Fodor's Expert Review Novotel Peace Hotel

This tower of shimmering glass has rooms with floor-to-ceiling windows that afford decent views, but, other than that, there's nothing spectacular here: service is fairly basic and the ambience is decidedly low-key; the big plus is the surrounding area, with plenty of shops and restaurants nearby (as well as Wangfujing and Tiananmen Square), making it a solid base at a good price for the location. Be warned, however, that some rooms have been updated while others have not, so ask to be put in the newer part of the hotel. For dinner you could opt for one of the three Chinese restaurants—or Le Cabernet, a French-style brasserie—but our vote would be to head out into the street to try one of the many restaurants found in this bustling neighborhood.