Laura
Last Updated on October 13, 2026 by Laura
In this Kerry Hotel Beijing review I’ll share what we loved, what could have been better, and why Kerry Hotel Beijing is worth considering if you’re planning a family trip to China’s fascinating capital.
Located in the heart of Beijing’s Central Business District (CBD), Kerry Hotel by Shangri-La was our first choice for a family stay in the Chinese capital. And if, like me ✋ you are a fan of Early Spring, you might recognise this part of the city from the drama. Choosing where to stay in Beijing, however, proved more challenging than I had anticipated. As soon as I began planning our trip to China, I realised just how difficult it could be to find a hotel that genuinely catered to families. Some properties offered beautiful rooms that were simply too small for four people; others were inconveniently located or felt a little dated. Finding somewhere that combined space, comfort, modern facilities and a convenient location was no easy task.
Table of Contents
Why I chose Kerry Hotel by Shangri-la for our stay in Beijing
Choosing the right hotel in Beijing can make a surprising difference to your experience of the city. China’s capital is vast, its most celebrated landmarks are often scattered across considerable distances, and a day spent exploring imperial palaces, ancient temples and historic neighbourhoods can leave even the most enthusiastic traveller longing for somewhere comfortable to retreat to. In a city where the choice of accommodation is as impressive as its skyline, the right base is not simply a luxury; it can shape the rhythm of your entire trip.
Beijing is certainly not short of spectacular hotels. Some remain firmly on my personal bucket list, promising the kind of design-led interiors and exceptional service that make a stay feel like an experience in its own right. Yet, when travelling as a family, even the most beautiful properties can fall short in one important respect: practicality.
During our travels around China, finding genuinely family-friendly accommodation proved more challenging than I had anticipated. Rooms were often beautifully appointed, but their layouts seemed better suited to couples, with limited options for extra beds or interconnecting rooms. For families travelling with young children, these seemingly small details can make all the difference between a seamless stay and a logistical puzzle.
Kerry Hotel Beijing the right choice for a family trip
This is where the Kerry Hotel Beijing, part of the Shangri-La group, changed the picture for us. I was already familiar with the reputation of an established international hospitality brand, but it was the hotel’s family-friendly facilities that ultimately won me over. The prospect of interconnecting rooms, combined with the welcome addition of a children’s playground, made it an appealing choice for our time in Beijing.
For a family exploring one of Asia’s most fascinating capitals, the promise was compelling: the comfort and service of an international luxury hotel, without having to compromise on the practicalities of travelling with children. And sometimes, that is precisely what makes a hotel worth choosing.
Where is Kerry Hotel Beijing?
Kerry Hotel Beijing at a glance
📍 Location: Beijing CBD
⭐ Category: 5-star
🏨 Brand: Shangri-La
🚇 Nearest Metro Station: Guomao (14 mins walk)
✈️ Beijing Capital Airport: approximately 25km (25/30 mins by Taxi)
🏛️ Tiananmen Square: approximately 7.5 km (20 mins by Taxi)
🇨🇳 Forbidden City: approximately 5.9 km (14 mins by Taxi)
Set in Beijing’s Central Business District (CBD), Kerry Hotel Beijing occupies a very different side of the Chinese capital from the imperial landmarks and historic neighbourhoods that tend to define the city’s image abroad. Here, the traditional Beijing of palaces, temples and ancient alleyways gives way to a more contemporary urban landscape of glass skyscrapers, luxury shopping malls and international business towers. It is a fascinating contrast, and one that reveals just how many different identities coexist within this sprawling metropolis.
The CBD is Beijing at its most cosmopolitan. Luxury retail takes centre stage at destinations such as SKP Beijing, renowned for its extraordinary sales performance, while China World Mall brings together international fashion houses, restaurants and premium shopping under one roof. The neighbourhood is also home to an impressive concentration of five-star hotels and fine-dining establishments, making it a natural choice for travellers who appreciate the comforts of a well-connected, modern urban district.
