Beijing's Broadcasting Tower Hotel: Unbelievable Views & Luxury You WON'T Believe!
BEIJING'S BROADCASTING TOWER HOTEL: OMG, Seriously Luxurious (And the Views…!)
Alright, listen up, travel junkies and luxury lovers! I just got back from Beijing, and I'm still buzzing from my stay at the Beijing Broadcasting Tower Hotel. They bill it as "Unbelievable Views & Luxury You WON'T Believe!" And, you know what? They're not lying. NOT EVEN A LITTLE.
Let's just get this out of the way: This place is expensive. But, and this is a big but, if you're looking for a splurge-worthy experience, a sanctuary from the bustling city, and a view that will literally steal your breath, then book it. Right now. Seriously, go on… I'll wait.
(Insert dramatic pause here. Pretend I'm nervously checking my phone for an email ping.)
Okay, ready? Let's dive in.
First Impressions & That GLORIOUS View:
The moment you walk in, it's like BAM! Luxury hits you in the face. The lobby is all sleek lines, shining marble, and…wait for it… a view of Beijing that will make you weak in the knees. I'm not exaggerating. The floor-to-ceiling windows frame the city like a living, breathing artwork. You can see the iconic CCTV building, the sprawling cityscape… and during the day, you'll be staring at the blue sky. (Okay, let's be honest, I'm not sure if it was blue all the time, Beijing gets notoriously smoggy so on some days it's a bit… less blue.) The night view is another level of stunning, a sea of twinkling lights that'll make you feel like you're floating above the world. Definitely worth the price of admission alone. Seriously, I spent hours just staring out the window.
Rooms: More Than Just a Place to Sleep (Thank GOD!)
Now, let's talk about the rooms. Forget everything you think you know about hotel rooms. The Beijing Broadcasting Tower Hotel's rooms are massive. Like, "could-practically-hold-a-dance-party-in-here" massive. I booked a non-smoking room because, well, I like my lungs. The bed? Cloud-like. Seriously, I sank into it every night. A real struggle to get out of in the mornings, I won't lie.
- Available in all rooms: I'm talking about all the usual suspects like air conditioning (thank GOD, Beijing summers are brutal!), alarm clock (yep, used it… reluctantly!), bathtub (bliss!), bathrobes (YES!), bathroom phone (fancy!), blackout curtains (essential!), carpeting (nice and plush!), closet (plenty of space for my, uh, essential wardrobe), coffee/tea maker (because caffeine!), daily housekeeping (AMEN!), desk (perfect for pretending to work), extra long bed (huge plus for my height!), free bottled water (always welcome!), hair dryer (mandatory!), high floor (duh, for the view!), in-room safe box (peace of mind!), internet access – LAN (for the techy folks!), internet access – wireless (Wi-Fi! Free!), ironing facilities (wrinkle-free clothes, always!), laptop workspace (for when you have to work!), linens (fresh and crisp!), mini bar (tempting!), mirror (gotta check out that outfit!), non-smoking (a godsend!), on-demand movies (bored? Not a chance!), private bathroom (obvious!), reading light (for binge-reading those travel guides), refrigerator (for late-night snacks!), safety/security feature (always appreciated!), satellite/cable channels (so much to watch!), scale (a slightly depressing reminder of all the buffet-eating…), seating area (plenty of space to relax!), separate shower/bathtub (luxury!), shower (power!), slippers (comfy!), smoke detector (safety first!), socket near the bed (genius!), sofa (perfect for lounging!), soundproofing (absolutely essential!), telephone (still a thing!), toiletries (the good ones!), towels (fluffy!), umbrella (Beijing weather is unpredictable!), visual alarm (for accessibility), wake-up service (no excuses!), Wi-Fi free and window that opens (fresh air!), there is a lot of them!
The details are what make this place special. Like, the lighting is perfect. The bathroom is stocked with amazing toiletries. And, the little touches, like fresh fruit and a welcome note, just make you feel pampered. Plus, I'd like to mention, I asked for a room on a high floor, and they delivered a view I will remember, and one that made me feel like I was on top of the world.
Internet, Because Let's Be Real, We Need It:
- Internet: I mean, duh, there's the internet. Free Wi-Fi in all rooms. The signal was solid, which is a blessing, given how much time you might want to spend gazing at the view. The speed was great, but I'd like to note that I didn't use Internet [LAN].
