July 2009, I visited Beijing with my 14 year old son and mother. We stayed at the Beijing Hotel-one of the oldest hotels in the city. The rooms were ok but needed refurbishing but got a great deal on Orbitz so could not complain. The hotel next door The Raffles was elegant,but expensive. This was a great location on the corner of Wanfujing street-great shopping/markets. The forbidden city and square were just down the street very short walking distance. Access to subway was in front of the hotel-very easy to use.