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We are looking at a stay in July (I know, I know…) in a club room – does
anyone have any experience with this hotel? Comments seem “fine” without any rave reviews.I Like the location as the visit will only be for a few days so need to cram some central things in.
Thanks in advance!
I reviewed the Waldorf about six years ago if you search. (Not that you asked, but ….!)
I reviewed the Waldorf about six years ago if you search. (Not that you asked, but ….!)
Looks gorgeous. Especially appreciated your youngster’s review, as we’ll be there with our 10-yr old!
@Michael C – the location of the Hilton is very good for walking to the Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square and easy direct trip to Temple Of Heaven area by metro or bus. If you were contemplating the Waldorf, the Peninsula which is almost opposite is usually cheaper and is a proper hotel! All those hotels are very close to excellent eateries at every price point.
@Michael C – the location of the Hilton is very good for walking to the Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square and easy direct trip to Temple Of Heaven area by metro or bus. If you were contemplating the Waldorf, the Peninsula which is almost opposite is usually cheaper and is a proper hotel! All those hotels are very close to excellent eateries at every price point.
Great info @JDB, thanks – I also have your Shanghai tips filed away somewhere for another trip!
@Michael C – hardly anyone mentions Beijing, they all seem to go to Shanghai to the exclusion of Beijing. They are very different and Shanghai is a fairly extraordinary place to visit as it makes HK look rather provincial but it just isn’t very Chinese! Beijing is much more conservative, low rise and has preserved so much tradition that it is one of those truly special places to visit and it cannot fail to impress a 10 year old boy. We took ours for the first time at 12 which led to him learning Mandarin.
What you visit will depend on how much time you have and it will be incredibly humid in July so you won’t want to be rushing. It’s worth looking at the Beijing Postcards tours. Lars is one of the most engaging and knowledgeable guides we have ever come across; he will have no problem capturing the imagination of a 10 year old! Although he is Danish, he has lived in Beijing for many years, speaks fluent Mandarin and does his own research in the very extensive archives. The area around his office is very interesting ‘real’ Beijing.
He does Forbidden City tours at least once a week that are far from the run of the mill ones. We did his brothels tour in October and his Midnight in Peking (based on a true life crime book by Paul French) tour is a tour de force.
I mentioned the obvious places of Forbidden City + Coal Hill (allow lots of time – it’s vast and you must book in advance), the Temple of Heaven (and surrounding park and little buildings/museums) and Tiananmen Square (free but nowadays must book in advance!). In addition there is the beutful Summer Palace but that’s 45-60mins from the Wangfujing so depends how much time you have given travel time and it’s also a very big site + boat on the lake. Also the Lama Temple (very busy) and nearby Confucius Temple then longish but interesting walk through the hutongs to the Drum Tower (was closed for refurbishment in Oct) and Bell Tower.
Nowhere really has any views like Shanghai, but the Peninusula has a rooftop bar/light food restaurant which offers some view and importantly a bit of a welcome breeze in the heat. The Regent has a small garden at the back. With a hungry youngster, Grandma’s Kitchen, something of an institution in China (in the APM Mall) is a must!
Midnight in Peking
Wow, can’t thank you enough!!
Apart from the fabulous city tips, have just ordered Midnight in Peking: right up my street!!
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