Accessibility:
- Accessibility Though I didn't specifically use them, "Facilities for disabled guests" and "Elevator" are included.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking - My Wallet Weeps but My Stomach Rejoices:
Okay, the food. Let's talk food. The hotel has several restaurants, each with its own vibe and cuisine. They also provide room service [24-hour], which is just a huge win.
- Restaurants: Offers Asian cuisine in restaurant, International cuisine in restaurant, Vegetarian restaurant, and Western cuisine in restaurant.
- Services: Offers Breakfast service, Room service [24-hour].
- Drinks: Offers Bar, Bottle of water, Poolside bar.
- Desserts: Offers Desserts in restaurant.
- Coffee: Offers Coffee/tea in restaurant, Coffee shop.
- Meals: Offers Breakfast [buffet], A la carte in restaurant, and Salad in restaurant, Soup in restaurant, and Alternative meal arrangement.
The breakfast buffet was an absolute feast. Asian breakfast, Western breakfast, you name it, they had it. I am all for "Breakfast [buffet]" and "Asian breakfast" and "Western breakfast" and it was a feast for the eyes, the stomach and the soul. The coffee shop was my go-to for a quick caffeine fix.
I can, however, say with certainty, that I had a fabulous meal at the International restaurant. The service was impeccable. The food, a symphony of flavors. Yes, it was expensive, (there's a theme here, right?) but worth it for the experience.
Relaxation & Pampering: Because You Deserve It:
The hotel has a spa! You bet your bottom dollar I went.
- Ways to relax: Offers Sauna, Spa, Swimming pool.
- Spa/Sauna: Offers Body scrub, Body wrap, Massage, Foot bath, Gym/fitness, Pool with view, Steamroom.
- Physical activity: Offers Fitness center, Gym/fitness, Swimming pool [outdoor].
I got a massage, and, honestly, I think I floated out of the spa afterward. The pool area is gorgeous, with that same stunning view. So peaceful. (I did get slightly judged in the pool by some of the local ladies for not covering up enough… I'm still working on my Beijing Swimwear etiquette).
Cleanliness & Safety: Because, You Know, Important Stuff:
- Safety and cleaning: Offers Anti-viral cleaning products, Cashless payment service, Daily disinfection in common areas, Hand sanitizer, Hot water linen and laundry washing, Hygiene certification, Individually-wrapped food options, Physical distancing of at least 1 meter, Professional-grade sanitizing services, Room sanitization opt-out available, Rooms sanitized between stays, Safe dining setup, Sanitized kitchen and tableware items, Shared stationery removed, Staff trained in safety protocol, Sterilizing equipment.
I was ridiculously impressed by the cleanliness of the hotel. Everywhere I went, it smelled fresh and clean. The staff are vigilant about cleaning. Felt incredibly safe, which is a huge plus. They've really stepped up their game with COVID protocols—hand sanitizer everywhere, social distancing, and the whole shebang.
Services & Conveniences: Because They Thought of Everything:
The hotel offers a ton of services to make your stay easier and more enjoyable.
- Services and conveniences: Offers Air conditioning in public area, Audio-visual equipment for special events, Business facilities, Cash withdrawal, Concierge, Contactless check-in/out, Convenience store, Currency exchange, Daily housekeeping, Doorman, Dry cleaning, Elevator, Essential condiments, Facilities for disabled guests, Food delivery, Gift/souvenir shop, Indoor venue for special events, Invoice provided, Ironing service, Laundry service, Luggage storage, Meeting/banquet facilities, Meetings, Meeting stationery, On-site event hosting, Outdoor venue for special events, Projector/LED display, Safety deposit boxes, Seminars, Shrine, Smoking area, Terrace,
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because we're about to dive HEADFIRST into my chaotic, beautiful, utterly bonkers Broadcasting Tower Beijing Hotel adventure. This ain't your meticulously planned, bullet-pointed itinerary. This is the raw, unfiltered, and probably slightly sleep-deprived version. Prepare yourselves.
