Overview
Once again, I found myself at the Ritz-Carlton hotel in Beijing. I arrived late at night; the air was cool, the entrance was quiet, with warm air but no doorman. The check-in was swift, as usual, with a room upgrade and a simple breakfast briefing before wishing me good night. However, the lobby’s fragrance was overwhelming, almost suffocating. Is this really appropriate?
In Room
This time, I stayed in room 1419, which, among the four suites on the same floor, was not particularly spacious. However, the morning sunlight poured in, and even the curtains couldn’t block it. For someone like me who isn’t disturbed by light, it wasn’t an issue. The minibar generously provided capsule coffee and TG tea bags. The Asprey amenities were of high quality. The bathroom, though compact, managed to fit a bathtub, double sinks, a shower, and a toilet. The irregular room shape made it feel cramped, but the large, soft foot mat and readily available amenities compensated for this. A downside was that the toilet wasn’t a bidet, and the LCD TV hanging in front of the bathtub felt unnecessary, with its decade-old design detracting from the overall feel. The open-plan living area and bedroom were spacious. During the day, the sunlight was intense when the blinds were open. At night, despite the compact floor layout, the soundproofing was excellent, ensuring high-quality sleep. There was a handwritten welcome card, and the welcome fruit plate was negligible. The turndown service included a handwritten card with the next day’s weather forecast.
Dining
The breakfast here is a major reason I return. The pancake, eggs Benedict with smoked salmon, and freshly squeezed orange juice are their specialties. The noodle station offers the same small wontons every time; specifying your preferences allows for a pleasant wait for the dish to arrive. This attention to detail is something many hotels of this caliber fail to achieve. Arriving around 8 or 9 in the morning, I chose a window seat, enjoying the view of the fountain and bustling pedestrians, with warm sunlight on my shoulders. While the hotel caters mainly to business travelers, I find such contrasts most delightful when I have leisure time. For dinner, I chose to dine in my room. I ordered a lobster and slow-cooked beef (approximately), along with a fruit platter. Honestly, the presentation was average, but the taste was good. The beef was slightly sweet, but the meat was tender.
Facilities
During the day, when I had free time to visit the gym, it was already late at night. The gym is compact, with a full range of equipment but limited quantities; for example, there are only three treadmills. Fortunately, I’ve never encountered a crowded situation; many times, I was the only one there, and there was never an issue with insufficient lighting. The spa area was also empty. The gym is compact, with all the usual equipment. The strength training area. The cardio area is simple.
Conclusion
In the evening, I sat in the lobby bar, ordered some desserts and cocktails, and had a pleasant chat with friends.
