I had a great fare from Chicago to Beijing for a status mileage run.  The question was where to stay in Beijing.  I’ve stayed at several Starwood properties there.  On this occasion I decided to use my new Hyatt Diamond status and booked a suite at the Grand Hyatt Beijing.

I used the Airport Express train and subway to get to the hotel.   That trip will be covered separately.

Arriving late in the evening, the check in desk on the club floor was still open.  I was escorted there for check in.  The clerk assigned me to a Grand King Suite one floor above.  This floor had access to the club lounge via a staircase.

In the room, a welcome gift was waiting.

The living room was spacious and well decorated.

The living room also had a glass work desk and a built-in mini bar and snacks.

The bathroom had a tub and a walk-in shower.

The vanity was well stocked.

My floor was connected to the club lounge by a spiral staircase.

For guests staying on a club floor or who had Hyatt Diamond status, the club lounge served breakfast and evening hors oeuvres.

The lounge was self serve for most items and there was a menu for ordering special items.

It was disappointing that guests were limited to one order from the menu.  Usually I’m able to make a meal out of the evening hors d’oeuvres.

Other items were laid out on a buffet.

The lounge had a nice complementary selection of adult beverages.

The lounge also had areas for working, relaxing and conversing with friends or colleagues. 

The highlight of this hotel by far was the indoor pool and fitness complex which was located below the lobby and would be easy to miss if one wasn’t determined to find them.

I have never seen a more impressive indoor pool in a hotel.

The pool was bordered by deck chairs as if people would be working on tans.

Next to the pool was a large whirlpool area. 

Separate from the pool was a hot tub.

The fitness center is equally impressive.

Naturally a great fitness center/spa had to have a steam room and sauna and this one did.

The fitness center was equipped with the latest fitness equipment and machines.

No doubt the pool and fitness center were used to bring in revenue from people working or living in the area who were not staying at the hotel.

The hotel is in a primarily business district.  There is shopping and some restaurants within easy walking distance.  If you know where you are going or get good directions it is easy to use the subway to get to places in Beijing.  Signs are in English as well as Chinese, and the the ticket sellers can usually understand some basic English.