Tiananmen Square, as well as shopping and dining options.
• Design & Ambiance: The hotel masterfully blends modern international luxury with ancient Chinese courtyard palace aesthetics, featuring elegant interiors by Yabu Pushelberg that combine ascendant-China grandeur with timeless Western restraint. The building's copper and bronze latticework is designed to age gracefully.
• Amenities: A comprehensive range of high-end facilities includes three restaurants, a full-service spa, a massive heated indoor pool, a fitness center, and plentiful meeting spaces. The presence of "hutong villas" behind the main building offers a unique, traditional Beijing courtyard experience.

3. Room Quality

The rooms at Waldorf Astoria Beijing are consistently praised for their spaciousness, comfort, and sophisticated design. They feature a blend of oriental and minimalist styles with high-tech amenities.

• Size and Comfort: Rooms are generally described as very spacious, offering ample room to relax. Beds are comfortable, often described as plush.
• Design and Features: Interiors incorporate black lacquer, red and gold overtones, and elegant touches. Amenities include Nespresso coffee machines, well-stocked minibars, and plenty of complimentary still water.
• Bathrooms: Bathrooms are a particular highlight, often featuring generous marble, elegant golden finishings, double vanities, large bathtubs (some with a TV), luxurious Salvatore Ferragamo toiletries, smart bidets, and spacious shower stalls with rain showers.
• Technology: Rooms are equipped with modern conveniences like flat-screen HDTVs, Apple TV, and are often controlled by Samsung tablets.

4. Dining Experience

The Waldorf Astoria Beijing offers an exceptional dining experience, highlighted by its Michelin-recognized establishments.

• Zijin Mansion: This Cantonese restaurant holds one Michelin star and is celebrated for its fine Cantonese cuisine and Beijing specialties, available for both lunch and dinner. Guests appreciate its refined dining area and private rooms.
• Brasserie 1893: This gourmet French restaurant, awarded a Michelin Plate, features a lively show kitchen and artisan-crafted Molteni stoves, serving innovative French cuisine with seasonal ingredients.
• Breakfast: The breakfast buffet is frequently described as "phenomenal," "fantastic," and "one of the best" by guests, with a vast selection of hot dishes, Asian and Western options, and live cooking stations. Hilton Diamond members sometimes receive complimentary breakfast, a deviation from standard Hilton policy.
• Peacock Alley: This bar and lounge offers signature cocktails, savory snacks, and afternoon tea. The hotel's signature red velvet cake is a recommended treat.
• Patisserie Couture: A tempting dessert and pastry shop located on the first floor, offering a tranquil space for indulgences.
• Room Service: 24-hour room service is available, featuring dishes from the Brasserie 1893 menu.

5. Service & Staff

Guest feedback consistently highlights the exemplary service and highly attentive staff at the Waldorf Astoria Beijing.

• Personalized Hospitality: Staff members are described as warm, attentive, incredibly hospitable, and proactive. Many guests mention receiving personalized care, with staff remembering their names and anticipating needs.
• Concierge Service: The concierge team receives particular praise for arranging tours, booking tickets, and providing excellent recommendations.
• Efficiency: Check-in and check-out processes are typically efficient and fast.
• Language: While most staff are fluent in English, some minor language barriers have been occasionally noted by guests, though this generally does not detract from the overall positive experience.

6. Location & Accessibility

The hotel's location is a significant advantage, placing guests in a prime spot for exploring Beijing.

• Central Location: Situated on the prestigious Jinyu Hutong in the Wangfujing district, it is considered to be in the "real heart of Beijing".
• Attractions: It's a short and modest stroll to major tourist sites such as the Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square, and Wangfujing Catholic Church. Beihai Park is also nearby.
• Shopping & Dining: The hotel is next to upscale shops and the main pedestrian area of Beijing, Wangfujing Street, offering numerous dining and shopping options.
• Transportation: Public transport, including subway entrances, is conveniently located nearby, and taxis are readily available. Airport chauffeur services are also available for a smoother arrival and departure.

7. Value & Pricing

While the Waldorf Astoria Beijing is a luxury property with prices higher than the city average, guests often find the value exceptional given the level of service, amenities, and overall experience.

• Price Range: Average room prices are around $418, significantly higher than Beijing's average of $106. However, rates can start from approximately US$302.
• Perceived Value: Many guests believe the unparalleled luxury, world-class service, exquisite dining, and extensive amenities justify the cost. It is seen as a splurge that delivers an unforgettable experience.

8. Common Complaints

Despite the overwhelmingly positive feedback, a few minor recurring issues or criticisms have been noted:

• Spa Area Temperature: One guest mentioned the spa lobby being relatively cold, though the pool itself was wonderfully styled and had a perfect temperature.
• Gym Size: The fitness center has been described as being on the smaller side compared to gyms in other hotels.
• Toiletries: While Salvatore Ferragamo toiletries are provided, one review from 2017 noted only one set being provided initially, though it was refilled during evening service.
• Lack of Lounge Chairs at Pool: Some guests desired more comfortable lounge chairs by the pool.
• Minor Language Barrier: Although most staff are proficient in English, some guests have encountered minor language barriers with a few staff members.
• No Executive Lounge: The absence of an executive lounge has been noted, though this did not bother all guests.

Sources

1. trip.com
2. agoda.com
3. booking.com
4. michelin.com
5. luxury-executive.com
6. headforpoints.com
7. hotels.com
8. hotels-beijing-ch.com
9. forbestravelguide.com
10. flyertalk.com
11. youtube.com
12. expedia.com
13. youtube.com
14. hilton.com
15. hilton.com
16. hilton.com
17. diningcity.cn
18. kayak.com