Overall myself and my family enjoyed the Ascott. The location was perfect. It was located very near to the Subway for quick access to Forbidden City, and other attractions. There was a Starbuck's and a Wal-Mart within walking distance - in addition to many other tourist friendly places for necessities or "nice to haves". We rented a 3 bedroom apartment and everything was well. We had two minor complaints. First, the hotel is considered a 5-Star but the facilites are not really of that grade. The walls are damaged, the molding is damaged, the paint is marked-up.... overall there is a very "worn" feeling of the hotel and the rooms inside. There are two towers to this hotel and one tower was under renovation while we were there. If the renovation is succesful in upgrading all the damage to the interior, then I foresee them able to give you much better experience. The second issue, the beds were very hard. We had to ask the front desk for three extra comforters for each bed to put on the top in order for some of my family to sleep comfortably. I have been in China for two years now, so we were aware this could be an issue. However, my family was not so used to travelling in China and this was not something they found enjoyable. Please know the staff was friendly and accomodatiing. The experience was worth the money and I will try them again when travelling with family since they offer the apartment style rentals.