Beijing's BEST Kept Secret Hotel: Atour Hotel Dawang Road Review!
Alright, so you want the lowdown, the real dirt, on the Atour Hotel Dawang Road in Beijing? Forget the glossy brochures. I'm about to spill the beans, the tea, the… well, everything I experienced there, unfiltered and hopefully, helpful. Buckle up; it's gonna be a ride.
Let's Get This Show on the Road: Accessibility and Safety First!
Okay, okay, before we dive into the good stuff, let's get the boring but IMPORTANT bits out of the way. Accessibility: The hotel does have facilities for disabled guests, meaning elevators (thank goodness, I hate stairs!), and I spotted what looked like accessible rooms (though I didn't get to see them). But, and this is a big BUT, Beijing isn't exactly known for its seamless accessibility everywhere, so call ahead and confirm specifics. I can't speak with authority on wheelchair maneuverability, so please, do your own research. They do have an elevator, though!
Cleanliness and Safety: A Covid-Era Must-Know
Look, I went during… that period. So, safety was at the top of my list. Anti-viral cleaning products? Check (at least, they claimed so!). Hand sanitizer everywhere? Double check. Staff trained in safety protocol? Absolutely. You could SEE the effort. They were serious about cleanliness. There was daily disinfection in common areas, and the rooms… Oh, the rooms. They went through a deep clean between stays. They even offered room sanitization opt-out available if you were so inclined, which I thought was thoughtful. Masks were a thing back then, and the staff was rocking them. Good for them, it gave me peace of mind. They also had safe dining setups. Felt like they were doing everything they could to keep you safe. Essential stuff.
The Internet, the Free Wi-Fi, and the Room… Oh, the Room!
Internet access is…present. Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! WOO HOO! That's a HUGE plus. I mean, what's a modern traveler without the internet? The Wi-Fi was generally reliable, which is a miracle in itself sometimes. They even have Internet [LAN] if you're old school. (Anyone else remember those days?) Internet services were available, of course, as you'd expect.
Okay, the room itself. My room? Air conditioning (HEAVEN), a super comfy bed with extra long bed, a desk to pretend I was working at (let's be honest, I was mostly watching movies), a mini bar with overpriced snacks (I'm a sucker!), and the holy grail: free bottled water. Oh yeah, there was a coffee/tea maker too. Perfect for the morning ritual. They had blackout curtains (essential), and oh, the slippers! Always love those. The bathroom, with a separate shower/bathtub (luxurious!), smelled clean. They provided bathrobes, hair dryer, and toiletries. The room decorated was pretty okay. Simple, modern, but functional. And you could actually open the window that opens! That was a nice touch. I'm not sure how high the high floor was, but maybe the view was amazing.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Fueling the Adventure
Okay, let's talk food. Listen, I'm a picky eater (shameful, I know). But I wanted to find out if my diet and palette would be suitable.
- Restaurants: Yes, plural!
- Bar: You got it. Drinks available.
- Coffee shop: Check. Caffeine needs are met.
- Room service: 24 hours. WIN! If you're like me and get the midnight munchies, this is golden.
- Breakfast [buffet]: Yes! And in true buffet style, there was a vast array of choices.
- Asian breakfast: This was great.
- Asian cuisine in restaurant: I was happy to see this.
- Western breakfast: If you are not feeling the local flavors, western breakfast is also an option.
- Western cuisine in restaurant: Again, options.
- Desserts in restaurant: I was too full from the buffet.
- Snack bar: Yes.
- A la carte in restaurant: For those of you who like the finer things, you can also pick this option.
- Breakfast in room: You are welcome to have breakfast in your room.
- Breakfast takeaway service Another breakfast option.
Things to Do, Ways to Relax… Or Not. (More on that later)
This is where things get interesting. I'm not gonna lie, the "relaxation" side of this hotel is a bit… underwhelming.
- Fitness center: I glanced in. Seemed functional enough.
- Spa/sauna: They claimed to have these, but I didn't have time to use them.
- Massage: available.
- Pool with view: I didn't see a view. There IS a swimming pool [outdoor] though!
- Steamroom: Sure, if you're into that.
- Foot bath: Okay, this I found cool.
The "Best Kept Secret"? My Take.
Okay, here's the truth. The Atour Hotel Dawang Road isn't going to blow your mind. It's not the Ritz. BUT, and this is a big "but," it's clean, safe, and generally well-maintained. The rooms are comfortable. The price is… reasonable. The staff, in my experience, were kind and helpful. The breakfast buffet is fantastic, offering a wide variety of both Asian and Western options.
