Star World International Hotel

Sanlitun is right outside, with Tai Koo Li and SOHO just minutes away, along with bars and supermarkets. The location is hard to beat if you know your way around. The hotel itself has only bedrooms and no other facilities. It's tricky to find from the main road, and staff don't speak English, so they can't really guide you there. They still try their best to help, though. Kiki at reception was especially warm and helpful.

The room was okay, but the smell and the price made it feel like poor value. The hallway carpets are dirty, stink, and badly need replacing. Maybe it's just a Chinese thing, but they don't seem to know how to do a Western breakfast. Cold bacon, crunchy eggs, and orange juice in plastic cups. Better to skip breakfast altogether.

The hotel is on the third floor, and each room has its own theme. Staff are bilingual and very helpful. It's well placed for pubs, tattoo shops, a salon, massage, and shopping.

They charged me for another guest's booking, then tried to argue with me by sending copies of that guest's private information. They wouldn't admit the mistake until I complained further to the booking company, and then suddenly it was “a mistake.” I had a domestic dispute with a guest of mine in the lobby and asked staff to get security. I understand language differences, but distress sounds the same in any language. The receptionist ignored me and played on her phone even after I asked several times. I was then physically assaulted, and she still didn't step in to help. They've been trying to protect this man, who wasn't a paying guest like I was. After spending time in China, I truly believe it's because I'm a Western woman and he's a Chinese man, as was pointed out. Someone also harassed me outside and tried to follow me in, but door security did nothing. I didn't feel safe staying here.