Beijing: Where to Stay: Business: InterContinental Beijing

InterContinental Beijing

The government has decided that an area to the west of Tiananmen Square will be the new financial district. And if a Communist government decides such things, that is what will happen, with debate and dissent not encouraged, hence the proliferation of office blocks and hotels. Among them is the InterContinental, which is well placed for executives likely to be making deals there; it also offers good value, with promotional prices to encourage new customers. The hotel itself is minimalist sleek, eschewing the large-lobby and marble-pillar design approach that is so common in China. An excellent Cantonese restaurant, a popular steak house and a lively music lounge make it fairly self-contained in an area that has few other options. Rooms from $178.