Day 1: Arrival & Initial Panic (Or, How I Accidentally Ordered Chicken Feet)
10:00 AM (Beijing Time, or whenever I dragged myself out of that jetlag coma): Arrive at Beijing Capital International Airport. First observation: HUGE. Like, airport-so-big-I-might-need-a-passport-to-get-to-the-bathroom huge. Finding the hotel shuttle was like a scavenger hunt designed by a sadist. I swear I asked three different people, each of them looking increasingly bewildered by my frantic hand gestures.
11:30 AM: FINALLY, glorious shuttle! Arrived at the Broadcasting Tower Beijing Hotel… or at least, a broadcasting tower. My first thought? "Wow. It's… tall." (Brilliant travel writing, I know.) The lobby was all gleaming marble and polite smiles. Felt instantly intimidated. Check-in was thankfully smooth, except for the minor issue of my credit card refusing to cooperate. Cue panicked fumbling and the silent judgment of the reception staff.
12:30 PM: Room Reveal & Existential Dread: The room was… spacious. Okay, it was HUGE. Enough room to swing a… well, a very large cat, I guess. (Don't worry, I don't have a very large cat.) Panoramic window offering a view of… more buildings. Honestly, I think I saw the top of the Forbidden City, or maybe just a particularly impressive parking garage. Jet lag was starting to bite viciously. I spent a solid hour staring out the window, wondering if I had made a colossal mistake.
2:00 PM: Food Fiasco (or, The Chicken Feet Incident): Hunger pangs struck savage! Found a "nearby" restaurant recommended by the hotel concierge. (By "nearby," I mean a 20-minute death march through the Beijing heat.) The menu was… a beautiful, incomprehensible wall of Chinese characters. Tried to be adventurous! Pointed to a picture featuring something that looked vaguely like… dumplings? Nope. Turns out, it was a plate of glistening, gelatinous chicken feet. My stomach immediately tried to stage a revolt. I took one agonizing bite, choked it down with a gallon of tea, and vowed to stick to English menus henceforth. Lesson learned: learn your food symbols!
3:00 PM: Attempted Nap: Failed miserably. The city outside was LOUD, the jet lag was a relentless monster, and I was pretty sure the chicken feet were still having a party in my gut.
5:00 PM: Wandering Aimlessly (aka, Discovering a Park): Figured some fresh air was mandatory. Wandered… and wandered… and got completely lost. Found a park, though! It was BEAUTIFUL. Elderly people were doing Tai Chi, kids were playing, and there was a general air of peaceful chaos. Sat on a bench for an hour, just watching. For a brief moment, the existential dread subsided. Beijing, you sneaky little charmer.
7:00 PM: Dinner #2 (And Praying for Edible Food): Found a Western-ish restaurant (thank GOD) near the hotel. Ordered pasta. Ate with the quiet desperation of a person who's just survived a cultural food initiation. Survived.
9:00 PM: Bedtime… Eventually: Collapsed into bed, utterly exhausted. Convinced myself I could see the building swaying slightly. Probably just the jet lag. Or the chicken feet. Either way, goodnight, Beijing. Wish me luck for tomorrow… I'm gonna need it.
Day 2: Forbidden City & Faked Enthusiasm (Plus, the Great Shopping Debacle)
7:00 AM: Attempted Alarm Clock Success (Maybe?): Woke up to the triumphant blare of my phone. The jet lag gremlins, however, were still lurking. Debated staying in bed for a solid fifteen minutes.
8:00 AM: Breakfast Panic: The hotel breakfast buffet was… overwhelming. So many choices, so little understanding. I stuck to toast and coffee, feeling like a total food coward.
9:00 AM: The Forbidden City… Or, The Tourist Gauntlet: Took a taxi to the Forbidden City. The sheer SCALE of the place is mind-blowing. Wandered through the courtyards, gawked at the architecture, and attempted to look culturally enlightened. Failed. Mostly, I was just hot, tired, and battling a growing urge to buy a souvenir dragon statue.
11:00 AM: The "Oh My God, So Many People" Factor: OMG. SO MANY PEOPLE. Seriously, it was like being swept along in a human river. Lost my sense of direction, got bumped into a lot, and started to question my life choices. But the buildings were undeniably stunning. Let's be honest, I didn't appreciate it enough.
