Grand Hyatt Beijing at Oriental Plaza5

The Grand Hyatt Beijing offers guests a unique combination of a prestigious location in the very heart of the capital and first-class facilities, though the experience can vary considerably depending on the room category chosen. According to reviews, the hotel’s main strengths remain its magnificent indoor tropical resort-style pool, exceptionally varied breakfasts, and attentive staff ready to help in any situation. At the same time, guests often note the contrast between the refurbished contemporary rooms and the dated rooms in the older wing, where musty odors are sometimes noticeable. This is a classic premium hotel that is ideally suited for family holidays and business trips, provided you pay close attention to the room category you select.

Key Observations

Trajectory: The hotel is undergoing a large-scale, phased renovation. Guests in mid-2026 reviews note the appearance of modern refurbished rooms on the upper floors, while complaints about musty smells and worn-out equipment now mostly refer to the older room stock on lower levels.

Tropical oasis: The heated indoor pool, designed like a tropical resort, consistently delights guests of all ages and is considered one of the best in Beijing.

Outstanding staff: The concierge and front desk teams have earned numerous personal thanks for helping arrange trips to the Great Wall and solving complex practical problems.

Direct access to amenities: A convenient exit from the lobby leads directly to the underground level of the Oriental Plaza shopping centre, allowing guests to access the metro and visit restaurants without stepping outside.

Main Pros

• The most ideal location within walking distance of the Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square, and Wangfujing shopping street.
• A luxurious indoor pool and a fully renewed modern spa complex with sauna and hammam.
• Exceptional buffet breakfasts with a huge selection of Asian and European dishes.
• Professional service from Russian-speaking managers (such as Anna and Julia) and concierge staff assisting foreign tourists.
• Spacious apartments with a private kitchen and washing machine, which is very convenient for family stays.

Main Cons

• Some rooms in the old wing look “tired”, have low ceilings, and a peculiar smell (tobacco or dampness).
• Unreliable climate control: some guests complain of weak air conditioning in summer and draughts or cold in rooms during winter.
• High prices for extra services, including breakfast (if paid separately) and drinks at the lobby bar.
• Delays in refunding the security deposit upon checkout, causing dissatisfaction among foreign guests.

Overall Grade: B

Hotel Overview

Basic Information:

• Name — Grand Hyatt Beijing (北京东方君悦大酒店)
• Pinyin — Běijīng Dōngfāng Jūnyuè Dàjiǔdiàn
• Address — Oriental Plaza, 1 East Chang'an Avenue, Dongcheng District, Beijing, 100738, China
• Contact details — telephone +86-10-85181234
• Year opened — 2001 (partial renovation in 2015, planned room updates continuing in 2026)
• Number of rooms — 518
• Positioning and category — five-star premium hotel, catering to business travellers, families, and discerning tourists.

Description: The hotel is a large urban complex integrated into one of Beijing’s biggest business centres. The design blends contemporary urban style with traditional Chinese decorative elements. The hotel’s greatest pride is its vast atrium and the renowned Club Oasis wellness centre with its famous pool. Rates on the club floors include access to the Grand Club lounge on the 17th floor.

Target Audience: Business people, families with children who value comfort and safety, and tourists planning to actively explore Beijing’s historical sights.

Location & Transport

Location: The hotel sits on Chang'an Avenue, in the very heart of Beijing’s business and tourist hub. Its immediate proximity to Wangfujing makes it an ideal base for shopping. The only downside is frequent traffic jams on the central streets during the day.

Key Points of Interest: Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City are a 15-minute walk away. Beijing Railway Station is just 2 km away, and Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK) is 28 km distant.

Transport: Wangfujing metro station is 300 metres away and connected via an underground passage to the shopping centre beneath the hotel. Taxis or airport transfers can be arranged at the reception desk.

Walkability: The area around the hotel is entirely pedestrianised, safe, and comfortable for strolling at any time of day.

Grade: A+

Rooms & Cleanliness

The rating of rooms depends on their category. The refurbished, contemporary rooms on the upper floors delight with stylish design, wooden floors, comfortable mattresses, and large bathrooms. Family apartments are equipped with handy kitchenettes and washing machines. However, the older standard rooms draw criticism for worn furniture, low ceilings, and odd smells. Cleanliness is maintained to a high standard thanks to daily thorough housekeeping, though occasional minor slip-ups have been noted. Soundproofing is good, but street noise from car horns occasionally reaches the lower floors.

Grade: B

Service

The hotel staff are trained to the highest standards of the international Hyatt chain. Guests speak especially warmly of the Russian-speaking employees Anna and Julia at the front desk, who quickly resolve any problems that arise. Concierge Scott has earned heartfelt thanks for helping arrange visits to the Great Wall. Nevertheless, there is sometimes a language barrier with line-level staff in the restaurants. Check-in and check-out are efficient, but the process of freezing and refunding the deposit to foreign cards can drag on.

Grade: A-

Dining

The buffet breakfasts earn the most enthusiastic praise thanks to an incredible variety of Asian and European dishes, including fresh noodle stations and excellent pastries. The Grand Club lounge on the 17th floor serves a full dinner (“happy hour”) with alcoholic drinks and hot canapés in the evening. The hotel also houses the famous Made in China restaurant, which serves Peking duck, though some guests consider its cuisine overrated.

Grade: A

Facilities & Amenities

The star attraction of the facilities is the Club Oasis wellness area with its grand indoor pool surrounded by tropical plants, artificial rocks, and waterfalls. Guests also have access to an ultra-modern, spacious gym, sauna, steam bath, and Jacuzzi. The hotel offers excellent conditions for hosting business events and conferences. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout, although speeds can sometimes be slow.

Grade: A+

Important Notes

• Upon check-in, the hotel requires a substantial deposit (around 1 000 CNY per night), which is held on the card and may take several weeks to be refunded.
• The cost of additional services, including breakfast (around 258 CNY per adult) and drinks at the bar, is quite high.
• When booking, it is advisable to avoid non-renovated standard rooms.

Practical Tips for Guests

• When booking, definitely request an updated room on the upper floors (Renovated Room) to guarantee a modern interior without unpleasant smells.
• Use the metro to get around the city — Wangfujing station is linked to the Oriental Plaza shopping centre via an underground passage, so you can reach the train without stepping outside.
• Be sure to visit the famous Club Oasis pool, especially in the evening when the atmospheric lighting comes on.
• If you're travelling as a family, choose an apartment — they come with a washing machine and kitchenette, which is extremely practical.
• If you encounter language difficulties or have trouble booking tickets, approach the Russian-speaking managers at the front desk — they are always ready to help.
• You can have a cheaper breakfast at the Paris Baguette bakery or at the many cafés in the shopping centre directly beneath the hotel.

Final Verdict

The Grand Hyatt Beijing is a solid, stately hotel in the city’s top location, offering a high level of comfort in its renovated rooms and a superb wellness area, justifying its five-star status.

Overall Grade: B

Breakdown: Location: A+ | Rooms: B | Service: A- | Dining: A | Facilities: A+ | Value for Money: B

Best for: Families with children, business travellers, and tourists who value proximity to main attractions and well-developed infrastructure.

Not for: Those seeking an ultra-modern boutique hotel at a low price or who are sensitive to possible delays in the release of deposits.