Holiday Inn Central Plaza (Zhonghuan Jiari Jiudian)

Description:

• This site was right in the middle of things during the Jin dynasty (1122-1215), but there's nothing central nowadays about the location of this stylish hotel. However, if you're visiting Beijing to be among Chinese people, rather than pampered expatriates, we strongly recommend this hotel. InterContinental Hotels in China often present a bland, cut-price version of luxury (such as the Downtown and Lido Holiday Inns), but this Zenlike hotel is a startling exception. Credit must be given to the local designer, who has achieved the architectural Holy Grail: minimalism without coldness. Service is equally to the point. Set in a residential area, Beijing's Muslim quarter is a short walk to the east, a lively strip of restaurants near Baoguo Si lie to the north, and it's also handy to both of Beijing's main railway stations.

  Facilities: 2 restaurants (Cantonese, International); cafe; bar; indoor pool; well-equipped exercise room; yoga room; concierge; tour desk; business center; 24-hr. room service; same-day dry cleaning/laundry service; executive-level rooms; currency exchange

• © Frommer's 2013

Awards:

Frommer's

•  Highly Recommended 2009
•  Highly Recommended 2010