1:00 PM: Lunch (And a Momentary Mental Breakdown): Forced myself to eat some noodles. They were edible, which, at this point, was a major victory. Briefly considered quitting the whole trip and running away to a yurt in Mongolia.
2:00 PM: Shopping Disaster (or, How I Almost Became the Proud Owner of a Fake Rolex): Went shopping! (Bad idea.) Got lured into a "tea house" that was clearly a tourist trap. The tea was… okay. The pressure to buy some ridiculously expensive tea set was immense. Made a quick escape. Then, encountered a street vendor selling "Rolexes." They looked… suspect. Almost bought one out of sheer exhaustion. (Thank God for common sense, which, admittedly, has been in short supply on this trip.) Ended up with a silk scarf that's probably 90% polyester. Oh well.
4:00 PM: Tower of Babel? – The Temple of Heaven: After battling the Forbidden City human river situation, I went to the Temple of Heaven Park. The Temple itself was a spectacle. More people, of which it was getting tiresome, and the acoustics were amazing, making for a unique experience.
6:00 PM: Dinner and Regrets: Ate dumplings. (Progress!) Actually enjoyed them, which felt like a win. Spent the evening pondering my life choices.
8:00 PM: Collapsing Into Bed: Exhaustion is now a constant companion.
Day 3: The Great Wall & Existential Reflections (Cont'd)
7:00 AM: Breakfast, the sequel: This time, I successfully snagged a croissant. Progress!
8:00 AM: The Great Wall… Awe & Sweat: Took a tour to the Great Wall. The bus ride was long, and the traffic was brutal, but then… the Wall. The view was breathtaking. Climbed up a very steep section, huffing and puffing, but I MADE IT. It's… it's magnificent. I stood there, sweating, and suddenly felt a pang of… something. Wonder? Gratitude? Probably just low blood sugar. But it was genuinely amazing.
10:00 AM: The climb… and the sweat, the glorious sweat: Climbed the Wall. Sweat. Breathed. Thought I'd have a heart attack. The view was worth it.
12:00 PM: Great Wall, done: Did the Great Wall, got the T-shirt.
2:00 PM: Lunch, finally good: Good lunch, finally.
4:00 PM: Temple of Heaven, revisited: Went back to Temple of Heaven. Enjoyed it this time.
6:00 PM: Regret: The Series Finale: Ate a meal back at the hotel. Didn't make any mistake or bad decisions.
8:00 PM: Getting Ready for the Trip Home: Packing up.
9:00 PM: Flight leaves tomorrow: Getting ready to leave.
Final Thoughts (Probably Rambling and Incoherent):
Beijing, you wild, chaotic, beautiful beast. You tested me. You frustrated me. You occasionally made me want to crawl into a hole. But you also gave me moments of pure wonder. Would I go back? Absolutely. Will I be less of a disaster next time? Probably not. But that's the beauty of it, right? Messy, imperfect, and utterly unforgettable. Now, if you'll excuse me, I have a flight to catch… and a serious need for a very long nap. And maybe a lifetime supply of English-speaking, non-chicken-feet-serving restaurants. Goodbye, Beijing. Until next time!
Luxury Bali Villa: 2 BR Dash Room Paradise (V279)
Beijing Broadcasting Tower Hotel: Expectation vs. Reality (And My Brain's Whirlwind!)
Alright, alright, buckle up buttercups! You're thinking about the Beijing Broadcasting Tower Hotel? The one with the supposed *unbelievable* views and luxury that'll make you weep with joy? Well, lemme tell you, I’ve been there. I've stared at the city from its dizzying heights. And I've also stared at the stains on the carpet. Let's dive into this… uh… *experience*, shall we?
1. Is the View REALLY That Amazing?! (Because I've Seen Photoshopped Stuff Before...)
Okay, okay, let's get this right. The view... it IS good. Seriously good. Sometimes. Look, I’m gonna be honest with you. The *first* time I saw it? Jaw hit the floor. Like, cartoon-style. The Forbidden City sprawled out, tiny, majestic. The shimmering cityscape… yeah, it was pretty freakin' incredible. Especially at sunset. Picture THIS: Orange and pink hues painting the sky, reflecting on all those skyscrapers… beautiful.
