Traders Hotel in Beijing is a midlevel business hotel, that does everything right within its class. It's a sister hotel to the much more luxurious (and more expensive) China World Hotel and is likewise situated within the modern China World complex, which includes a very high end mall, office towers and convention center. The lobby is small and somewhat dated, but the staff is very helpful, from the desk clerks to the elevator attendants. The rooms were small but relatively well kept. The bathroom was also small, with a combination shower/bath. The safe was too small for a laptop, which is a significant shortcoming in a business hotel. They provide complementary fresh fruit and bottled water each day. The internet access was easy to configure, though expensive (140 RMB/day) given the overall price level in Beijing. The breakfast buffet was modest but offers sufficient western and Chinese choices. The location is well suited for tourists, as the hotel sits atop a subway stop (Guamao) on line 1, from which one can easily get to Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden City and other tourist sites. It's also just a few stops to transfer points for lines 2 and 5. Given the state of traffic in Beijing, easy access to the subway is an important plus. It's a short walk along Jiangwuomenwai to the Silk Street market, which offers several floors of souvenirs, t-shirts, knock offs, "silk" pajamas, etc. The shopkeepers are aggressive and haggling is required, but that's half the fun.

By far the best aspect of this hotel was the fabulously comfortable bed. Anyone who has spent time in China can appreciate that most beds here are rock hard.

Overall the hotel was not standout, particularly with its somewhat hard-to-find location at the back of the World Trade Center, poor access to the street, and ongoing construction outside (but then again, this is China). However, in-room amenities including terrycloth bathrobes and comfy slippers, BBC (so sick of CNN), and - did I mention - the most comfortable beds in China (!), made my stay enjoyable.

This hotel is very centrally located for business travellers, very near to the Kerry Center and adjacent to the China World complex. It is also walking distance to the Pearl Market/Silk Street shopping area.

The rooms are comfortable and a decent size. They could be bigger, but I'm not going to complain about that. Several restaurants on site and you can walk through the China World Mall to the China World Hotel and eat at their restaurants as well. The buffet restaurant on site is OK--fine for breakfast. They have quite a nice selection of eggs, pancakes, sausage, bacon, cereals, etc.

Staff are very friendly and acommodating. They all go out of their way to say good day and greet you when you enter the hotel.

Exercise facilities are fine, but not outstanding. Several treadmills, some bikes and a full set of Cybex machines for weight work-outs. There is a full sauna as well. I believe the hotel has a spa/massage service, but I did not take advantage of it.

Overall, for the rates, I don't think you can do much better in Beijing.

My client in Beijing recomended the hotel and I am glad they did. The room was what you would expect for a nice hotel and had a very nice bathroom. They had a good selection of international channels available in English, French, Spanish, German and of course Chinese.

They have two resturants and one bar in the hotel but there are two other hotels within walking distance that are owned by the same company and allow you to sign meals to your room.

The staff was incredibly friendly and were always available.

The hotel is located near the SouthEast part of town which makes it convenient to get to the Business Development Area (BDA) and also close to the city center for access to the forbidden city and Tienamen Square. There is always a line of available taxis right outside the entrance at all hours.