5 Best Hotels in Xicheng District, Beijing

Soaring 22 stories into the air, the DoubleTree is a solid hotel with perks that compensate for its out-of-the-way location, frorm the warm chocolate-chip cookies in the lobby to the alluring oasis of the terraced outdoor swimming pool. More pluses include the bright and modern guest rooms and the well-stocked gym. On the debit side, the dining options are not exactly spectacular, and the hotel's location is a little off the beaten track (but there are usually enough taxis on hand to ensure that neither is much of an issue).

The spacious rooms at this well-appointed business hotel show hints of traditional Chinese art. It's smart, smooth and comfortable—think of this place as an exercise in corporate chic (apt considering this InterContinental is in the heart of Financial Street), including a 24-hour business center, plus an indoor pool, spa, and state-of-the-art fitness center rounding out a perfect package for traveling executives. Try are sizzling steaks at the Steak Exchange and excellent buffet meals in the café.

The Minzu was built in 1959 as one of Mao's "Ten Great Buildings" to celebrate a decade of the People's Republic—this paean to China's unity has welcomed many dignitaries over the years, but with the rise in the number of luxury hotels around Beijing, the hotel no longer attracts any significant visitors, and the only reason to stay here—other than price—is if you have business in the area. A lack of international brand recognition means it lies slightly off the usual tourism radar, despite its location near western Chang'an Jie, relatively close to Tiananmen Square.

With ample amounts of glass and chrome, the Ritz-Carlton could be mistaken for one of the many sleek office buildings that crowd this very business-oriented area; the interior is equally swish and contemporary, with smart East-meets-West decor that's up to the Ritz standard—its location, excellent amenities, and eager-to-please staff make it popular with tour groups as well as businesspeople. The Greenfish Café offers a great contemporary buffet (low-calorie fare); Cepe provides high-end Italian dining. The enormous health club has an indoor pool and a spa with six treatment rooms.

It's business as usual at this worthwhile spot: comfortable rooms with plush beds, neutral tones and marble bathrooms; a plethora of amenities, including dining spots both formal and fun; and not forgetting the perhaps-to-be-expected, well-staffed executive lounge. As one of the trio of big players on Financial Street—along with the InterContinental and the Ritz-Carlton—the Westin won't wow you to your core, but has more than everything you'd need and expect, and it does it all well. Business travelers will be particularly pleased.