What is the best way to get from the airport in Beijing to the Raffles Beijing Hotel? I'm not necessarily looking for the cheapest way but the easiest. Do any of you know a reputable company to book a private transfer through?

Easiest would be through your hotel. I did this through the Peninsula recently (transfer was included with my room rate) and I was very glad that I had done so on my first visit to the city.

If the Raffles includes transfers in its room rate, obviously that's the way to go. Some hotels however charge an extortionate price that I wouldn't pay on principle.

Getting a cab is easy. Just make sure you have the hotel's name and address written in Chinese characters to show the driver - presumably that's on their website. Just go outside to the cab rank, where they'll all be properly legit and metered. Ignore other offers. The great majority of Chinese cabbies are efficient, honest and cheerful.

I agree with Neil...I found taxis to be supremely easy in Beijing, so if the price charged by the hotel seems very high, just go with a regular taxi. ( I did not do this so cannot comment on the experience, or the price)

E-mail your hotel and see if they will send you the name of the hotel in Chinese. The Westin just did this for us. If you don't want to deal with a taxi - go to www.viator.com and they will reserve airport transportation for you through Grayline. We have used them in other cities and they are reputable. It is a private pick up. Last but not least, you can contact someone - we are using Catherine - to pick you up. She is also acting as a guide for us for a couple of sights. She can be reached at [email protected]