After traveling throughout China for some time we wanted a comfortable, tranquil place for our final six days in Beijing -- and the St. Regis was perfect! The location is wonderful, close to Tien'anmen, but not smothered by the institutional dullness that surrounds the Square, central to other sites, and directly on the subway line. I understand the hotel is closing soon for renovations prior to next summer's Olympics and it can only get better. Service, staff, etc. were all first class -- eg. the excellent doorman saved us more than $50 by renegotiating the rate we'd arranged for a car and driver for a day. The only minor drawback was the absurd cost of laundry, the mini bar, and in-hotel dining (not unlike five-star hotels everywhere). Fortunately there are better options just outside the door. The hotel is located very close to many embassies and directly across the street is a small street filled with restaurants that cater to diplomats and ex-pats: an American diner, and Italian restaurant, etc. A number of these are surprisingly good. There's also a 7-11 and a Starbucks across the street, and an excellent massage parlour just a block south -- real massage, no funny business. I went the day after our five-hour trek along the Great Wall at Simatai/Badaling, and it completely rejuvenated me! The only hotel restaurant we ate in was the Celestial Court (the Chinese Restaurant) and the Peking Duck was wonderful, although the restaurant was surprisingly empty and quiet. The Silk Market is a five minute walk, and if you're looking for quiet respite step into Ritan Park just a block from the hotel's front door. It's like stepping into a 15th century Chinese watercolour! I cannot imagine a better location in Beijing. Unless the Starwood folks raise the rates to absurd levels after the Olympics I will definitely stay there again when in Beijing.

Travel agent got a great deal, included airport pick up, a massage, massive buffet breakfast. After the long flight from the US it was great to have someone meet you at the airport. Love the hotel atmosphere, not stuffy, looks very galmourous website. Jeans were o.k.! Most people were touring like us, dressed casually. Hotel desk arranged for day trips, reasonable and good guides. Plenty to see and do in the area. Don't think its too far out. Spa and pool are worth the trip down the hallway, hotel staff very nice at 3:am when I was hungry. Would go there again and highly recommend this hotel. No faults.

I stayed there for 4 days and i would say that the staff are very friendly and that the service is as good as it can get in China today. The bar at the entrance is lovely and so is the live asian music they play. Although its a really classic hotel and with mainly older guests i really had a good experience but next time in Beijing i will try something more "fresh" with younger people.

We stayed in a suite (check the special offers they may have on their website) with breakfast buffet included. The room was lovely and well equipped. The fitness center is state of the art. The butler service sounds more impressive than it is -- do I really need someone to draw my bath? But service with or without butler is excellent.

There is absolutely nothing within walking distance of the hotel except the Friendship Store and the obligatory Starbucks and Haagen Dazs (two within walking distance of every five-star hotel we stayed in in China), but that is typical of most hotels in Beijing, which is spread out and not much of a walking city. (The Pennisula is one exception.)

The Beijing St. Regis is not a memorable hotel, but it is a lovely place to stay in Beijing.