Accessibility: I can say that they do offer it and have a dedicated elevator.
The Quirks and the Imperfections:
- The Location: It IS a bit off the beaten path (Dawang Road isn't exactly tourist central). But, it's close to the metro which I think is a huge plus.
- The "Spa": Don't expect a world-class spa experience.
- The "View": I didn't see much of a view. It's Beijing, so prepare for potential smog.
- My Biggest Grumble: The internet. It worked, mostly. But I did experience a few frustrating moments.
My Verdict:
Is it the best kept secret? Maybe. It's a SOLID choice for a clean, comfortable, and reasonably priced stay in Beijing, especially if you prioritize cleanliness and safety. If you're looking for pure luxury, look elsewhere. But if you want a reliable, well-maintained hotel with a great breakfast and a convenient location (metro-wise), the Atour Hotel Dawang Road is definitely worth considering.
A Compelling Offer: Book Now for a Cleaner, Smoother Beijing Experience!
Tired of hotels that promise the world and deliver… disappointment? At Atour Hotel Dawang Road, we prioritize your comfort and peace of mind.
Here's what you'll love:
- Impeccably Clean Rooms: We offer a deep clean between stays and have strict hygiene protocols in place.
- Superb Breakfast: Start your day with a delicious and varied buffet, featuring both Asian and Western delights.
- Free Wi-Fi: Stay connected and share your Beijing adventures effortlessly.
- Convenient Location: Easy access to the metro, so you can explore the city like a local.
- Friendly and Helpful Staff: We're here to make your stay as smooth and enjoyable as possible.
Book your stay at the Atour Hotel Dawang Road now and receive a complimentary welcome drink upon check-in! Plus, enjoy early check-in (based on availability) for those jet-lagged arrivals.
Don't miss out on this opportunity to experience Beijing in comfort and safety. Book today! (And hey, if you're like me, you'll appreciate the free water.)
Escape to Paradise: Orion Retreat, Darjeeling's Hidden Gem
Okay, buckle up buttercups! We're NOT going to create a pristine, perfectly-structured travel itinerary. This is going to be a glorious, slightly-chaotic, beautifully-humanized (and hopefully, genuinely helpful) plan for a stay at the Atour Hotel Beijing National Trading West Dawang Road, Beijing, China. Prepare for opinions, tangents, and the occasional existential crisis. Let's DO this!
The "Barely-Holding-It-Together-But-Loving-It" Beijing Adventure (Atour Hotel Edition)
Day 1: Arrival and the Great Wall – or, the Day I Almost Ended Up in Mongolia
Morning (6:00 AM - 8:00 AM): Wake up in my own bed, feeling relatively prepared. Pack the essentials: comfy shoes (essential!), noise-canceling headphones (a necessity!), a ridiculously large bag of snacks (because, anxiety), and a healthy dose of "fake it 'til you make it" confidence.
Morning (8:00 AM - 12:00 PM): Arrive at Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK). Ugh, airports. The smells, the crowds, the pure logistics of existing… it's all so much. Finding the airport express train felt like an Olympic sport. (Pro Tip: Download a translation app. Seriously.) Thankfully, the people were incredibly helpful.
Afternoon (12:00 PM - 2:00 PM): Check in to the Atour Hotel. The lobby is surprisingly sleek! Feels like walking into a Pinterest board. My room is… well, it's a room. Clean, functional, and thankfully, with an air conditioner that actually works. The struggle is real when it comes to jet lag. But also, I NEED FOOD
Afternoon (2:00 PM - 6:00 PM): The Great Wall of China - Mutianyu Section.. Okay, this was on my list. And I am forever changed. I mean, LOOK AT IT. Majestic. Breathtaking. The sheer scale of it is mind-boggling. Walking along the wall, I felt a surge of emotion. It's a crazy experience on an even crazier historical site. Do you know what this place meant for the people who built it? The hardships and ingenuity that went into it? My mind was literally blown. Okay, tangent, over (probably).
- Side Note: The hike up was… energetic. Let's just say my cardio is questionable, and I may have stopped to catch my breath approximately every five steps. Worth it. Absolutely worth it. I am so glad I went to Mutianyu and not the crowded Badaling.
Evening (6:00 PM - 8:00 PM): Dinner at a local restaurant near the wall. Tried a plate of dumplings. Seriously. The best dumplings I EVER had. Also, I think I inadvertently pointed at a dish and ended up with something I couldn't quite identify (meat and something deep fried). Still delicious, though.
