Background
Devotees of the Grand Hyatt ought to be complimented for their patience. The brand has undergone a series of room renovations at its properties in Greater China, and all those months of corridor closures and jackhammering have not been in vain.
What’s it like?
On entering one of the Diplomat suites at the Grand Hyatt Beijing at Oriental Plaza there is a sense that what seemed like an interminable wait has all been worthwhile. The newly renovated Diplomat suite could easily pass as a serviced apartment, such is the generosity of space and the combination of lounge and workspace.
The hotel’s Hong Kong owners haven’t been dragging their feet either when it comes to the Oriental Plaza shopping and office complex, alongside which the Grand Hyatt is situated. In the face of Beijing’s oft-notorious pollution, Oriental Plaza has installed a double-air filtration and purification system for whenever the city’s air-quality index drops below international standards.
A remodelling of the Grand Club lounge was another focal point of the renovation. This area is divided between a lounge with a check-in area, offering a selection of newspaper and magazines, and a dining and cocktail area.
Where is it?
For travellers who want to see the landmarks of Beijing, such as The Forbidden City and Tiananmen Square, the Grand Hyatt is ideally situated within the Wangfujing district. Museums and restaurants are a short walk away while the taxi queue makes for entertainment or frustration – depending on what mood you’re in.
Room facilities
The 825 guest rooms mean the property is of Grand Hyatt proportions featuring original artworks. The concave design of the hotel building gives a sense that the corridors are narrow with awkward turns, but this is dispelled when it comes to the rooms. One of the selling points is the view over the neighbourhood of courtyards and government buildings, but this is also a sensitive aspect for hotels in the capital of the People’s Republic where officials do not take kindly to being gazed upon.
Instead, preoccupy yourself with a choice of two 42-inch plasma screen TVs in the lounge and the bedroom. A walk-in wardrobe has a yoga mat at hand and June Jacobs Spa Collection products grace the bathroom. Wifi access was quick and straightforward and the work desk’s sturdiness was a boon to productivity.
There is an iPod docking system which is fine for slaves to Apple, but it’s high time hotels woke up to the fact that folks listen to music on other devices. Let there be Bluetooth.
The living room area also benefits from a washroom opposite a spacious breakfast table and the largest array of Nespresso capsules this reporter has seen in a hotel room.
Restaurants & bars
Despite the exclusivity offered by the club lounge, many staying in the upper-tier rooms still prefer breakfast with the masses at the all-day Grand Café for more food choices. In the evening, food-loving guests also take the elevator in the other direction at the Grand Hyatt Beijing and head for Made in China for Peking duck.
Da Giorgio serves Italian cuisine in an intimate setting while Cantonese cuisine is the fare at Noble Court, which has five private dining rooms.
Business and meeting facilities
Banking, finance and pharmaceutical meetings keep returning to the Oriental Plaza. The 2,924 sqm of meeting space includes the Grand Ballroom and five Grand Salons. The Grand Hyatt Residence concept can also be found here.
Leisure facilities
The basement swimming pool must be one of the most desirable in Beijing for creating a calming resort setting. Club Oasis features waterfalls, palm trees and even a virtual sky that adjusts the atmosphere through the day. One of the best ways of getting around Beijing is on a bicycle – and complimentary bikes are available from the hotel.
Verdict
Hyatt’s admirers won’t be disappointed by the revamp of this modern yet elegant property in the heart of the Chinese capital.
FACT FILE
- HOW MANY ROOMS? 825 in total including Grand suites, club king, deluxe and standard.
- HIGHLIGHTS Club Oasis for the pool and Made in China for Peking duck.
- PRICE Average internet daily rate for a mid-November, midweek stay in a Diplomat suite: 7,500 yuan (US$1,223) or 1,763 yuan (US$288) for Grand premium king.
- CONTACT1 East Chang'an Avenue Beijing +86 10 8518 1234, beijing.grand.hyatt.com
