Starting the day perfectly with a super five-star experience!
The most delightful surprise during this stay was undoubtedly the hotel's breakfast. It perfectly embodies the luxury and thoughtfulness of a super five-star hotel; calling it the 'pinnacle of breakfast' is no exaggeration. Since I was traveling with my child and elderly parents, they place a high importance on breakfast. The plan was basically to eat until full, then head out to play, and finally grab some local delicacies in the afternoon when hungry again.
But back to the breakfast, haha. The sheer variety was dazzling, with a perfect blend of Chinese and Western stations that felt like a culinary world tour. In the Chinese section, the freshly cooked braised beef noodles had a broth that was incredibly savory and delicious. I highly recommend the instant noodles (for instant noodle fanatics), especially with toppings like braised beef brisket—it's absolutely divine. There were also steaming hot Cantonese shrimp dumplings and siu mai, each bite bursting with authentic flavor, even better than what you'd find in a Cantonese restaurant. The freshly baked waffles were crispy and sweet, the muffins soft and moist, and the chef could even custom-make Eggs Benedict with your preferred toppings, offering a delicate and smooth texture. The quality of the ingredients was visibly high-end. Seasonal fruits were neatly cut and plump, with juicy sweet watermelon, fresh blueberries, grapefruit, and golden kiwi. The cold cuts and cheese slices were of superior quality. In addition to freshly ground coffee, there were various fresh juices; the orange juice, watermelon juice, and especially the apple carrot juice, all had a fresh fruit aroma that concentrated drinks simply can't compare to.
The service and ambiance further elevated the breakfast experience. The dining area was spacious and bright, with window seats offering beautiful views of the Forbidden City. The morning light streaming in created a wonderful sense of occasion. The staff were prompt in clearing plates, always with a friendly smile, and would even proactively recommend signature dishes. Food replenishment was quick, so empty platters were never an issue.
This breakfast transcended the meaning of merely 'eating until full'; it was a dual enjoyment for both the palate and the experience. Waking up early for this breakfast was absolutely worth it, and it truly makes the hotel's 'super five-star' reputation well-deserved.
The room was very comfortable, and the bathroom area was spacious, not cramped at all. The unlimited complimentary mineral water was a fantastic touch. All the staff members, both male and female, were attractive, and the auntie who delivered amenities was gentle and kind. I'll definitely stay here again next time I'm in Beijing—it's simply amazing! Oh, and the hotel has a wonderful scent, a unique and sophisticated fragrance. It's super child-friendly; the staff proactively engaged in conversation and inquiries, communicating fluently in both Chinese and English. Even the disposable toiletries were made of wood, which felt incredibly high-quality. I even took the small wooden comb as a souvenir, haha.
- M330467****
This is the second Mandarin Oriental property I've stayed at by myself this year. The view of the Forbidden City from the Mandarin room is even more breathtaking in person than in photos or videos. The room was almost flawless, except for a slight odor from the bathroom. The service provided immense emotional value, with many delightful surprises. On my first day, several staff members already knew my surname, and my deliveries were brought directly to my room by staff. The soft drinks in the minibar were unlimited, and I also received a complimentary bottle of champagne and welcome fruits. During turn-down service in the evening, I was given a sleep spray, and the bath salts were different scents on both nights. Breakfast was a buffet combined with a la carte options, and every staff member provided excellent service. I had a meal at the Chinese restaurant, but unfortunately didn't get to try the steakhouse. The bar staff were also very enthusiastic and gave me a tour of several of the private 'yurt' rooms. Before checking out, Cassie and Mavvin at the front desk not only applied the deductions for my stay but also gave me a small gift. The spa was also good, though the pool was a bit on the small side.
- YuliaSong