Beijing's Hidden Gem: Atour Hotel Lishuiqiao - Unbelievable Luxury!
Beijing's Hidden Gem: Atour Hotel Lishuiqiao - Unbelievable Luxury! - A "Real" Review (and Why You NEED to Stay Here)
Okay, buckle up, because I'm about to tell you about a hotel that almost made me miss my flight home. Almost. We're talking the Atour Hotel Lishuiqiao in Beijing. And let me tell you, "unbelievable luxury" is NOT hyperbole.
First things first: The Hype & Accessibility (or Lack Thereof…ish)
Finding this place was like stumbling upon a secret society. It's tucked away, which is part of its charm, but also means… let's be honest, the accessibility isn't perfect. While they do have facilities for disabled guests and elevator, navigating the area around the hotel with a wheelchair might be a bit… adventurous. Probably best to call ahead and confirm your needs. Honestly, though, once you're in the hotel, they seem genuinely committed to making things work.
Once You're In… Whoa. (And the Wi-Fi is Free! Hallelujah!)
Okay, let's cut to the chase. The rooms. The rooms. Seriously, I’ve stayed in places that cost twice as much and felt like a cardboard box. This place? Pure, unadulterated comfort. Air conditioning that actually works (a Beijing miracle!), blackout curtains that obliterate even the faintest sunrise (bliss!), a desk that I actually wanted to work at (shocking!), and a seating area that practically begged me to curl up with a good book (which, you know, I did… eventually). And breathe…
And about the Wi-Fi… Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! Seriously, it's like a core tenant of the hotel! And it actually works! It was stable enough for me to upload 12 photos and make a video call to my grandmother—that's a win in my book. Internet access is also available via Internet [LAN] if you're feeling old-school, which is cool.
The Room Itself: A Sensory Symphony
The bathrobes were like clouds, and the slippers were pure luxury. The complimentary tea was a godsend after navigating the Beijing traffic. The mini bar… well, let's just say it contributed to a few late-night cravings. Every detail, from the hair dryer to the in-room safe box, was thoughtfully considered. The interconnecting room(s) available, is great for families. And I’m going to admit, I really, really loved the extra long bed—perfect for sprawling out after a day of sightseeing. I mean, this wasn’t just a hotel room; it felt like a sanctuary.
Cleanliness & Safety: They're Taking it Seriously (Thank Goodness!)
This is where Atour really shines. They've got the whole Cleanliness and safety thing down pat. I mean, in the post-pandemic world, you want to know you're safe, right? They use Anti-viral cleaning products, have Daily disinfection in common areas, and offer Room sanitization opt-out available (which, honestly, I loved!). Hand sanitizer is everywhere, and the staff are very obviously Staff trained in safety protocol. Seriously, the lengths they go to make you feel secure are impressive. And the Hygiene certification made me feel more at ease. Also: First aid kit and Doctor/nurse on call.
Dining, Drinking & Snacking: Fueling the Fun
Okay, confession time. I’m a sucker for a good breakfast buffet. And the Asian breakfast they offer? Divine! The Breakfast [buffet] was epic. Also, the Asian cuisine in restaurant was fantastic, The Coffee shop was a regular haunt of mine. They even have a Poolside bar, which, let's be honest, is always a good idea. I never tried the Breakfast takeaway service, but it was a thoughtful touch. The Happy hour at the bar was, shall we say, very popular with yours truly. The Room service [24-hour] option was a lifesaver when I was battling jet lag at 3 am and needed a snack. I didn’t get a chance to try the Soup in restaurant but heard nice things. Bottle of water, in every room.
Things to Do, Ways to Relax… And My Near-Death Experience in the Sauna!
