My husband and I were looking for a place to pamper ourselves for a couple of days after a 2-week long business trip to Beijing and Shanghai. We had stayed at another Marriott in Beijing and were looking to spend another 2 days at the tailend of our trip before flying out. The Marriott website showed no availability, but through Orbitz we got a great deal ($200/night) on a lavish, HUGE suite in the Beijing Marriott West -- more than worth every penny. Could not have asked for anything more comfortable and satisfying! Huge multi room suite, 2 bathrooms, soft carpeting throughout, huge comfy king-size bed with lots of soft pillows, on the 17th floor near the Executive lounge with all its perks (free internet, full breakfast, happy hour with drinks and snacks, coffee and tea available 24 hrs/day, free papers, magazines, great service), very good, polite, friendly service all around at front desk, main door, and lounge. Only downside was the overpriced and moderate quality of the hotel caffe/restaurant, though the service was thorough and respectful. Many shops and places to eat with the locals within easy walking distance of the hotel. A bit dark around the entrance and parking areas at night, and a bit out of the way, but not as bad as I had heard or imagined. Taxis are easy and very cheap all over Beijing so no problem getting anywhere you want to go across the city for well under $5 total ... we rode up to an hour in a taxi at one time and spent no more than $3 ever. Plus no tips are expected and the drivers are doing their best to learn some English in preparation for the Olympics, or at least have signs and recordings offering some English. Also, any hotel staff and doormen are happy to help explain where to go, and most hotels offer business cards with handy phrases and locations to visit written in both English and Chinese, to communicate with the drivers, etc. Great hotel and great quality for the price. We would stay there again anytime.