BUT (and there's always a "but," isn't there?), on another day… smog. Just... smog. Gray, thick, and utterly defeating. Like Beijing was wearing a bad mood cloak. So, the view? Stunning. Potentially. Weather dependent. Bring a lucky charm. Or a weather machine. One or the other.
Anecdote Time: My first time, I tried to take a panoramic shot. Thought I was a photography genius. Ended up stitching half the city onto the other half. It looked like a drunk giant had stepped on the place. Still have it. Keeps me humble.
2. How "Luxurious" is "Luxury," Exactly? Does it Involve Butlers Named Reginald?
Ah, the million-dollar question! Okay, so "luxury" is… subjective. Think slightly-worn plush carpets. Think… occasionally flaky paint. Think… a mini-bar that might contain things that expired in the Pleistocene epoch.
Now, don't get me wrong. The rooms are generally very spacious, and the beds are comfy enough to sink into after a long day of sightseeing (which you will need after you figure out the smog situation). And yes, there's a certain… *presence* of luxury. Marble bathrooms! Fancy toiletries (though the shampoo kinda smelled like old library books).
Reginald, the butler? Didn’t see him. I think I may have been the designated butler for my own needs, and I'm not very good at it. My attempts at ordering room service were… epic failures. My Mandarin is… enthusiastic, let's just say. So, no butler. But hey, the view's still nice, right?
My Take: Compared to a shoebox hostel? Sure, luxury. Compared to, say, the Ritz-Carlton? Don't get *too* excited. Manage your expectations, grasshopper.
3. Is the Hotel's Rotating Restaurant Worth the Price Tag? (And Do I Need Dramamine?)
The revolving restaurant. Oh, my aching… stomach. Okay, the idea is brilliant. Eat your meal while slowly, majestically, turning and taking in the entire city. Sounds dreamy, right?
Well... it's kind of a gamble. First, the food. It's… adequate. Let's leave it at that. The buffet selection is extensive but not exactly Michelin-star level. (Unless Michelin starts including “slightly congealed mystery meat” as a delicacy.) And the prices? Yeah, they're up there.
Then the spinning. Honestly? I'm a person prone to motion sickness. And while the rotation is slow, and there's a window to distract yourself staring into the city, it can still be… *a thing*. I felt like I was bobbing on a gentle sea of dumplings. (Which, incidentally, is not the most pleasant sensation.) I'd advise you to take a travel sickness pill, just in case. Seriously, take the pill.
My emotional reaction: I felt both amazing and slightly nauseous all at once. I think I will never eat on a revolving table again.
4. What's the Deal with the Service? Is Everyone as Polite as They Seem in the Promo Videos?
Service… varies. Some staff members are genuinely lovely, accommodating, and eager to help. They're like tiny, perfectly formed bundles of hospitality. Others? Well, let's just say their English skills might need a little… polishing.
Also, there's that cultural difference thing. What you might perceive as "slightly less enthusiastic" could just be a different approach to serving you. But hey, patience is a virtue, right? And pointing and smiling works wonders. (Especially when ordering breakfast.)
Reality Check: Don't expect the level of, say, a five-star hotel in Kyoto. But the core of it, they are helpful and nice. I managed to get through it!
5. Location, Location, Location: Is It Truly in the Heart of Everything?
Okay, this is a mixed bag. The Broadcasting Tower is in Chaoyang District I think. Transportation is great. You can get to most things with the subway. The subway is AMAZING! If you're okay with crowds.
You'll probably use taxis which are pretty affordable. Just be prepared for traffic! It's Beijing, after all. But yeah, you can access most of the iconic sights easily. The Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square, the Summer Palace… they’re all reachable. You just might need a little patience (and maybe a good podcast) to get there.
My tip Download the subway app, learn a few basic Mandarin phrases, and embrace the organized chaos. You’ll be fine (probably).
6. Can I Get a Massage? (Because My Feet Are Already Screaming.)
Yes, yes, YES! This is a big YES. They do have massage services or offered in the hotel. (They might even have more than one which is crazy) And after a day of pounding the pavement, trust me, you'll *need* it. Or maybe consider booking the massages everyday, like I should have done.
The facilities for the massages are usually very nice, too. Think: calm, dimly lit rooms; soft music...and someone expertly kneading all the aches and pains from your body. Bliss. Pure, unadulterated bliss.
