Let’s face it – Beijing for the Summer Olympics is a tough ticket, not only for the actual events but also for accommodations. According to reports throughout the globe, hotel rooms, boarding passes, event tickets and seemingly everything related to the games is either sold out or for sale at a huge cost. But there’s still a chance to catch the Games in other Chinese cities, as some of China’s most beautiful regions outside Beijing will host events at this year’s Olympiad.
So let Professional Travel Guide help you find the perfect place to stay during the Summer Olympics in these Olympic cities. We’ve got our choices for the best places to stay in each, as well as notes on the events and venues you’ll find.
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Hong Kong: Equestrian
Travel to Hong Kong and scratch the cosmopolitan, high-tech surface, and you'll discover vestiges of ancient China in Hong Kong’s culture. And just six miles from this bustling city you will find host to the Olympiad’s equestrian events, which will be held in two locations. First is Sha Tin, about six miles north of the tip of Kowloon Peninsula of Hong Kong. Then, about 10 miles northeast of there, a cross-country course, to be used as part of the Olympic eventing competition – which combines encompasses jumping, dressage and cross country – will be set up in Sheung Shui. |
Hotel Recommendations
Landmark Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong:Not easily outdone, this property (pictured) is a lavish treat for those who can afford it. Service standards, decor and appeal are the hallmarks, and only a few Hong Kong island alternatives such as its sister property, the Four Seasons and Grand Hyatt can match the intensity and superior experience delivered here. And for a special treat, utilize the property’s reputed dual-level Oriental Spa, with a menu of treatments that puts other local spas to shame.
The Peninsula Hong Kong:Not only is this the landmark Hong Kong hotel, it is also the finest. The world's largest fleet of Rolls-Royces delivers guests to the front door via a landscaped drive with a fountain. Service is impeccable; indeed, it is world-class. This grand dame sets service and design standards not just for Hong Kong and Asia, but for the entire world.
Four Seasons Hong Kong:Quickly gaining attention and excitement from high-end businesspeople and tourists alike, visitors to the Four Seasons Hong Kong can take advantage of nearby ferry access to other areas of the city or just linger by the hotel's pool with fantastic Kowloon views when not indulging in the extensive spa offerings.
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Shanghai: Soccer
The name Shanghai still conjures images of romance, mystery and adventure, even as the entire city moves forward into the 21st century. Perhaps more than any other city in Asia, Shanghai has the confidence and sheer determination to forge a glittering future as one of the world's most important commercial centers – traits that will be on display as the city plays host to the Summer Olympics’ preliminary soccer events come August. |
Hotel Recommendations
Grand Hyatt Shanghai: This five-star property (pictured) is a dominant presence surveying Asia’s most dynamic city and has also set new standards for Shanghai, with its high-tech infrastructure, world-class design and imaginative guest rooms. Dining rooms are often crowded, as word has gotten out that spectacular views — the Bund, the TV Tower, the Huangpu River — are matched by very fine cooking.
Le Royal Meridien Shanghai: If you’re looking for luxury accommodations in this beautiful city, you would be hard-pressed to find better than Le Royal Meridien Shanghai. All guest rooms have floor-to-ceiling windows and 42-inch plasma-screen TVs, with a decor that is pleasant if not distinctive. Baths in the suites are twice the size of those in standard rooms, with a second shower in a separate room. And the rest of the hotel isn’t bad, either.
The St Regis Shanghai: The second St. Regis property to open in China lives up to expectations. The staffers all speak impeccable English and are extremely professional. One of Shanghai's nicest hotels today offers a level of luxury unmatched by all but a couple of Chinese hotels. The guest rooms here are the largest in Shanghai and provide everything that guests could wish for, including fresh flowers, fruit and 24-hour butler service.
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Qingdao: Sailing
Qingdao is emerging from hidden-treasure status as it prepares to host the 2008 Olympic sailing regatta. A seaside city with a beautiful crescent-shaped harbor opening onto the Yellow Sea, Qingdao has long been one of the top Chinese getaways. A 25-mile boardwalk connects beaches, bays and public parks, where locals hang birdcages and play cards at tables under the trees. (Photo courtesy of Beijing 2008 Web site) |
Hotel Recommendations
Crowne Plaza Qingdao:This high-end property (pictured) located in the commercial and shopping center of Qingdao overlooks the sail regatta venue of the 2008 Olympic Game. Only 5 minutes walking from the beach, the hotel has 7 restaurants and bars, 388 guestrooms and suites that face to Olympic Sailing Regatta field.
Shangri-La Hotel Qingdao: In addition to the elegantly appointed rooms and suites, the Shangri-La Hotel Qingdao offers some of the city’s finest dining with Cantonese, Korean, Italian and Japanese cuisine. The opening of the brand new Valley Wing later this year will further enhance the luxury accommodation and incomparable service offered in time for the city to play host to sailing events for the 2008 Olympics. (Photo courtesy of Shangri-La Hotels & Resorts Web site)
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Tianjin: Soccer
Tianjin Olympic Center Stadium, newly-constructed for the Beijing Olympics to hold 60,000 spectators, will hold preliminary soccer matches. This towering stadium, which has six floors, has many other activities that will keep the public engage when the matches are not on or if they get bored of the match, as it contains a shopping complex, exhibition hall and gymnasium. (Photo courtesy of Beijing 2008 Web site) |
Hotel Recommendations
Renaissance Tianjin:Western comfort meets modern Chinese aesthetic in Marriott's Renaissance Tianjin (pictured), with an ideal location near the Hai River, the Tianjin metro station and Tianjin International Airport.
Astor Hotel Tianjin:
On the banks of the Hai River, the Astor Hotel is one of the more distinctive hotels in China and a National Cultural Relic Preservation Site with an ideal location for exploring Tianjin. For travelers with a feel for history, a stay in this remarkable hotel will in itself make a trip to Tianjin worthwhile.