For an international point of reference, think Canary Wharf in London or the Financial District in New York: a district shaped by business and contemporary architecture, with a distinctly metropolitan atmosphere.
But does staying in the CBD make sense if you’re visiting Beijing for its history?
In our experience, absolutely.
Although Kerry Hotel Beijing is not in the historic centre, we found its location a practical base for exploring both the city’s major attractions and the Great Wall. Beijing’s immense scale means that no single neighbourhood places every landmark on your doorstep. What matters more is how easily you can move between them, and here the CBD proved a convenient starting point.
We relied almost entirely on Didi, China’s ride-hailing service, which was readily available during our stay. Having a car at our disposal made getting around straightforward and allowed us to organise our sightseeing without feeling that every excursion required a complicated journey across the city. Naturally, travel times depend on traffic and your chosen destination, but we found the location worked well for the kind of varied itinerary we had planned.
Getting to and from Beijing Capital International Airport was equally convenient. Our journey by car took approximately 20 minutes, making arrival and departure relatively effortless. The hotel is also within walking distance of Guomao metro station, around 14 minutes away on foot according to our estimate. From there, the city’s metro network offers an alternative to taxis for reaching central Beijing and its historic landmarks. We chose not to use public transport during this particular trip, so I cannot comment on the metro connection from personal experience.
Ultimately, Kerry Hotel Beijing may not offer the charm of waking up in a traditional hutong or the immediate proximity of a hotel beside the Forbidden City. What it does offer is a comfortable, contemporary base from which to explore the capital, with the added advantage of being well placed for travellers who want to experience both historic Beijing and its modern side.
How to book Kerry Hotel Beijing
The best way to book Kerry Hotel Beijing (and all your hotels in China is via Trip.com. However, being an upper scale property this can be found also in Booking.com. Here below the links to the direct booking:
Kerry Hotel Beijing Review
But enough about the location. Let’s get to the part that really matters: what was it actually like to stay at Kerry Hotel Beijing?
Before we begin, a quick disclaimer. This review reflects our personal experience during our stay. It was not sponsored by the hotel, and I paid for our accommodation in full. These are my own impressions, from the perspective of both a travel writer and someone who has spent more than a decade working in the luxury travel industry.
First Impressions
There is always something rather special about arriving somewhere for the first time. After all the planning, research and anticipation, you finally get to discover whether a hotel lives up to the promise of its photographs and reputation. Having worked in travel for over a decade, I also know that those first few moments can set the tone for an entire stay. Things can go wonderfully well, or they can unravel before you have even reached reception.
As our van approached the entrance of Kerry Hotel Beijing, I was quietly hoping for the former. I was also profoundly jet-lagged, having been awake for around 20 hours, which probably made me slightly less forgiving than usual.
We were greeted by a friendly valet who promptly assisted us with our luggage. It was a small but reassuring first interaction, and one that immediately suggested the kind of attentive service you would expect from a five-star hotel.
Then came the revolving door.
In my exhausted state, I genuinely risked going around it about ten times before successfully making it inside. A glamorous entrance to a luxury hotel, naturally, deserves an equally glamorous arrival. Mine was somewhat less dignified. Let’s just say that after 20 hours awake, even a revolving door can become a formidable obstacle. 😂
The lobby and check-in
The lobby at Kerry Hotel Beijing is expansive, with the contemporary feel you would expect from a large international luxury property. However, I found it a little confusing on arrival. Several desks, a steady flow of people and multiple directions to navigate made it less intuitive than I would have liked, particularly when all I wanted was to check in and get the children settled.
We later discovered that the lobby connects directly to a shopping mall, which explains some of the foot traffic. Guests and visitors move through the space to reach the restaurants and shopping areas, giving the lobby a much busier atmosphere than you might expect from a hotel reception.
Once we worked out which desk we needed, however, the check-in process was relatively smooth. I had booked directly through the Shangri-La app, so our reservation details were already in place, making the process straightforward.
A small disappointment
There was, however, one small detail that disappointed me.
