I spent 1 night in Sofitel Beijing after spending 3 nights at Millenium Hotel not far from there. Well, though Sofitel was OK, I must say I prefered the Millenium : rooms bigger and nicer furbishment, less expensive restaurant, for instance. One plus : breakfast was really great, a huge variety and quality there too.

It was during a trade fair when I visited, all the other 5 star hotel were either full or extremely expensive. I find this place very decent, clean and so overall it's a good value.

My wife and I spent three nights at the Sofitel Wanda Beijing earlier this week on a business trip and left very impressed with this new hotel. The location is excellent for business (Chaoyang District)....close to new CCTV Tower, China Central Place. Also, easy to get to airport and via mass transit to other parts of city...we took one subway line to Tainanmen Square...just 15 minutes. For those interested, there is a Starbucks across the street and a terrific bakery (forget name...begins with M) across the street on the other side of the hotel.

Everything in our king bedded room appeared as if it was brand new and it was very well designed, very functional and very clean.....towels, amenities, housekeeping, etc. were excellent....wireless Internet connectivity was good and included in room charge.

The fitness room/gym is very well outfitted and the indoor pool is beautiful and very large. We didn't try the spa or the hotel's restaurants, so no comments on them. Checking in and out was easy and quick and the lobby lounge/bar is lovely and a nice place to have tea, coffee or a drink.

Overall, an excellent experience and I would highly recommend this hotel. This hotel may easily be the best value in the 5 star category in Beijing. We will certainly return to this hotel on future trips to Beijing.

I stayed at the Sofitel Hotel Wanda Beijing for one weekend. Arriving from Europe on friday morning I went direct to the hotel even though time was just 11:00 AM and check-in officially is at 2:00PM. After paying the taxi driver I was escorted in to the reception by one of the doormans.
Here I had to wait for a couple of minutes since all of the visible clerks was busy. I stood here for nearly 5 minutes without anyone's attention. Finally I made my way over to the cashier desk and simply stood in line.
No excuse what so ever "Sorry to keep you waiting, sir" .
Finally I was able to hand the female clerk my passport, credit card and confirm my requested bed type. As I am an A-Club Platinum member I made a request for an upgraded room (one of platinum-status benefits and it must be asked for) And here's where the fun part starts:


Me: -If it's possible I would prefer an upgraded room
Clerk: -Ok sir, we only upgrade our A-Club platinum members.
Me: -I know, I ask because I'm a platinum member.
Clerk: -Can I see some kind of proof? (My status was in the booking, twice!"
Me: -Sure, check my membership number i the booking.
---AFTER CHECKING MY NUMBER---
Clerk: -So you are just staying for 2 nights?

Me: -Correct, I will be travelling back to Europe on Sunday.
Clerk: -Ok, because with this room I don't want you to stay any longer. (Hey, is that something to be said to a guest for the first time staying at Sofitel Wanda?)

Me: -Alright, no I'm positive I will go back to Europe on Sunday.
Clerk: -Ok, here's your room key number 1815. I've upgraded you to a suite.
Me: -Thank you and is it situated on the club floor?
Clerk: -Club floor is not in you benefits.
Me: -Ok, was just wondering. Thank you for your assistance.
Clerk: -Have a nice stay. Oh, by the way I have welcome drink for you.

As you might understand I didn't think of this to be the best start on a five-star hotel. Perhaps it was the lack of English language skills of the clerk. But since it's a five star hotel in an international hotel I would excpect a little more skills. And the comment "I don't want you to stay longer" really doesn't favour me as a guest of the hotel, frankly.

The suite and amenities was very good, the only thing to complain about was AC sometimes being loud. Other than the check-in process service was satisfactory! Location could be better and it's sometimes hard to get a cab. Walmart is situated closely nearby if you want to avoid the expensive mini-bar.