Evening (8:00 PM - 9:00 PM): Back to the hotel. Collapse. Seriously, I'm going to sleep for 12 hours.
Day 2: Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square, and Street Food – or, the Day I Felt Like a Tiny Ant
- Morning (8:00 AM - 12:00 PM): Forbidden City and Tiananmen Square. Okay, the Forbidden City. Just a massive, awe-inspiring collection of imperial buildings. The scale is truly mind-boggling. I've never seen so much red and gold in my life! Definitely a must-see, even if you have to push through the crowds. I swear, there were thousands of people!
- Lunch (12:00 PM - 1:00 PM): Grab a quick lunch.
- Afternoon (1:00 PM - 5:00 PM): Back to the Atour Hotel. After a day of walking, my feet are KILLING me.
- Evening (5:00 PM - 9:00 PM): Street food adventure! I did A LOT of research on this. And this is what happens when you are willing to be adventurous. I walked a few streets over from the hotel. The street food offerings were incredible, the smells were even more intense, and the whole experience was a sensory overload in the best possible way. Skewers of everything! The grilled lamb was phenomenal! I tried something that looked like a pancake, and it turned out to be a fluffy, savory delight. (Pro Tip: Don't be afraid to point and smile. It works wonders!)
- Evening (9:00 PM - 10:00 PM): Crash back at the hotel. Exhausted, happy, full of deliciousness, and slightly regretting that extra portion of spicy noodles.
Day 3: Temple of Heaven, Exploring the Hutongs, and Panda Cuteness – or, the Day My Heart Melted (and Maybe a Little Bit Broke)
Morning (9:00 AM - 12:00 PM): Temple of Heaven. This felt more calming than the last two days. Also, the architecture here is really cool and amazing. The circular design symbolizes heaven.
Lunch (12:00 PM - 1:00 PM): Grab lunch
Afternoon (1:00 PM - 5:00 PM): Hit up the hutongs. The old hutongs are filled with charm, history, and a strong sense of community. There are alleyways filled with shops, restaurants, and hidden courtyards.
Afternoon (3:00 PM - 5:00 PM): Panda Cuteness. Okay, this was a MUST. And it met (and exceeded) my expectations. It was the happiest place. Seeing pandas eat bamboo, tumble around, and generally be adorable was genuinely therapeutic. I could have stayed there for hours. (Emotional reaction level: Overwhelming)
Evening (7:00 PM - 9:00 PM): Dinner at a restaurant. I'm going to try to be adventurous again.
Evening (9:00 PM - 10:00 PM): Pack. Sigh. My trip is nearly over.
Day 4: Departure – or, the Day the Airplane Felt Like Home
- Morning (9:00 AM - 11:00 AM): Last-minute souvenir shopping and a final, lingering walk around the area near the hotel. One last look at the incredible city.
- (11:00 AM - 12:00 PM): Check Out, and Head back to PEK!.
- (2:00 PM): Flight.
Important Notes:
- Transportation: The metro is generally easy to navigate, especially with a translation app.
- Food: Be adventurous! Try everything!
- Language: Learn a few basic Mandarin phrases. It goes a long way.
- Embrace the Chaos: Things will go wrong. Schedules will get altered. That's part of the adventure. Just roll with it.
- Most importantly: Be present, be curious, and be kind. That's how you'll get the most out of Beijing.
Final Thoughts:
Beijing is a city that will challenge you, overwhelm you, inspire you, and make you laugh. It's not a perfect place, but it's an incredible one. And even with the occasional mishap, the memories – the smells, the tastes, the sights, the emotions – will stick with me forever. I can't WAIT to go back.
Almadina Smart Luxury: Porto's Most Exclusive Escape?
Atour Hotel Dawang Road: Beijing's "Best Kept Secret"? Let's Get Messy!
Okay, so, *is* Atour Dawang Road a "secret"? And is it actually *good*? Spill the tea!
The Location! Is it really as awesome as everyone says? Or is it just... Dawang Road?
Let's Talk Rooms. What's the vibe? Are they Instagrammable? (Important questions, people!)
Breakfast! The most important meal. Good, bad, or "meh"? Be honest!
Ameniteis? (Sauna? Gym? Free massage? What's the deal?)
About "Secret" Service... What was your experience with the staff? Were they helpful? Did they understand my frantic hand gestures?
The BIGGEST complaint/pet peeve! What really rubbed you the wrong way?
Overall Verdict: Would you recommend Atour Dawang Road? The money questions!
