the Unbound Collection by Hyatt Hotels in Beijing

The checkin was smooth and efficient. When we arrived, there was someone there immediately to pick up our bags, and checkin at the counter was quick. Altho we were about an hr early, we were given a room immediately. When I went back to the front desk to ask for another key since my daughter had taken the only key we were given, the service was friendly and quick.  Food at the only outlet was good / tasty but the decor was spartan. Not a nice or conducive place to enjoy a meal.  In the evening, on the way back from dinner at the airport terminal (”grandma” restaurant was good), I went to the concierge and there were 3 men there, and none of them was helpful. I had read about a complimentary buggy ride to the entrance of the airport terminal (about 300m away from the hotel) but I was told no. They said I could take the trolley they happen to have. If I do not take it now, they cannot guarantee it will be available in the morning. So much for good service. That was terrible. I called the operator later in the evening to ask about the gym. She was friendly and helpful. So I decided to ask her about the buggy ride to the airport terminal. She said yes it is available and free, and I should approach the concierge. I told her I did and thank her. The gym was decent. Spacious and well equipped. The next morning, a much friendlier guy was there when we checked out. When he saw us, we didn't even get a chance to ask, he immediately offered to take us to the terminal and he grabbed our luggage to wheel them to the buggy. Of course, we were pleased and appreciative. Later on, I had to double back to the hotel because I left my medication in the hotel room fridge. The same concierge or bellboy was there to help transport me back to the terminal.  Well, would we stay there again? Probably not if we have another choice, but we would if needed. 

Stayed 2 nights at the Commune by the Great Wall, an Unbound Collection by Hyatt. The resort is spread over a big acres of land within the Shuiguan area, also a short proximity to the renowned Badaling Great Wall. You have to reach there by car or by DiDi as there is no public transport to reach the Commune. This is a resort for those who wish to spend quality time, to seek refuge and to relax. The resort was designed by 12 individual renowned architects, each reflecting their own taste and styles, clearly demonstrated in the Communal Home you are staying. Each Communal Home consists of 5-6 rooms where you share common spaces such as Living, Dining, Kitchen and Courtyard with other fellow travellers. You will still have your own room and private bathroom similar to any other hotels or resorts. With the Communal Home, you can access these public area / communal area where often it is under utilised which is great for us. The room is immaculately adorned with the furniture styles of the Communal Home you have selected. There is Cantilever House (Red House), Terrace House, Suitcase House, Bamboo Wall, Forest House etc. My Bamboo Wall room is a little small in my opinion. The bedding is on a Tatami Platform. Bathroom is too big and it takes up too much space for the bedroom. There are limited spaces for the suitcase as we travel from afar. There is also no hook for clothing in the bathroom, no hook for the hand towel which is quite strange given that it is quite luxurious. We bought the package which includes daily breakfast for 2 with Shuiguan Great Wall Ticket and a High Tea. There is an outdoor swimming pool within the hotel and a gym. The pool is only open for 3 months during the summer months, not sure why the restrictions even though it is not a heated pool. During my visit, day time was hot and the air temperature was around 26-28 degrees. Though the water temperature may be way cooler, but if the pool is opened, we will probably take a dip. The breakfast is either a la carte or buffet depending on the hotel's occupancy rate. We had lunch and dinner at the hotel as well and the food is very good though it is on the pricey side. To move around the resort, you will either walk (depending on the location of your accommodation), it can be far away from the restaurant or the reception. You can call them for a car pick up. The driver 小宋 is a great asset to the property, so as our Housekeeper 小李(李鸿建), he was very attentive and observatory. He saw we have many medicine and supplements in the room and he gave us extra water and left us a note. Great initiative! In short, it is a very memorable stay and a very good hideaway.