having read mixed reviews of the Fairmont here and on the Accor website, I was in two minds whether to take a chance. I am glad I did. The meet and greet service at the airport was efficient, and check-in went smoothly and efficiently. Wile there was no offer of a Accor status upgrade, I was already in a suite and so this is a rarity in any case, applying generally only to room upgrades. Room was large, as advertised and comfortable. Everything functional, super comfortable bed, with a somewhat average view (I was only on floor 19 so perhaps request floor 22 or 23). Lovely large bathroom, strong shower (although not convinced about the gold plating, which granted is starting to peel off). Grown Alchemist toiletries a pleasant change form standard Le Labo products (of which I am also a bit fan, but welcomes the introduction to new products, which I may seek out at home now - always a win for collabs I guess that's the point). Special shout out to Romney and Amazon in the Gold Lounge, as well as Camilla, Molly and the rest of the teams in restaurant, lift and door lobby, and a special shout out to Eric from Lunar 8, who greeted me like an old friend at every meeting, and made sure I was given plates of complimentary fruit to compensate for a few hours of blowers in the restaurant to dry out the just-shampooed floors. Another colleague (I did not note his name) went out of the way to arrange a special collection of rice dumplings to celebrate the upcoming Dragonboat Festival, to being home when I mentioned my wife was a fan. This despite them not being immediately available at the hotel. that is the kind of extra-special service I love from Fairmonts, and why I will certainly return to the hotel next time in Beijing. Language has been raised as an issue in other reviews, and while it is clear that most of the staff do not speak a huge amount of English, they speak more than I do mandarin, and I am in their country. I got the impression that the check-in team were almost a bit nervous with their English, but I cannot fault them for trying, and there were no issues caused throughout the stay. If any uncertainty, the hotel teams quickly whipped out their smartphones and translation apps solved the challenge immediately. I also got the impression that the staff really tried and all managed to communicate in basic English. Again, their English is far superior to my Chinese and I am in China so....

Liked: Breakfast was nicely catered, with fresh produce at a buffet, and separate hot plates, with an omelette chef who was very good. Room (Junior Suite, GOLD access) was spacious and the bed was comfortable. Staff were friendly, but level of spoken English were not good, except for 1 or 2 members. Similarly my Mandarin is terrible so we got by thanks to Google translate apps - they were always friendly and helpful. Gold lounge was a nice addition for a quick snack and or drink before leaving / arriving back after a long day sight seeing. Disliked · The spa is terrible. Dated and tatty. Steam rooms didn't work. Jacuzzi jets didn't work (2 did, but were barely effective / noticeable) with masking tape over the switches to operate. This spa needs serious investment. Very very disappointing, as booked because the hotel had a good spa (Fairmonts usually do have excellent spa facilities when they have one!) Rooms were too warm. I really dislike when a major hotel chain does not allow you to control individual room temperatures. Mine would not go lower than 19.5, which is too hot. Beijing was also unseasonably warm last week. Staff brought in a fan - noisy - and tried their best but that was all they could do they said. I wouldn't stay here again when I am back in Beijing, and it has surprised me that Fairmont have allowed the facilities here to date as they have.

On a Tuesday (26th March), the hotel was unable to serve any food- no room service, Cut was not operating. This is unbecoming of a 5* hotel. Also, hotel staff could not communicate in English and had to bring an app up to the room for help. Breakfast used to be delicious- but now quality and taste are poor. Dumpling skin is so thick- one might as well be eating dough. Chinese food variety and quality are very poor. Was not offered my Welcome drink despite staying for 10 nights. When asked, I was given a voucher. At the lounge, there was no one who could prepare drinks so I was given English tea..as my welcome drink.

I called the room service to eat something. The operator says room service is closed however menu says they operate 24 hours. Even in a 4 star business hotel room service operate 24 hours. I ended up starving in the night. Very disappointing.

The Fairmont hotel is one of my favorites hotels in Beijing. The 85 square meters executive suite which I usually stay in, are a great value for money and very comfortable. The bed is really comfortable, the bathroom totally amazing, and the walk in wardrobe top notch. There is even a separate dedicated space for make up. In the living area, the dark wood desk is a pleasure to work on, and the toilets in the reception room of the suites are great for guests when having a meeting. The gold executive lounge is perfect for work and meetings as well as for breakfast. Discretion and high quality service is all what this hotel is about. The room downstairs for breakfast is noisy and too small. This is why I always take my breakfast in the gold lounge. I regret that they don’t use anymore “Le Labo” shampoo and shower gel, which was great. The hotel rooms are a little old but extremely well equipped with air purifier, massage chairs, bath salts, iron and so on. Reception desk is helpful. Location very central and convenient. The gym is amazing, the swimming pool is but ageing but decent. Easy to get a cab. Food at the Western restaurant is good without being exceptional. The chicken and mushroom soup (room service) is my favorite. Room service staff doesn’t speak well english which led to some misunderstanding sometimes.