I'd have to say I was disappointed. I was expecting the Raffles to be the hotel highlight of my China visit but it was the poorest of the six we stayed in. The low points were that on three occasions I was approached by a pimp offering me a 'lady'. This was not in the main Raffles foyer but in the modern extension at the back of the hotel. I also did not care for the smell of drains that permeated the bathroom.
Apart from those criticisms it was OK. It is a very grand hotel, living off its past grandeur. The foyer is elegant and the room was well-furnished and comfortable. We had an afternoon tea in the Writers Bar, which was very good. It is well located, a short walk from the Forbidden City and Tiananman Square, and a short taxi ride to the Temple of Heaven.
There aren't many good restaurants within walking distance although we did eat once at one in the Oriental Centre next door can't remember the name , which the concierge recommended. If you are visiting the Great Wall, miss the crowds and go to the section at Simatai rather than Badeling. We went on the first day of the National Holiday and was very quiet and We went on the first day of the National Holiday and was very quiet and a special experience we went with Beijing Zinhua Tours.
Got a great rate on this old-world luxurious hotel through Expedia and I don't regret my stay at all. It's also a very short walk to the Wangfujing shopping area. I checked rates for a few weeks later, and the rooms were almost double that price.
Furnishings were tasteful, luxurious, and comfortable, with hardwood floors, a full-length mirror, and nice Tibetan wool rugs. It was among the best-appointed rooms I have ever experienced.