Right, so the Fitness center is legitimately impressive. I mean, I intended to use it. (Let's just say I spent more time at the Poolside bar). The Swimming pool [outdoor] looked inviting, (I’m not sure if it was heated. I didn’t go). But the Sauna? Oh. My. God. I'm not a sauna person, but I figured, "Hey, vacation!" I went in. It was hot. Then it got really hot. I thought I was going to spontaneously combust. I stumbled out, legs like jelly, vowing never to enter a sauna again. (Maybe I'm being dramatic. Okay, I probably am.) But the fact that they offer all this, including Spa, is a testament to the overall luxury. They also have a Foot bath that I can recommend.
Services & Conveniences: Making Life Easier (and My Travels Less Chaotic)
Okay, this hotel gets it. From the Air conditioning in public area to the Air conditioning, from the Concierge service (super helpful in navigating Beijing) Cash withdrawal is a must, the Daily housekeeping (bless them!) to the Dry cleaning service (essential after a week of travel), they've pretty much thought of everything. The Food delivery option was great. Luggage storage made my departure day much smoother. There's the Elevator. And let's not forget the Car park [free of charge]. They even offer Contactless check-in/out.
The Quirks (and the Occasional Hiccup):
There was a slight mix-up with my wake-up call. Okay, I slept through my first one. Then someone walked in on me, the front desk’s mistake. The next wake-up call actually worked. And the language barrier (as with much of Beijing) can be a little tricky. But the staff are so genuinely friendly and helpful – even if they don't always understand your broken Mandarin – that it doesn't really matter.
For the Kids:
While I wasn't traveling with kids, it's clear this hotel is Family/child friendly. They have Babysitting service and Kids meal options. Which is a great touch.
Getting Around:
They offer Airport transfer. They have a Car park [free of charge]. There I can see a Taxi service.
The Real Selling Point: The Vibe
Honestly, what made this place special wasn't just the fluffy towels and the free Wi-Fi (though those were definitely bonuses). It was the overall vibe. The staff were genuinely friendly and helpful (even when I was a sleep-deprived mess). The hotel had a sense of calm and serenity that's a welcome escape from the hustle and bustle of Beijing.
The Verdict: Book It. Seriously. Just Book It.
Look, I'm not one for hyperbole. But the Atour Hotel Lishuiqiao? It was genuinely fantastic. It's luxurious, comfortable, clean, and the staff go the extra mile. It’s a haven in the heart of Beijing. Yes, the location is a bit off the beaten path. Yes, the accessibility could be better. But the pros way outweigh the cons.
Here's the Offer You CAN'T Refuse:
Escape to Beijing's Hidden Gem: Atour Hotel Lishuiqiao – Your Luxury Getaway Awaits!
Book your stay NOW and receive:
- Early Bird Discount: Get 15% off your room rate when you book at least 30 days in advance!
- Complimentary Upgrade: Upgrade to a room with a balcony (subject to availability) for a truly unforgettable experience!
- Free Breakfast for Two: Start your day with a delicious Asian breakfast buffet, on the house! (A $30 value!)
- Exclusive Spa Voucher: Enjoy a 20% discount on any spa treatment to truly relax and unwind.
This offer is only valid for a limited time. Don't miss out on your chance to experience the unbelievable luxury of the Atour Hotel Lishuiqiao. Book now and prepare to be amazed!
Click here to book your escape to Beijing's Hidden Gem! (Insert Booking Link Here)
And trust me, you won't regret it. I’m still dreaming about those bathrobes…
Unbelievable Lake Yamanaka Views: Rakuten STAY VILLA Awaits!
Okay, here we go. Buckle up, buttercups, because this isn't your sanitized travel brochure itinerary. This is the real deal, Beijing edition, from the slightly-too-plush-for-its-own-good Atour Hotel in Lishuiqiao. Prepare for some rambling, some gripes, some pure, unadulterated joy, and a whole lotta "I wish I'd packed hand sanitizer."
