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Future of Fire-Damaged Mandarin Oriental Beijing Still Uncertain

Where: No. 1 Hu Jia Lou, Xin Yuan Jia, Beijing, China, 100020

Could the Mandarin Oriental Beijing be closing before it's even opened?

After delays from the original opening plan of pre-2008 Olympics, the nearly-finished hotel was destroyed by a fire started by a fireworks show during Chinese New Year celebrations. Until recently, Mandarin Oriental had really only a throw-their-hands-in-the-air idea about the future (since they had signed "a long term contract to manage the hotel" and had no ownership interest in the building, things were out of their control).

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Hotel G Not Shut Down By Chinese Government

Where: 7 Worker's Stadium West Road, Beijing, China, 100020

On Monday we were sad to hear that the hip Hotel G in Beijing had been shut down by the Chinese government due to a Free Tibet protest that has taken place in one of the guest rooms, much to the dismay of the hotel staff.

The closing had been reported by a journalist from New Zealand who had taken part in the protest.

However, today the hotel has sent us a statement about the hotel's closing saying it was not done by the government at all. Instead, the hotel has had some "technical difficulties" in its soft-opening and decided not to take anymore guests during the Olympics.

An official opening date for Hotel G as not been announced so until then, the hotel remains closed.

Read the full letter from the hotel's rep after the jump.

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Hip Hotel G Shut Down By Chinese Government

Where: 7 Workers Stadium West Road, Beijing, China, 100020

We were so excited when Hotel G opened in Beijing because it was a cool new hotel that wasn't a part of some big-box US hotel chain. Also, it opened a 25 degrees burger restaurant inside.

Yet the hotel's high hopes for high occupancy during the Olympic Games have been shattered. The Chinese government has closed down the hotel because one of its rooms was used for a Free Tibet protest.

From a news report:

The new hotel, near the Workers' Stadium, is painted a garish purple - a funky newcomer to the popular area around the stadium. Staff knew nothing about the protesters gathering in a room on the sixth floor. They were innocent bystanders who had desperately tried to stop journalists from accessing the room.

That didn't matter. The hotel has been closed, the guests shifted elsewhere. Chinese justice has spoken.

The New Zealand Herald has a blow by blow account of the relatively peaceful in-room protest. However, what really sucks is that hotel employees desperately tried to stop the protest even telling journalists "Please think of all the people who work in this hotel" to no avail. Now the hotel is closed down at least for the remainder of the Olympic Games or possibly for good. Sad.

St. Regis Hotels / Starwood Hotels / Hotel Reopenings / Beijing Hotels / Olympics 2008 / Olympics Hotels / → All Tags

St. Regis Beijing Reopens After $27 Million Upgrade

Where: 21 Jianquomenwai Street, Beijing, China, 100020

Just in time for the 2008 Olympics, The St. Regis Beijing has reopened after dropping $27 million big ones into a seven and a half-month, top-to-bottom restoration and renovation of their hotel. From the official press release:

Overlooking the property's tranquil gardens, the upgraded guest rooms and suites feature extraordinary furnishing including cherry wood armoires, Chinese silk upholstery, fine European tableware, flat-panel LCD televisions and spacious work desks. In addition, WiFi service is available to all guests, throughout the hotel.

The St. Regis Beijing is located in the city's diplomatic district, near Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City. The hotel has one of the city's best Italian restaurant, Danieli's, as well as The St. Regis Spa & Club. Topping off the services, each guest will be able to take advantage of the St. Regis Butler Service.

Of course, you'll have to pay for that WiFi service. This is a St. Regis afterall. Nothing is for free.

We couldn't find anything open in the second week of August but if you are interested in visiting Beijing during the games, Starwood is directing guests to this site to leave their hotel stay requests.