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Worst Hotel Hell: The Mandarin Oriental Beijing Burns Down Before It Opens

It's what you've been waiting all year for--The 2009 HotelChatter Awards! We'll be bringing you the best and worst of the year (and the decade) all day today and part of tomorrow. Agree or disagree with our picks? Air your thoughts in comments below.

WORST HOTEL HELL: MANDARIN ORIENTAL BEIJING FIRE

If you've ever stayed in a Mandarin Oriental Hotel before, it will likely be an luxury hotel experience you (and your wallet) won't forget. Which is why it was so sad that the Mandarin Oriental Beijing burned down just as it was nearing completion. Even sadder, the fire was a result of Chinese New Year fireworks that had been set off by China's state-run broadcasting company near the hotel. D'oh.

The fire-ravaged hotel is still standing and the hotel's website says that the project has (obviously) been postponed. According to the StructureHub blog, the hotel can be repaired but may not necessarily rebuilt. We hope something good can come from these luxury ashes.

Keep reading for more of the year's worst events.

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