Our trip was intentionally simple and heartfelt: four days in Beijing, a stop in my in-laws’ village near Yangzhou, and then a few final days back in the capital before flying home to the UK.
In Beijing, we chose the Fairmont—a quietly elegant hotel tucked away in the Central Business District. Though we had reserved a luxury double room, we were pleasantly surprised with an upgrade to a Fairmont Gold Family Suite. With that came access to the Club Lounge, Willow Stream Spa, indoor pool, and fitness center—an upgrade that immediately set the tone for a smooth, indulgent stay. I had booked the hotel through a discounted offer on LuxuryLink.
First impressions: Elegant luxury with a personal touch
From the moment we arrived, Fairmont Beijing made an impression. The golden-glass façade gleams against the city skyline, and inside, the atmosphere is all plush, understated glamour. Staff welcomed us warmly, and to our delight, even surprised my wife with a beautifully presented birthday cake in our suite — a thoughtful touch that set the tone for our stay.
Who’s staying here?
Business travelers dominate during the week (given the proximity to GuoMao CBD), but on weekends you’ll spot leisure travelers and families drawn by Fairmont’s reputation for relaxed luxury and its unbeatable central location.
We stayed in the Family Suite, which was spacious and impressively well-equipped. A full-size automated massage chair offered post-travel bliss, and the power shower made freshening up a joy. There were plenty of USB ports conveniently placed, a much-needed humidifier and air purifier for Beijing’s air, and lots of room for a family to spread out.
While the room was very comfortable, it’s fair to note that the hotel is over a decade old, and some areas are beginning to show signs of age. A future refurbishment would elevate the experience even further.
Ready for a dream night’s sleep?
Absolutely. The beds were heavenly—plush, with crisp linens and the kind of quiet you only get with great soundproofing. After a massage session and a hot shower, sleep came easily.
Small luxuries that made a big difference
From the thoughtful birthday cake to little practicalities like plentiful USB ports and excellent air-quality appliances, Fairmont Beijing clearly cares about making the guest experience smooth and memorable.
The bathroom featured a fantastic power shower and luxury amenities, all set against rich marble finishes. Everything worked exactly as hoped, offering a comfortable space to refresh and unwind.
Connectivity and getting around
Wi-Fi was fast and reliable throughout the hotel. Better yet, Fairmont is brilliantly located — just a two-minute stroll to Line 1’s Yong’anli Station (Exit C) and an easy walk to the buzzing GuoMao CBD. Around the hotel, you’ll find plenty of cozy cafes and local eateries to explore.
Arriving from Beijing Capital Airport cost around 250 RMB (£25) in a private six-seater luxury SUV — perfect for fitting all our luggage. Getting to Daxing Airport at the end of our stay cost about 350 RMB (£25) — efficient and stress-free.
Final verdict: A polished base in the heart of Beijing
Fairmont Beijing hits the sweet spot between luxury, comfort, and location. Child-friendly restaurants, something-for-everyone, pool scenes, and loads of activities and entertainment – The Fairmont Beijing tick all the boxes. Though a refresh would bring the rooms up to modern standards, the outstanding service, thoughtful touches, and prime location make it a fantastic choice for travelers seeking a welcoming home base in the capital.