Beijing Pilgrimage: A Week of Chaos, Noodles, and Questionable Decisions
Day 1: Arrival and the Grand Illusion (Plus Jet Lag, Obviously)
- Time: 6:00 AM - 8:00 AM: "Wake up" (more like, crawl out of bed) in my sterile, air-conditioned palace at the Atour. It's beautiful, I'll give them that. But seriously, who needs four pillows? I feel like I'm auditioning for a princess movie. Breakfast? A watery, slightly-fishy congee situation. Already regretting not grabbing a granola bar at the airport.
- Time: 8:00 AM - 10:00 AM: Transportation (taxi)- The taxi driver acted like navigating the roads of Beijing was the highlight of his entire month. I wasn't sure if he was talking me or the other cars around us, it didn't matter it was a rush!
- Time: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM: It was a struggle to find the right entrance to the Forbidden City, it seemed like it took me on a 8-mile-long loop! It was beautiful. Overwhelming, but beautiful. You stand there, gawking at the sheer scale. It’s like, "Oh, this is just… a whole kingdom." But then, my phone dies. Disaster.
- Time: 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM: Lunch: The first order of business after the Forbidden City? Find a noodle stall. This is where things get truly messy. I wandered away from the tourist areas because, well, the prices were horrifying. Found a tiny place with a huge queue. "Lost in translation" is an understatement. I pointed at noodles, gestured wildly, and ended up with something that looked like a delicious, oily, chili-laden explosion in my mouth. (And let's be honest, it was an explosion, of flavor!). Worth it. Absolutely worth it.
- Time: 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM: Temple of Heaven. The park area was beautiful. I watched a group of elderly people doing Tai Chi. I tried to mimic a few moves. I looked ridiculous. They were very amused.
- Time: 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM: The walk back to Atour Hotel. Okay, I am exhausted. The jet lag is hitting me hard. I could fall asleep standing up. I almost miss the subway station.
- Time: 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM: Dinner at a restaurant called "The Spicy Bowl." Oh, my God. So freaking spicy. My tongue is still tingling. They gave me an American Menu. It was like, "Are you sure you want that?" Yes, I'm sure. But maybe I shouldn't have ordered the "triple pepper inferno noodles."
- Time: 8:00 PM - Bedtime: I just want to sleep. The bed is so comfortable, and the room is so dark and quiet… Zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz…
Day 2: The Great Wall (and the Great Climb to Regret)
- Time: 7:00 AM - 9:00 AM: Breakfast. Back to the congee. This time, I add a dollop of mystery meat. It was… interesting.
- Time: 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM: The Great Wall! Specifically, Mutianyu. Everyone says it's less crowded than Badaling and oh boy, was it worth it. The air was crisp, the views were breathtaking. But the climb… good lord. My legs felt like they had a serious argument overnight and decided not to be friends anymore. I swear, the steps got steeper and steeper. I was panting like a dog, red-faced, and questioning every single life choice that led me here. But then, you reach the top. And… it's just, wow. Suddenly, all the pain melts away. Okay, for about five minutes. Then the exhaustion hits again.
- Time: 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM: The toboggan ride down. Yes. Absolutely yes. This is the best thing ever. A rush of pure, unadulterated fun. I screamed like a child. Pure bliss.
- Time: 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM: Lunch: Found a cute little place at the base of the Wall. This time, I managed to order a relatively mild dish. Victory! But the beer… oh, the beer. Cold, crisp, and perfect after that climb.
- Time: 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM: Back at the Atour, I crashed. A blissful nap. Seriously, I needed to recharge.
- Time: 4:00 PM - Whenever: So, I got lost on the subway. Again. It happens. Eventually, after a bit of panicked flailing, I made it back to the hotel.
- Time: 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM: Dinner: I have no energy to leave the hotel, so I order room service. The "Western-style burger" is… well, let's just say it's interpreting the concept of a burger very loosely.
- Time: 8:00 PM - Bedtime: Scrolling through social media with my phone, I'm seeing the pictures of my friends at home, which makes me both jealous and homesick.
