dessert
Empark Prime Hotel Beijing Review: Luxurious Comfort Near the Forbidden City
Have you seen all the stunning 5-star hotels in China going viral on social media for literally under $150 a night? It honestly blew my mind, and made me even more excited to visit China with my dad. Beijing has tons of neighborhoods to choose from, but for my first visit, we decided to stay at the Empark Prime Hotel Beijing. And it didn’t disappoint. So keep reading for my honest Empark Prime Hotel Beijing review ✨
Located at the north end of Wangfujing Street in Beijing, Empark Prime Hotel Beijing delivers sleek, modern vibes with a sharp nod to local culture. With high ceilings, gallery-style corridors, and a sleek fusion of Chinese and Western aesthetics, it feels more like a boutique gallery than a business hotel. The hotel is also super close to the China Art Museum, Wangfujing pedestrian street, and the Forbidden City. It’s the perfect place to stay for a short weekend visit to Beijing!
This site contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase through them (which will likely go towards overpriced airport wine or buying my dog more unnecessary toys). However, none of that impacts the integrity of my reviews. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Getting to Empark Prime Hotel Beijing
The best thing about traveling around Beijing is that you can easily order a Didi (China’s version of uber) from anywhere. I flew directly into the Beijing Airport from Singapore (PEK) and met my dad in the arrivals hall. From there, we ordered a DiDi (I suggest downloading and setting up Alipay BEFORE getting to China. Without Alipay, you’ll be kinda f*cked traveling around this entire country. At least for now). Unfortunately, we landed smack in the middle of rush hour so it took us about an hour to get to the hotel. But it only cost about $20 USD!
Beyond DiDi, there’s a few other ways to get to Empark Prime Hotel Beijing from the airport:
🚕: A taxi from PEK to The Prime Hotel Beijing takes about 18 minutes and costs ¥100–130 ($14–18 USD) in light traffic, but during rush hour expect 40–60 minutes and up to ¥150–180 ($21–25 USD) with tolls.
🚊: Taking the Capital Airport Express to Dongzhimen, followed by a short 10-minute walk or taxi, takes about 29 minutes total and costs ¥28–30 (~$4–5 USD).
Rooms and Accomodations at Empark Prime Hotel Beijing
Is there anything better than walking into your hotel room and spotting a tiny bonsai tree and a giant bathtub? I think not. That’s exactly the kind of vibe you get at the Empark Prime Hotel Beijing. And with over 400 rooms, you’ve got options on room types for days.
My dad and I went with the city view twin room (because, you know, separate beds). It was surprisingly spacious, and came stocked with the essentials: bottled water, robes, slippers, snacks, coffee and more. My dad’s a simple travel guy (think 2-star hotels lol) so he was pretty impressed with all the “extras”
And the bathroom? Bright, roomy, and honestly begging for a bubble bath. Sadly, I didn’t get around to soaking in the tub this time, but best believe it’s on the itinerary for my next visit to Beijing.
Luxurious Amenities at Empark Prime Hotel Beijing
The Empark Prime Hotel Beijing has all the bells and whistles you’d expect from a solid 5-star stay. For NOT 5-star prices. (Seriously, I think this was my favorite part about traveling around China). There’s a fully equipped gym if you’re trying to squeeze in a workout, and a gorgeous indoor pool with loungers and panoramic views if you’re more about relaxation.
Business travelers are covered with spacious meeting rooms and event spaces. Also the in-room amenities I mentioned earlier are fantastic. Think plush robes, slippers, a mini bar, snacks, coffee, and my favorite little bonsai tree. Honestly, it’s the kind of place that makes you look around and go, “Wait, all of this was under $200/night?”
Food and Drink at Empark Prime Hotel Beijing
With over five on-site restaurants, you’re definitely not going to go hungry at Empark Prime Hotel Beijing. And if you’re debating whether to include breakfast in your stay…just do it. Their all-day dining spot, Harvest, serves up one of the best hotel breakfast buffets I’ve ever had.
We’re talking buttery European pastries, classic Chinese dim sum and congee, American-style bacon and eggs, and pretty much everything in between. Like this make-your-own noodle bar??? 🍜
Everything was seriously so good I swear I had like 4 plates every morning for breakfast.
If you’re craving something more upscale, there’s a Cantonese restaurant on-site that serves up rich flavors and classic dishes in a beautiful, courtyard-style setting. It’s one of several restaurants in the hotel, so whether you’re in the mood for dim sum or something more Western, you’ve got options without even having to leave the building.
Thirsty? There’s also a gorgeous hotel lobby bar serving traditional drinks and some creative Chinese cocktails made with the famous “Moutai”. Moutai is a traditional Chinese spirit made from fermented sorghum, known for its strong flavor, high alcohol content, and cultural significance.
My favorite food option though? Definitely the Häagen-Dazs ice cream cart 🍦
Staying at Empark Prime Hotel Beijing: Final Thoughts
If you’re visiting Beijing for the first time and want a comfortable, well-located hotel without blowing your budget, Empark Prime Hotel Beijing is a solid pick. The rooms are spacious, the breakfast buffet is unforgettable, and the amenities make it feel waaaaaay more luxe than the price tag suggests.
I wouldn’t say it’s the trendiest spot in town (which makes sense since I was traveling with my 70-year old dad) but it sure is clean, convenient, and delivers exactly what you need after a long day of dumpling eating and walking around the Forbidden City. I’d 100% stay here again, especially for that tub I didn’t get to soak in 🛁
Visiting other places in China?
Check out my other travel guides on China here.
Visiting other parts of Asia?
