This was my first trip back to Beijing in a long time, and I chose to stay at the Waldorf Astoria. From the moment we arrived, everything started off on the right note. Getting out of our ride, entering the lobby, and checking in was smooth and efficient.
Unfortunately, I lost access to my phone’s data shortly after arriving, which, in China, made it nearly impossible to do anything. I was stressed and trying to figure out a solution when two wonderful concierge team members, Sanda and Kate, stepped in. They went above and beyond to help me get connected again. Without their patience and kindness, navigating the city would have been extremely difficult. They also helped us secure restaurant reservations, which made our trip much more enjoyable. They truly turned a stressful situation into a positive experience, and I can’t thank them enough.
The room was comfortable and about what I expected from the brand. While it was well maintained overall, I did notice some wear in the interiors, and there was a bit of residue in the shower. I do have very high standards when it comes to room cleanliness, so this may not bother everyone.
The gym is on the smaller side, and although I didn’t have a chance to use the pool, it looked nice.
Breakfast was included with our stay. It was very busy during the time we went, so perhaps we just caught the morning rush. The breakfast area felt a bit small for the number of guests, and service understandably seemed stretched. The staff were constantly running around, and our empty plates weren’t cleared while we were dining. That said, we were on vacation and not in a hurry, so it didn’t negatively impact our overall experience.
What really stood out throughout the hotel was the consistently warm and welcoming service. Whether it was the concierge, front desk, or staff greeting us by the elevators and in the hallways, everyone was genuinely friendly and eager to help.
Overall, we had a wonderful stay. While there are a few areas that could be improved, the outstanding hospitality—especially from Sanda and Kate—made all the difference. I would happily stay here again on my next visit to Beijing.