Merchantel Beijing — Hotel in Beijing

This is a local 3 to 4 star hotel catering mainly to a domestic clientele. I ended up here on recommendation from a business associate as the offices we were to visit were in the vicinity. Otherwise, the hotel's location is not close to Beijing's main attractions although the attractions are accessible via taxis and subway.||||The check in was very, very slow as is the check out process. Wifi is free. The rooms are nondescript. Mine had stained carpets and although labelled "non-smoking", smelt of cigarette smoke and had an ashtray on the side table. My bathroom had white towels that is a little off white through age. My associate informed me at breakfast the next day that his had no towels and housekeeping took a while to comprehend why a guest may want towels - something or other about conserving the environment was thrown into the discussion about the lack of towels. The breakfast buffet is adequate with a mix of Chinese and western options.||||Tried the Cantonese restaurant on the first floor which was popular (one needs to book) and served good food. There isn't much food options in the vicinity of the hotel, none that I can find anyway. The basement was labelled "Merchantel Club" in the elevators. Another associate and I went down for a look see out of curiosity only to be greeted by thick, heavy cigarette smoke and an attendant that yelled and came running over to stop us going in any further. The associate had ventured further inside than I. He had seen a large statue of the Chinese God of War, often a symbol of the Chinese triads and men he described as a bit unsavoury. So, do not venture into the Merchantel Club.||||I would not recommend this hotel unless you have business in the vicinity. Beijing has...

Across the street from the Central Academy of Music and a short walk to the subway, the location is adequate. The area is quiet, especially at night. AC doesn't come on until the summer so the window needs to be open to circulate the air. ||||It's listed as a 4 star and it is for accomodations, restaurant, lobby, grandness, and the like, but on the low end. Our room's carpets were quite stained, but other friends rooms were fine. Some things don't work, but they'll fix them. Beds are comfortable and bathrooms clean and well maintained. ||||Very friendly staff, but the hotel mainly caters to Chinese and finding fluent English help is a bit difficult, but they try hard. ||||The exercise room has great bikes, treadmills and good weights. Not large, but few people use it. ||||Key cards are quite modern. Rooms are well lit.||||Breakfast buffett is excellent.||||Internet is free and you get what you pay for. Very slow.||||Relax and enjoy...

I have stayed at this hotel several times over the last 6 or so years when teaching at the Central Conservatory of Music which is down the street from this hotel. It is a very comfortable hotel with a great breakfast, comfortable rooms, and good wifi. The room includes breakfast and was right at $100 per night. So, there are cheaper options in Beijing, but there are certainly more expensive ones as well. Many of the hotel staff speak English, and the service is very good.||The hotel is a short walk to the subway, and it's a short cab ride the Forbidden City. So, while you can't really walk to any of the sights from the hotel, you aren't so far out that you can't get to them pretty easily and quickly.||So, if you're looking for a nice, solid hotel for a reasonable price, this is a really good option. I am always happy...