Day 3: The Art of Haggling (and the Battle for My Sanity)
- Time: 8:00 AM - 10:00 AM: Breakfast. Still at the Atour, so you know the drill.
- Time: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM: Silk Market. A tourist trap? Absolutely. A chaotic, overwhelming, sensory overload? Yep. But also… kinda fun. I walked into this place with the mindset that I would not purchase anything. Then I found this amazing silk scarf. I'm not too good at bargaining, but I managed to get it for, maybe a reasonable price.
- Time: 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM: Lunch at a restaurant that claims to serve authentic Peking Duck (which, let's be honest, is what every single restaurant in Beijing claims). This was an experience. Watching the chef carve the duck was a work of art. The duck itself? Crispy, delicious, and absolutely worth the price. My wallet is weeping, but my taste buds are ecstatic.
- Time: 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM: Exploring the hutongs. Wandering through the narrow alleys, getting lost, stumbling upon tiny teahouses, it was a welcome change of pace from the more overwhelming attractions.
- Time: 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM: The tea ceremony I attended was so calming, I even broke out into a meditative stance.
- Time: 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM: Dinner. Found a small, family-run place. Again, it was a bit of a gamble ordering. But I got a bowl of noodles in a spicy peanut sauce that was so good. I forgot all my troubles while shoveling those noodles into my face.
- Time: 8:00 PM - Bedtime: Another early night.
Day 4: Imperial Drama and Bird's Nest Shenanigans
- Time: 8:00 AM - 10:00 AM: Breakfast, followed by trying to assemble a coherent sentence.
- Time: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM: The Summer Palace. Stunning. The gardens are a perfect antidote to the chaos of the city.
- Time: 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM: Lunch. Picked-up some dumplings from a street vendor. The best decision I've made all day.
- Time: 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM: Beijing National Stadium (Bird's nest). This structure is massive. And a bit… strange. It's a cool photo op but the whole Olympic experience is lost on me.
- Time: 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM: Back to the hotel for some writing.
- Time: 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM: Dinner. Pizza delivery from the hotel. I miss my comfort food.
- Time: 8:00 PM - Bedtime: I'm starting to feel a little lost
Atour Hotel Lishuiqiao: My Love-Hate Letter to Beijing's "Unbelievable Luxury"
(Because "unbelievable" sometimes translates to "slightly bonkers.")
Okay, so, "Unbelievable Luxury," huh? What's the REAL deal with Atour Hotel Lishuiqiao? Spill the tea!
Alright, buckle up, buttercup. "Unbelievable" is accurate... in a very *specific* way. Think less Four Seasons, more... a meticulously designed dreamscape with a few cracks in the paint. Let's be honest, the pictures are *gorgeous*. The lobby? Instagram gold. Those fluffy robes? Yes, YES, I'll take three! But then you notice the elevator is slightly wonky sometimes. And the "included" minibar snacks? Well, let's just say I once contemplated smuggling my own Pringles in. Because, you know... priorities. Plus, finding this place is a QUEST. Seriously, it's like a treasure hunt. But when you *do* arrive... it's pretty damn special. It IS luxury, just... with a healthy dose of *character*.
Is it *actually* luxurious? Like, what makes it stand out from, say, a Holiday Inn Express (bless their hearts)?
Okay, deep breath. We're talking *aspirational* luxury. Not the kind where a butler anticipates your every whim (although... a girl can dream). It's the details, people! Think: incredibly comfortable bed. Like, seriously, I considered moving in. The design, gorgeous, almost aggressively stylish. The rainfall shower? A religious experience after a day of battling the Beijing crowds. And the little touches, like the (slightly overpriced) in-room tea selection curated by some fancy tea sommelier. Oh, and the smell? It's a signature scent, a sort of calming, vaguely floral incense that immediately puts you at ease. It’s luxurious like a well-dressed friend with a slightly leaky faucet.
What about the location? Is Lishuiqiao even a real place? Is it convenient for, you know, *doing stuff*?