Having stayed at luxury hotels before, I always appreciate those thoughtful touches that make a guest feel expected rather than simply accommodated. A handwritten welcome card, a little chocolate or a small gesture in the room can transform an ordinary arrival into something memorable. At Kerry Hotel Beijing, we found none of these on arrival.
Perhaps this sounds like a minor complaint, but thoughtful personalisation is one of the things that distinguishes exceptional hospitality from a stay that is merely comfortable. I had also indicated through the app that we were travelling with two young children. A small welcome amenity for them, whether a toy, some sweets or another child-friendly surprise, would have been a lovely touch.
Instead, that request appeared to have gone unnoticed.
The former travel agent in me couldn’t help raising an eyebrow. When a hotel provides a dedicated section for guests to communicate their preferences, you naturally hope that the information will translate into something tangible. Had I been conducting a professional hotel inspection, this would certainly have been a point worth discussing with the management team.
It wasn’t a major issue, and it didn’t spoil our stay. Nevertheless, at this level of hospitality, it is often the smallest details that leave the strongest impression.
The Room
Our choice of accommodation was one of the main reasons we booked Kerry Hotel Beijing. We opted for two interconnecting Deluxe Rooms with views of the Central Business District, giving us a combined space of approximately 76 square metres.
For families travelling with young children, interconnecting rooms can be worth their weight in gold. They offer the privacy and comfort of separate bedrooms without the worry of having little ones sleeping in a room down the corridor. After struggling to find suitable family accommodation elsewhere in China, this arrangement was precisely what we had been looking for.
Deluxe Interconnecting Room
Our rooms were located within the hotel’s designated range for interconnecting accommodation, between the seventh and twelfth floors, and the views across Beijing’s modern skyline were a lovely bonus.
Inside, the rooms felt spacious and comfortable, with plenty of room for everyone to settle in. The configuration gave us three beds in total: one king-size bed and two twin beds. The twin beds were almost comically generous for the children, who were delighted to have their own sleeping space. As for us, we were simply grateful that everyone could spread out after a long day of travelling.
The beds were exceptionally comfortable, too. On our first night, the children were asleep almost as soon as their heads touched the pillows. Given the journey we’d had, I was rather tempted to follow their example.
Another practical advantage was the bathroom arrangement. Across the two rooms, we had two bathrooms, each equipped with a shower and a bathtub, as well as two toilets in total. For a family of four, this made getting ready in the morning considerably easier and meant that nobody had to queue for the bathroom before heading out to explore Beijing.
Overall, the room configuration was one of the strongest aspects of our stay. It was comfortable, generous with space and, most importantly, genuinely suited to the needs of a family.
Room amenities: Thoughtful comforts for the whole family
Kerry Hotel Beijing provided a comprehensive selection of in-room amenities, including toiletries for adults and children, stationery and office essentials, a minibar, and a tea and coffee station.
These are all familiar features of an international luxury hotel, but what I particularly appreciate about the Shangri-La brand is the opportunity to personalise certain aspects of your stay through its app. Depending on the property and availability, guests can request additional amenities or choose from different pillow options before settling in.
At Kerry Hotel Beijing, we were able to select from a range of extra pillows. We opted for a lavender-infused pillow and another containing bamboo, a small detail that made our sleeping arrangements feel a little more personal.
Later in the evening, a member of staff brought the children a pair of slippers decorated with little ducks. They absolutely loved them.
Between the comfortable beds, generous space, practical amenities and the children’s delight at their duck slippers, the rooms delivered where it mattered most.
Breakfast at Kerry Hotel Beijing
Now we come to my favourite part of almost any hotel stay: breakfast.
I should probably confess that I take hotel breakfast rather seriously. It is, without question, my favourite meal of the day. I can happily skip lunch or dinner if I have to, but breakfast is non-negotiable. A hotel with a truly excellent breakfast has already won a considerable portion of my affection; one with a disappointing offering has, in my eyes, squandered at least half its appeal.
So, did Kerry Hotel Beijing live up to expectations?
