Crowne Plaza Beijing Sun Palace

Very nice hotel. My room was a bit too big for one person but I enjoyed it. Staff spoke English. Thank you

We arrived at the Crowne Plaza in the afternoon, from the airport. As the valet took the bags out the car, I suddenly realised I had taken the wrong suitcase from the baggage claim. The manager on duty began our check-in and called over the director of Guest services, Alex Li. Alex was incredible! He immediately found the number of and called the airline for me. Realising my bag had been taken, he set out to organise an exchange for me, should the other person get hold of the airline. We continued checking in - getting a free upgrade due to my having an IHG membership, regardless of my zero points - and went to the family suite. The room was brilliant. We had 3 adults sharing the area, but the living room, 1 bathroom, 1 extra toilet and beds in separate areas allowed for privacy and space. It was clean and well organised, and the view from the 20th floor was good. We left for dinner downtown, during which I received a personal call from Alex. He had stayed in touch with the airline counter and had found my bag! He spoke with the other passenger and arranged a direct transfer, which he later assisted me with (translating, negotiation, etc.) I was very grateful to him for his kindness and above-and-beyond service. At breakfast at ‘The Market’, we received a warm welcome from all staff. Everyone’s English was very good and the service staff were friendly and polite. Our table was also quickly cleaned whenever a plate was finished; a nice change in China. The food was nice for a hotel breakfast, with many options, and we enjoyed it. We decided to try the set menu from the ‘The Market’ for dinner. For ¥158, we had focaccia starter and could choose 1-of-2 salads, 1-of-2 soups, 1 main (beef fillet, pizza varieties or pasta varieties) and a drink (cold drinks, juice, house wine). I had the Caesar salad, pumpkin soup, medium beef fillet and a glass of red wine. The wine was OK, but the food was excellent! The flavours were great and the fillet was cooked to perfection. I was thoroughly impressed, especially for a hotel meal. Overall, the quality of the hotel and its staff - especially Alex - was superb. I was so pleased to stay there, that I changed my booking to an IHG hotel for the next stop of our trip, too.

The hotel is not too new, but generally decent. The guy who helped with the suitcases spoke excellent English, was very courteous and friendly. The guy at the front desk was quite rude. I think they can be swapped. Breakfasts are soso. At the end of our trip, we received a note from the hotel management saying that they would not be able to extend our room and the possibility of staying at the hotel, because all the rooms in the hotel are booked. And we have to leave. It would have been appropriate if we had asked about extending the room, but we did not plan to stay longer.