First of all I have to say this hotel has an unbeatable location, easily accessible from most hubs like PEK airport and most train stations.
The arrival experience was great when my limo pulled into the gorgeous car port with bellmen scattered around the main entrance. I thought “oh great someone can help me with the two suitcases I’m carrying” – I was wrong. The bellmen were chatting non-stop while I paid the driver, dragged my stuff out of the trunk, and proceeded to the front desk all by myself. I didn’t even think anyone noticed me.
To my surprise, same things also happened at the front desk – there was no personalized greetings, no “unnecessary” interactions, and not even a smile from the gentleman that processed my check-in. My status was not acknowledged and I was not told that I was upgraded – nor did I plan to ask for one because I was absolutely exhausted after 22 hours of flying. As a result when I walked in and saw an upgraded room I was pleasantly surprised.
The room was huge even by China standards, and offered a great view. Room and bathroom amenities were also impressive, considering this was an older hotel. Only thing in the room I didn’t like was the carpet, but that’s entirely personal preference. Thankfully, the room was exactly what I needed, and I settled in for my short stay.
Then came the time for check-out. It was a different gentleman that helped me, and yes it was exactly the same kind of interaction as check-in. On the plus side, the bellmen did ask me whether I wanted a car, which was a great gesture.
I tried the buffet restaurant for dinner once. While the food was not bad, it was not worth the price (~CA$50 equivalent) and the staff there – you guessed it – didn’t do anything above the bare mimimum.
I wouldn’t say my stay at the Westin Chaoyang was bad – in fact, it was quite relaxing and surprisingly enjoyable for a short stay. However, I rated my stay lower just because I think the hotel’s lacking of guest-oriented front-of-house staff was a shame and caught me off guard.
RealScore
Service: 4.0
Design and Room Size: 8.0
In-room Amenities: 8
Bathroom Size and Layout: 10
View from (my) Room: 9
Hotel Location: 9
Available Guest Facilities: 10
Food Quality: 6
Food and Beverage Service: 5
Executive Lounge Quality: N/A
Final RealScore: 7.41
Final RealRating: B
Hotel is built/opened: 2008
Total number of rooms: 550
Length of stay: 4 nights
Membership level at check-in: Silver
Room type experienced: Premium Room (better view)
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