Absolutely. In fact, breakfast here was among the best we experienced during our time in China, possibly even taking the top spot. The Fairmont in Shanghai came close, but Kerry Hotel Beijing set a very high standard.
Breakfast is served at Kerry’s Kitchen, the hotel’s main restaurant, where a substantial buffet brings together Chinese specialities and international favourites. The variety was impressive, offering plenty of choice for guests who prefer familiar Western breakfast staples as well as those keen to explore local flavours. Most of the food is self-service, with drinks handled separately.
For someone who usually gravitates towards a morning croissant, I surprised even myself by abandoning my usual routine and embracing a distinctly Chinese breakfast.
Sheng jian bao. Love at first bite
And then I discovered the pork sheng jian bao.
These delicious pan-fried pork buns quickly became my breakfast obsession. With their golden, crispy bottoms, soft, fluffy dough and savoury pork filling, they were utterly irresistible. I found myself returning to them day after day, wondering how something so simple could be so ridiculously delicious. And yes, I was happily eating them at seven in the morning!
For someone who usually gravitates towards a morning croissant, this was quite the departure from my usual routine. But that is one of the pleasures of travelling in China: discovering dishes that you might never have thought to eat for breakfast, only to find yourself craving them for the rest of the trip (and beyond?).
By the end of our stay, I was already wondering why I couldn’t have them for breakfast back home. Why is it that the foods you fall in love with while travelling seem so difficult to replicate once you return?
For me, this is one of the pleasures of staying in a hotel that takes its breakfast seriously. Beyond the convenience of having a generous meal before a day of sightseeing, it offers an opportunity to discover something new. Kerry’s Kitchen gave us precisely that, combining the reassurance of international favourites with the chance to explore Chinese cuisine in a relaxed setting.
And if you are anything like me, you may find that the hardest part of breakfast is deciding when to stop eating.
The Facilities
Alongside the interconnecting rooms, the facilities were one of the main reasons Kerry Hotel Beijing made it to the top of our shortlist. I wasn’t entirely sure how much we would manage to use during our stay, given the tons of things we wanted to see in Beijing, but I liked knowing that a range of options was available whenever we needed them.
For families in particular, this can make a real difference. After a long day exploring palaces, temples and historic streets, sometimes the most appealing plan is to stay close to your hotel and let the children burn off some energy while the adults catch their breath.
Adventure Zone: A lifesaver for families
One of Kerry Hotel Beijing’s most appealing family-friendly features is Adventure Zone, a large indoor playground located within the adjoining shopping mall.
Hotel guests may benefit from discounted admission or included access, depending on their booking package, so it is worth checking the terms before you arrive. Either way, having an indoor play space of this scale practically on your doorstep is a welcome bonus when travelling with young children.
Indoor playgrounds in China can be fantastic, with elaborate climbing structures, colourful play areas and plenty to keep little ones entertained. They can also be surprisingly expensive. Having the option of accessing Adventure Zone as part of your hotel stay, or at a reduced rate, therefore makes practical sense, particularly on those days when everyone is simply too tired for another sightseeing excursion.
As it turned out, however, our children had other plans. Rather than spending their time at Adventure Zone, they decided that Pop Mart’s Pop Land was the place to be, with its irresistible Labubu merchandise proving considerably more tempting than another afternoon at an indoor playground.
So much for my carefully considered family-friendly hotel research! At least we knew the alternative was there if we needed it.
Kerry Sport: A wellness centre on an impressive scale
For those who prefer to balance sightseeing with a little exercise, Kerry Sport is another facility worth knowing about.
Located a short walk from the hotel, this expansive leisure and wellness centre covers approximately 7,000 square metres. Its facilities include a 35-metre indoor swimming pool, a professional gym, multi-purpose sports courts, an outdoor running track and spa facilities.
The centre appears to cater to both hotel guests and external visitors, with access potentially subject to additional charges. Unfortunately, we didn’t have the opportunity to experience it firsthand. Our days in Beijing were packed with sightseeing, and by the time we returned to the hotel each evening, there was rarely much energy left for anything beyond dinner and bed.
