ibis Beijing Sanlitun Tuanjie Lake Hotel 1 star

My expectation was fairly low considering Ibis being a budget brand and this property being fairly aged in particular, however definitely not a bad place to spend the night as the commute to PEK is basically effortless. Not a big fan of the neighborhood though - I found it hard to find reasonably-priced food options.

I had wanted to stay at the Radisson Blu, or the Novotel, so this was third choice, but they had availability. Front of house was ok, but from the elevators onwards it was tired. The rooms were small, and the bathrooms a single shell design - shower, toilet, sink all in a single plastic construction. Very little hanging space, no wardrobe, no safety deposit box. There was water and tea provided. Towels were tiny and difficult to dry on. It is a budget hotel and it definitely feels like one. The air-conditioning made a noise, but never cooled the room. We took the breakfast most mornings, but we forced into the 39RMB buffet when actually we wanted to just order beef noodles. The food was ok, ignoring the coffee. There was an attached Lawson's store for those things you needed. English was difficult for the reception staff, and it wasn't particularly cheap given the standard - so 3500 RMB for 6 nights. The saving grace was that there were plenty of restaurants around about in the evening, and it was walking distance to the convention centre. A word of warning on taxis. Use the taxi the reception will call and note the registration number. The taxis waiting outside the hotel run a scam - they turn off their meters and will charge you double or triple.

Just average hotel for quick stopover. Me and my friend stayed for a night on a sight seeing trip in Beijing. Don't expect any bells and whistles. Just a decent hotel with clean and neat bed and wash.

The front desk is reasonable equipped but during non peak hours you have to expect to queue up during reduced staffing. Do everything well in advance. Do expect challenges with English, keep it simple. Location is fantastic due to a few great points, the LOCAL RESTAURANT next door a noodle shop, which is there expertise. I recommend the beef noodle soup, simple not fancy but taste great for approx 18 rmb. They also serve traditional Chinese breakfast (congee, wide selection of vegetables and fried egg) The SUPERMARKET (Lawson) get cold beverages, snacks, breakfast if you like the Chinese steamed buns 7-9 is best variety and earlier during weekends. MALL with large variety of food for dinner and beverages, they also have a larger SUPERMARKET. Finally it is very close to Metro stop (line 10 and train to airport). Easy to get around to rest of Beijing. The room has essentials but I really miss a fridge. The room is not too big good for two tight for three. Hate the lower floor rooms due to traffic noise. Room got table, chair, bed, hairdryer, water kettle, free toothbrush kit, free slippers (Chinese size), free bottle of water every day, free tea. Service is generally good. Minus about the room is: No mini fridge Worn out bathrooms Little air circulation in bathroom Cleaning Curtains to keep out light ( not my favorite solution) Plus about the room is: Great AC Bed is fine Amenities English tv Overall average but a very practical convenient place. I would like to give it four as overall but so much I worn down and therefore I can only provide 3. But I would come again if I need to be in Beijing again. Great or even fantastic for short stays with easy access to airport and close to center.

Good hotel.. rooms are good . Location is also good. Communication is difficult due to lack of English knowledge. Restaurant is also good.. lack of Indian food.. Wi-Fi facility available but very restricted..