EAST Beijing
Located in Dashanzi, EAST Beijing is one of the newer hotels in town. This Swire property is home to contemporary restaurant FEAST, Japanese restaurant Hagaki, cafe Domain, bar Xian, and health club BEAST. Though EAST Beijing is ideal for business travelers, its proximity to 798 Art District and Indigo Mall make it a family-friendly spot as well. The hotel doesn’t have any staycation packages per se, but is running a number of promotions throughout the summer.
Good for: Art lovers
Valid period: All promotions valid until December 31 (except for the Upstairs Special, which is valid until August 31)
Promotions: The 3 Days Advance Purchase gets you a 15 percent discount on all rooms if you book at least three days in advance. The 14 Days Advance Purchase gets you a 25 percent discount on all rooms if you book at least 14 days in advance. The Stay and Save promotion offers a 25 discount percent to guests who stay at least two nights. An extra bed can be added for a child, but only for Corner Rooms and Park Studios at an extra charge of RMB 300 plus 15 percent surcharge.
The Upstairs Special allows you to upgrade to an executive floor room for RMB 200 per night. Benefits include free breakfast (including room service), all-day complimentary snacks and soft drinks in the lounge, happy hour (free snacks and drinks from 6pm to 8pm), a free mini-bar (excluding wine), use of a Nespresso coffee machine, daily turndown service, and Elemis toiletries.
Local attractions: EAST Beijing is located right next to Indigo Mall; the latter can be accessed through a door on the ground floor of the hotel. The mall tends to be quiet during the week and offers free weekend shuttle buses to various parts of Beijing. Dining options include Element Fresh, Blue Frog, Flamme, and Muse. There’s also a cinema on the top floor showing English-language movies. Further north, there’s 798 Art District and Caochangdi. Sign up for one of UCCA’s weekend children’s art workshops or drop by The Familier if you have younger kids. Teens and older kids might like exploring Caochangdi, 798’s grittier and less commercialized cousin. You can also head south to Lido for a stroll through Si’de Park.
Until the end of August, up to two guests can receive a 20 percent discount on standard rooms for a weekend stay at The Westin Beijing Chaoyang. The promotion includes a complimentary breakfast at Seasonal Tastes.
Good for: Families or parents who need a break
Valid period: Until August 31 (Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays only)
Prices: From RMB 1,120 per night (subject to 15 percent surcharge). An extra bed can be added for RMB 450.
Local attractions: The Westin Beijing Chaoyang is located in Liangma Qiao, one of Beijing’s most popular expat neighborhoods. For a self-guided tour, turn to What’s Fun In.
The Westin Beijing Financial Street
The Westin Weekend staycation promotion includes a 30 percent discount on room rates, breakfast for up to two people, extended brunch hours on Saturday and Sunday, and late checkout until 3pm.
Good for: Parents who need a break
Valid period: Until December 31 (Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays only)
Prices: Starting from RMB 1,000 per night (subject to 15 percent surcharge). The offer is applicable to Westin Rooms, Deluxe Rooms, and Renewal Rooms.
Local attractions: See The Ritz-Carlton Beijing, Financial Street
The Ritz-Carlton Beijing, Financial Street
The Ritz-Carlton Beijing, Financial Street offers a weekend staycation package that includes free Wi-Fi and high-speed Internet access; breakfast for two at Greenfish; access to the gym, steam room, sauna, and indoor swimming pool; and a cash credit of RMB 1,000 per night to be used towards all hotel restaurants, Crystal Bar and Lounge, The Ritz-Carlton Spa, and laundry services.
Good for: Young families or parents in need of a break
Valid period: Until August 31 (Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays only)
Prices: RMB 1,788+ per night (Deluxe Room), RMB 2,188+ per night (Premier Room), RMB 2,588+ per night (Executive Club Room), RMB 4,188+ per night (Premier Suite), RMB 4,888+ per night (Executive Suite). An extra bed can be added starting from RMB 405, and baby cots are free of charge.
Local attractions: Xidan, a huge shopping area packed with cheap markets and shiny malls, is located just east of Financial Street. Take your time weaving through the various retail hubs or make a beeline for the large Xinhua Bookstore in the main square.
Further east lies Beihai Park, one of Beijing’s most iconic and picturesque parks. You’ll find stroller-friendly paths, a sea of lotus flowers, old-growth trees, and priceless historical relics. To the west of Financial Street, there’s also Yuyuantan Park. The best time to visit is in early spring, when the park’s many cherry trees are in bloom. However, this one’s a good choice if you’d rather eschew the crowds and go to a more local park.
Photos Courtesy of East Beijing, Westin Beijing Financial Street, Ritz-Carlton Financial Street,and Westin Beijing Chaoyang.
This article originally appeared on p46-47 of the beijingkids August 2013 issue.
Check out the PDF version online at Issuu.com