Nevertheless, I appreciated having such an extensive fitness and leisure centre nearby. For guests staying longer, those planning a more relaxed itinerary or anyone who likes to maintain a regular exercise routine while travelling, it could be a significant advantage.
Food and drink: Plenty of choice under one roof
One thing Kerry Hotel Beijing certainly doesn’t lack is dining options. Whether you’re looking for a generous breakfast before a day of sightseeing, an introduction to traditional Beijing cuisine or somewhere to unwind over a drink, the hotel offers several different settings to suit the occasion.
Kerry’s Kitchen: International favourites and Chinese specialities
The hotel’s main restaurant is Kerry’s Kitchen, where breakfast is served as an extensive buffet featuring both Chinese and international dishes. As I mentioned earlier, breakfast was one of the highlights of our stay and, in my opinion, one of the strongest reasons to consider this hotel. Here also buffet dinner is served every night and kids dine free with one paying adult.
The variety makes it particularly convenient for families, with options for different tastes and appetites before heading out to explore the city.
The Horizon: A taste of traditional Beijing
For something more distinctly local, The Horizon is the hotel’s Chinese restaurant, offering a more traditional fine dining experience. Beijing is synonymous with Peking duck, and this is the kind of dish worth seeking out while visiting the capital.
If sampling the city’s celebrated roast duck is on your culinary itinerary, The Horizon is worth considering. It provides an opportunity to explore Chinese cuisine without having to venture far from the comfort of the hotel after a long day out.
Vinotheque: An intimate wine bar
For a more intimate evening, Vinotheque is the hotel’s dedicated wine bar, located in the lobby. With a selection of more than 100 wines paired with a menu of food, it offers a quieter, more refined setting for those looking to unwind.
With just 49 seats, the space is designed to feel more intimate than the hotel’s larger public areas. It is particularly appealing for couples or travellers who enjoy discovering new wines in a relaxed atmosphere.
Centro: Cocktails and a more casual atmosphere
Centro offers a different mood, with a bistro-style setting and a selection of wines, cocktails and tapas. It is a more casual alternative for an aperitif or an evening drink, particularly if you fancy a change from a full restaurant dinner.
While we were travelling with children and our evenings tended to revolve around family-friendly plans, it was reassuring to see that the hotel also catered to guests looking for a more grown-up social setting.
Kerry’s Pantry: A convenient stop before sightseeing
Finally, there is Kerry’s Pantry, a stylish bakery and takeaway option offering sandwiches, pastries and other snacks for guests on the move.
I always appreciate having somewhere convenient to pick up something to eat before a busy day of sightseeing. Beijing’s major attractions can involve hours of walking, and when you’re travelling with children, a little advance planning goes a long way.
If you’re heading out early to visit the Forbidden City or explore the city’s historic landmarks, Kerry’s Pantry could be a useful place to grab a snack before setting off. After all, nobody wants to be negotiating a hungry child and a long queue for lunch in the middle of a sightseeing day!
Overall, the range of facilities at Kerry Hotel Beijing adds another layer to its appeal. From family entertainment and fitness facilities to several dining venues, the hotel offers plenty of choice without requiring guests to venture outside. We didn’t manage to experience everything ourselves, but for a property that aims to accommodate business travellers, couples and families alike, that breadth of options is a definite advantage.
Beyond its rooms, restaurants and leisure facilities, Kerry Hotel Beijing offers a comprehensive range of additional services designed to make a stay as comfortable and convenient as possible.
For travellers who appreciate having everything taken care of under one roof, the available services include:
- Room service, for those evenings when going out for dinner feels like too much effort.
- Laundry and valet services, particularly useful for longer stays or families travelling with children.
- Foreign exchange, for guests who need assistance exchanging currency.
- Postal and courier services, handy for sending documents or parcels.
- Shoeshine service — yes, apparently this is still a thing! A charmingly old-school touch that feels rather fitting for a traditional five-star hotel.
- Babysitting, potentially useful for parents hoping to enjoy a quieter dinner or an evening to themselves.
