Beijing Olympics

The Peninsula Palace Beijing
This hotel won't appeal to travelers looking for an authentic Beijing experience, but for guests who come here to shop in designer stores, this place is Nirvana. The hotel sits atop the biggest collection of haute couture stores north of Hong Kong: Chanel, Hermes, Louis Vuitton and Versace are all in sight of the lobby and give the impression of a high-end shopping mall.
Beijing 2008: The closest Olympic venues to this five-star hotel are the Beijing Workers Gymnasium and the Beijing Workers Stadium, host sites for the Olympic boxing and soccer (futbal) competitions, respectively.

Grand Hyatt Beijing
The Hyatt's extensive fitness center showcases China's largest indoor swimming pool within a hotel—and it is complete with pillars rising out of the water, tropical decorations, and a "virtual sky." The center also houses new fitness equipment, massage and steam rooms, a sauna, solarium, whirlpool and wading pool. All guest rooms have floor-to-ceiling windows, letting in light and creating panoramic city views.
Beijing 2008: The closest Olympic venues to this five-star hotel are the Beijing Workers Gymnasium and the Beijing Workers Stadium, host sites for the Olympic boxing and soccer (futbal) competitions, respectively. While Beijing’s National Stadium, host to the Opening and Closing ceremonies and track and field events, is a 30-minute drive away, we would highly recommend using public transportation throughout Beijing during the games. The Hyatt brand will also introduce the Park Hyatt Beijing in time for the Olympic Games.

Shangri-La Hotel Beijing:
Dining is consistently good at this Shangri-La. The elaborate Shang Palace, Shangri-La's signature Chinese offering, is overseen by a team of Hong Kong chefs. Also on the second level is Nasamura, the Japanese specialty restaurant. The Blue Lobster offers classic western dishes, and the stylish bar, Cloud Nine serves up wonderful views, along with drinks and entertainment, until 2 am.
Beijing 2008: This hotel is nearby two Olympic venues, both which will serve as host to the Olympic volleyball competition – the Capital Indoor Stadium and the Beijing Institute of Technology Gymnasium. And if you’re in China this spring, be sure to check out Shagri-La’s “Road to Beijing,” a two-week celebration of Chinese cuisine, culture and entertainment this May during the countdown to the Olympic Games at 18 Shangri-La city and resort hotels throughout the country and region.

China World Hotel:
China World's character is boldly stated in its recently renovated lobby. The two-story showpiece is finished with lacquered red pillars in sculpted marble bases, Chinese screen murals, zodiac animal reliefs, skylights and a marble fountain. (Photo courtesy of Shangri-La Hotels & Resorts Web site)
Beijing 2008: This five-star property is situated in the middle of four Olympic venues on the west side of the city. From here you can access the Beijing Workers Gymnasium (boxing), the Beijing Workers Stadium (soccer), the Beijing University of Techonology Gymnasium (Badminton and Rhythmic Gymnastics) and Chaoyang Park Beach Volleyball Ground (Beach Volleyball). The China World, as well as three other Shangri-La-owned properties in Beijing, is offering special Pre-Olympic Vacation Packages, four specially-designed themed packages that include visits to Olympic sites to give leisure travelers insight into the multifaceted Chinese capital in the lead-up to the 2008 Olympic Games.

JW Marriott Hotel Beijing:
This hotel's soft opening took place in mid-November 2007, with some floors and shops still under construction. Its grand opening will occur sometime prior to the 2008 Olympics. Opposite the bed is a 42-inch LCD flat-screen TV with split-screen function, which can serve as a giant computer screen.
Beijing 2008: Like the China World Hotel, this Marriott property is nearby the Beijing Workers Gymnasium (boxing), the Beijing Workers Stadium (soccer), the Beijing University of Techonology Gymnasium (Badminton and Rhythmic Gymnastics) and Chaoyang Park Beach Volleyball Ground (Beach Volleyball).

The Regent Beijing:
This five-star property, which will be a year and a half old during the Beijing Olympics, is in a cluster of hotels near the Grand Hyatt Beijing and the Grand Hotel Beijing. Plush rooms are the standard here and features suites that offer modern facilities including complimentary high speed internet access, large plasma television screens and DVD players, with a number of guestrooms enjoying panoramic views of the spectacular Forbidden City. The hotel also features an extensive fitness facility and four in-house restaurants that are not to be missed.
Beijing 2008: The closest Olympic venues to this five-star hotel are the Beijing Workers Gymnasium and the Beijing Workers Stadium, host sites for the Olympic boxing and soccer (futbal) competitions, respectively.

Grand Hotel Beijing:
Guest rooms at the Grand are top-notch, with quality furnishings and decor that is exquisitely Chinese. Rooms on the west side enjoy palace views and convey a sense of being someplace special. Umbrellas, safes and robes are standard, and bedding is excellent. Marble baths boast deep tubs, stall showers and elegant amenities. Suites have beautiful Chinese paneling, and the two-story emperor suite is reminiscent of an imperial palace.
Beijing 2008: The closest Olympic venues to this five-star hotel are the Beijing Workers Gymnasium and the Beijing Workers Stadium, host sites for the Olympic boxing and soccer (futbal) competitions, respectively.

The Ritz-Carlton Beijing, Financial Street:
Given this hotel's proximity to corporations and banks, the meeting facilities here are a considerable draw. The 500-sq-ft ballroom accommodates 450 conferees and divides into three rooms for smaller functions. The 24-hour business center is fully staffed.
Beijing 2008: If you plan on staying in the city’s Financial District, you should probably get very familiar with Beijing’s subway system. While there are no Olympic venues nearby, there is a main subway stop within walking distance.