Check out my other travel guides on Asia here.
Looking for travel inspiration to somewhere else?
Have you seen all the stunning 5-star hotels in China going viral on social media for literally under $150 a night? It honestly blew my mind, and made me even more excited to visit China with my dad. Beijing has tons of neighborhoods to choose from, but for my first visit, we decided to stay at the Empark Prime Hotel Beijing. And it didn’t disappoint. So keep reading for my honest Empark Prime Hotel Beijing review ✨
Located at the north end of Wangfujing Street in Beijing, Empark Prime Hotel Beijing delivers sleek, modern vibes with a sharp nod to local culture. With high ceilings, gallery-style corridors, and a sleek fusion of Chinese and Western aesthetics, it feels more like a boutique gallery than a business hotel. The hotel is also super close to the China Art Museum, Wangfujing pedestrian street, and the Forbidden City. It’s the perfect place to stay for a short weekend visit to Beijing!
This site contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase through them (which will likely go towards overpriced airport wine or buying my dog more unnecessary toys). However, none of that impacts the integrity of my reviews. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Getting to Empark Prime Hotel Beijing
The best thing about traveling around Beijing is that you can easily order a Didi (China’s version of uber) from anywhere. I flew directly into the Beijing Airport from Singapore (PEK) and met my dad in the arrivals hall. From there, we ordered a DiDi (I suggest downloading and setting up Alipay BEFORE getting to China. Without Alipay, you’ll be kinda f*cked traveling around this entire country. At least for now). Unfortunately, we landed smack in the middle of rush hour so it took us about an hour to get to the hotel. But it only cost about $20 USD!
Beyond DiDi, there’s a few other ways to get to Empark Prime Hotel Beijing from the airport:
🚕: A taxi from PEK to The Prime Hotel Beijing takes about 18 minutes and costs ¥100–130 ($14–18 USD) in light traffic, but during rush hour expect 40–60 minutes and up to ¥150–180 ($21–25 USD) with tolls.
🚊: Taking the Capital Airport Express to Dongzhimen, followed by a short 10-minute walk or taxi, takes about 29 minutes total and costs ¥28–30 (~$4–5 USD).
Rooms and Accomodations at Empark Prime Hotel Beijing
Is there anything better than walking into your hotel room and spotting a tiny bonsai tree and a giant bathtub? I think not. That’s exactly the kind of vibe you get at the Empark Prime Hotel Beijing. And with over 400 rooms, you’ve got options on room types for days.
My dad and I went with the city view twin room (because, you know, separate beds). It was surprisingly spacious, and came stocked with the essentials: bottled water, robes, slippers, snacks, coffee and more. My dad’s a simple travel guy (think 2-star hotels lol) so he was pretty impressed with all the “extras”
And the bathroom? Bright, roomy, and honestly begging for a bubble bath. Sadly, I didn’t get around to soaking in the tub this time, but best believe it’s on the itinerary for my next visit to Beijing.
Luxurious Amenities at Empark Prime Hotel Beijing
The Empark Prime Hotel Beijing has all the bells and whistles you’d expect from a solid 5-star stay. For NOT 5-star prices. (Seriously, I think this was my favorite part about traveling around China). There’s a fully equipped gym if you’re trying to squeeze in a workout, and a gorgeous indoor pool with loungers and panoramic views if you’re more about relaxation.
Business travelers are covered with spacious meeting rooms and event spaces. Also the in-room amenities I mentioned earlier are fantastic. Think plush robes, slippers, a mini bar, snacks, coffee, and my favorite little bonsai tree. Honestly, it’s the kind of place that makes you look around and go, “Wait, all of this was under $200/night?”
Food and Drink at Empark Prime Hotel Beijing
With over five on-site restaurants, you’re definitely not going to go hungry at Empark Prime Hotel Beijing. And if you’re debating whether to include breakfast in your stay…just do it. Their all-day dining spot, Harvest, serves up one of the best hotel breakfast buffets I’ve ever had.
We’re talking buttery European pastries, classic Chinese dim sum and congee, American-style bacon and eggs, and pretty much everything in between. Like this make-your-own noodle bar??? 🍜
Everything was seriously so good I swear I had like 4 plates every morning for breakfast.
If you’re craving something more upscale, there’s a Cantonese restaurant on-site that serves up rich flavors and classic dishes in a beautiful, courtyard-style setting. It’s one of several restaurants in the hotel, so whether you’re in the mood for dim sum or something more Western, you’ve got options without even having to leave the building.
Thirsty? There’s also a gorgeous hotel lobby bar serving traditional drinks and some creative Chinese cocktails made with the famous “Moutai”. Moutai is a traditional Chinese spirit made from fermented sorghum, known for its strong flavor, high alcohol content, and cultural significance.
My favorite food option though? Definitely the Häagen-Dazs ice cream cart 🍦
Staying at Empark Prime Hotel Beijing: Final Thoughts
If you’re visiting Beijing for the first time and want a comfortable, well-located hotel without blowing your budget, Empark Prime Hotel Beijing is a solid pick. The rooms are spacious, the breakfast buffet is unforgettable, and the amenities make it feel waaaaaay more luxe than the price tag suggests.
I wouldn’t say it’s the trendiest spot in town (which makes sense since I was traveling with my 70-year old dad) but it sure is clean, convenient, and delivers exactly what you need after a long day of dumpling eating and walking around the Forbidden City. I’d 100% stay here again, especially for that tub I didn’t get to soak in 🛁
Visiting other places in China?
Check out my other travel guides on China here.
Visiting other parts of Asia?
Check out my other travel guides on Asia here.
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