Lishuiqiao *is* a real place! And it's... well, it's a bit of an adventure. Let's be candid: you're not smack-dab in the Forbidden City's backyard. You're a bit further out, which means you get a taste of the *real* Beijing, the residential parts, the bustling local markets. The upside? It's right next to the subway, which is shockingly efficient (most of the time). The downside? Those subway rides can get... intimate during rush hour. Think sardines in a can, but with more elbows. But honestly, the metro is the lifeblood of the city. Embrace the chaos, my friend. And hey, at least you're not paying Central Beijing prices!
Okay, let's talk about the *rooms*. Are they as good as the photos suggest? And is it really *clean*? I have issues.
The rooms? Mostly! I mean, they're definitely stylish. Think minimalist chic meets subtle oriental influence. The bed? Heavenly. The lighting? Perfect for Instagramming your breakfast (because, let's be real, we all do it). The cleanliness? Top-notch! (and if you're like me, you check *everything*). I once walked in and immediately started searching for dust bunnies. Found none. Seriously, props to the housekeeping staff. They're like ninja cleaners. However, and here's where my inner critic comes out... the outlets. Sometimes they're a little... shy. You know, the kind that require some serious coaxing to hold your charger. Minor gripe, but a gripe nonetheless. The rooms *do* feel fresh and modern. You wont regret it.
Tell me about a *specific* experience that either blew your mind or made you want to throw a pillow at a wall.
Okay, buckle up for this one. The *breakfast*. Oh, the breakfast. The photos promised a feast: perfectly sculpted pastries, gleaming fruit, and a coffee machine that looked like it belonged on a spaceship. The reality? It was... inconsistent. One day, heaven on a plate. The next? A slightly sad-looking selection of lukewarm scrambled eggs and what I *think* was supposed to be bacon. Honestly, I went through a whole emotional rollercoaster with that breakfast buffet. There was a day I was so disappointed, I almost cried. (Don't judge me, I was hangry). Another day I felt transported to a Parisian cafe. The service? Sometimes amazing, sometimes… a little bewildered by my attempts to order coffee in my broken Mandarin. The *potential* is there, the promise is there, and sometimes it feels like they are SO close. But I keep going back. Because when it's good, it's *really* good. And the anticipation? Makes it all the more exciting. Breakfast, at the Atour, is a gamble. And I'm a gambler at heart.
Is there a gym? And more importantly, is it any good?
Yes, there's a gym! And it's... adequate. Let's put it that way. It's not a full-blown fitness center, but it has the essentials: treadmills, some weights, and that feeling of silent judgment that all hotel gyms seem to cultivate. It's clean, which is a win. It's also usually empty, which is another win (unless you are me, and immediately feel guilty that you *should* be working out but are, instead, contemplating the merits of room service). Don't expect to build your Olympic physique there. But if you need to squeeze in a quick workout to assuage your travel guilt, it'll do the trick.
Any downsides? What should I be aware of before I book?
Aside from the slightly-out-of-the-way location (which can be a plus, honestly) and the occasionally-questionable breakfast situation, there are a few things to consider. The English proficiency of the staff can be a bit hit-or-miss. Brush up on your Mandarin phrases, or be prepared to use Google Translate. The neighborhood, while safe, isn't exactly buzzing with nightlife. So if you're looking for late-night revelry, you might need to hop in a cab. And finally: embrace the small imperfections. It's part of the charm, seriously. This isn't a sterile, corporate hotel. It's got a personality. Sometimes that personality is a little quirky, but it's always interesting. And, let’s be honest, that feeling when you first walk into that lobby? Priceless.
Would you recommend it? And if so, who is this hotel *really* for?
Absolutely, yes! But with the caveat that I've laid out the good, the bad, and the slightly-wonky. Who is it for? People who appreciate stylish design, a comfortable bed, and don't mind a little bit ofHotel Bliss Search
