Friendship Hotel, Beijing

I ended up staying here through an organised tour but i dont think we were treated any differently to independant travelrs. I think the hotel is good - four buildings on one site so it can be a little confusing getting to breakfast! - clean & comfy with all the things you need in your room, friendly staff although we did ask if they would post some cards for us (as i would in any hotel) & they were happy to do so - BUT none of the 8 cards ever made it to england, & who knows why! We found 2 bars on site (georges (or harry, some english guy anyway) - which was very dear and a TGI fridays which did grate with me as its not typically chinese but the prices are better than georges & I prefered the atmosphere (& the super-size-me cocktails!). The location of the hotel isnt that great as there didnt seem to be much of interest near by - although i think thats how beijing is, a bit sprawly with no real centre or heart (go to xian instead!). The main block of the hotel has a money exchange (& the good thing about china / communism is you get exactly the same rate where ever you go) & gift shops - there is also at least 1 pharmacy & 1 mini supermarket on site. Breakfast was great - fantastic selection & for those who cant do sweet & sour chicken with noodles at 08.00 then there's stil plentty of other (more european) choices. Would i stay here again - YES, the only thing is I wouldnt bother going to beijing again, notg my sort of china.