- Car rental, for guests who prefer to explore independently.
- Taxi and limousine services, making it easier to arrange transport around Beijing or transfers to and from the airport.
- Business centre facilities, catering to guests who need to keep up with work during their stay.
As you would expect, some of these services may incur additional charges, so it is worth checking the applicable fees and availability directly with the hotel before making arrangements.
While we didn’t need to use all these services during our stay, I always appreciate a hotel that offers a broad range of practical conveniences. When you’re travelling with children, particularly in a city as vast as Beijing, knowing that help with transport, laundry or other everyday needs is readily available can make the entire experience considerably more straightforward.
Final Rating
My overall verdict on Kerry Hotel Beijing is positive. It is a classic-style hotel that would undoubtedly benefit from some renovation. While there are still a few shortcomings when it comes to service, it remains a good choice for a stay in Beijing, particularly for families looking for spacious rooms and excellent facilities.
However, an honest review wouldn’t be complete without looking at the details. Here are my ratings across the main categories.
⭐ Overall Stay: 4/5
Kerry Hotel Beijing is a good hotel with a convenient location and spacious rooms, making it particularly suitable for families. Overall, I had a great stay and believe it deserves four stars. It could easily have earned five if the service upon arrival had been better. Unfortunately, first impressions matter, especially after a journey of almost 20 hours!
🛏️ Room Quality: 4/5
I awarded four stars for the room quality because, despite the generous space and beautiful views, some elements of the room felt rather dated and would benefit from renovation. Nevertheless, the room was spacious and comfortable enough to accommodate our family of four, which is a significant advantage when travelling with children.
🤝 Service Level: 3/5
This was probably the hotel’s weakest point. Although the staff were kind, the service sometimes felt rather impersonal. They did their jobs, but I missed the extra attention to detail and genuine hospitality I would expect from a five-star hotel.
If Kerry Hotel Beijing wants to compete at the highest level of luxury hospitality, I believe there is room for improvement, starting with a proper welcome for guests who have travelled almost 20 hours to reach their destination. After such a long journey, a warm and attentive arrival experience can make all the difference.
🏊 Facilities: 5/5
The facilities were undoubtedly one of the hotel’s strongest points. There is an excellent range of options for both adults and families travelling with children, making the hotel a particularly appealing choice for a family stay in Beijing.
Personally, I would prefer the gym to be exclusively available to hotel guests, but this doesn’t detract from the overall quality of the facilities on offer. They are a definite highlight and add considerable value to the stay.
🧹 Cleanliness: 5/5
The hotel was spotless throughout my stay, and cleanliness was certainly one area where it met my expectations without compromise. Five stars are thoroughly deserved in this category.
📍 Location: 5/5
Although Kerry Hotel Beijing is not located in the historic city centre, it is situated in one of Beijing’s most convenient areas. The neighbourhood is well connected, feels safe, and offers plenty of options for dining, shopping and entertainment.
For travellers who don’t mind using public transport or taxis to reach the main historical attractions, it makes an excellent base from which to explore Beijing and its surroundings.
💰Price: 4/5
My four-star rating reflects the expectations that come with paying five-star hotel prices. At this level, guests naturally expect a consistently high standard of service, and unfortunately, my experience did not always live up to those expectations.
The hotel has plenty to offer, but the service needs to be more consistent to justify its positioning in the luxury market fully.
⭐ Value for Money: Good
Taking all these elements into account, I believe Kerry Hotel Beijing offers good overall value, particularly for families who appreciate spacious accommodation and excellent facilities.
There are certainly areas that could be improved, especially when it comes to service and the condition of some rooms. Nevertheless, the combination of comfort, cleanliness, facilities and location makes it a strong option to consider when planning a trip to Beijing.
Would I stay here again? Yes, I would consider it, especially for a family trip. However, I would hope to see a more attentive approach to guest service and some investment in updating the rooms. With those improvements, Kerry Hotel Beijing could become an even stronger contender among the city’s luxury hotels.
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