Beijing or Tokyo??

[Lu-Lu]

Planning on going to Hong Kong and have time for 4-5 days in either Beijing or Tokyo? Have never been to either before. Will have my sons with me aged 15 and 11. Preferences??? Any amazing hotel suggestions?
thanks

 

[Cruiser Elite]

Any amazing hotel suggestions?

Amazing in what context? Price? Quality?

If it helps there is only 1 Great Wall of China and only 1 Forbidden City

 

[Lu-Lu]

Point taken! Leaning toward Beijing. Amazing as in Asian hospitality / location / breakfasts / service / pool. Price not too much a factor, within reason.

 

[Cruiser Elite]

Ok check out China a World Summit Wing - best hotel I have stayed in Beijing - but no pool that I know of - ticks all other boxes though - oh and if the smog ever clears FABULOUS view!

 

[Isochronous]

Sheraton Dongcheng has a great dim sum lunch deal - 99RMB no matter how much you eat.

 

[Cruiser Elite]

Lu-Lu not to sure how much for kids to do at CWSW - do they ice skate? There is a nice skating rink in basement China a World main hotel. Give me a day or so I'ii check with a couple if Beijing based buddies who might have better clues on 5* hotels with more facilities for 15 and 11yo.

 

[kpc]

Either Beijing or Tokyo will be a great choice. Remember though, with an Australian passport, you will need a Visa for Beijing but not for Tokyo.

 

[Cynicor]

Tokyo is awesome, with something for everyone and a PM2.5 that is more frequently in the habitable range.

Lots of good hotels, try the peninsula, Conrad or park Hyatt.

 

[ALH]

If your kids enjoy Studio Ghibli (Japanese anime) movies, the Ghibli Museum in Mitaka (about an hour from Tokyo Station) is a wonderful experience for kids and adults. Tickets need to be booked from Australia, but they are closed at the end of May to prepare for a new exhibition. Limited entry each day, which means it is never crowded. Personally I find Japan more soothing to the senses than China, but to each their own.

Can't recommend any hotels in particular, sorry. I tend to stick with Sheraton Miyako, but that entails a shuttle bus to Megaro station which may not suit most people.

 

[MEL_Traveller]

Planning on going to Hong Kong and have time for 4-5 days in either Beijing or Tokyo? Have never been to either before. Will have my sons with me aged 15 and 11. Preferences??? Any amazing hotel suggestions?
thanks

...Tokyo...

 

[boomy]

It doesn't really matter where you go first as both cities are an absolute MUST visit IMO. Each had it's own charm and plenty of things to do and see for 4-5 days.

 

[Cruiser Elite]

Lu-Lu - sorry so late getting back to you but there was one particular guy I wanted to talk to as he is expert in housing visitors to Beijing in hotels - here is his response:

Regarding hotels - The Grand Hyatt downtown is very kid friendly. Down town so walking distance to site seeing places. They also have a great indoor pool (huge) in the basement. They offer "family" room rate that is a 2 bedroom suite. China World Summit Wing is also a good suggestion if kids like ice skating.

Hope that helps - again sorry for delay.

 

[blu]

Tokyo can seem like being in a 12 hour Rush Hour. But there is Disney Worlds.
Tokyo for Kids: Tokyo with Kids

 

[craven morehead]

What time of the year ??

 

[Jeffrey O'Neill]

Tokyo. My experience of Beijing was less than satisfactory. Yes so much amazing history to see, but the locals just made me so glad to hop on CX and head to Vietnam.

I love Tokyo, and Japan in general. Not nearly as expensive as you think it'll be, and so much amazing shopping along with so many sights as well amazing sushi.

 

[Shan Man]

Tokyo is an amazing city. Cant wait to head back.

Zoo
Disneyland
Pokemon Store
Harijuku
Akihabara
Aquarium

All good places to visit with kids. And as said above, you dont need a visa.

I stayed in Shiodome at the Park Hotel Tokyo, was kind of a business area which meant it was quiet at night but its a great location near the Shinbashi JR Station (lines everywhere in the city) and a Subway line directly below the hotel. The room overlooked tokyo tower and onto mount fuji which was amazing.

Also, stay anytime of year and you will be rewarded with beauty.

Spring - Sakura (March-April)
Winter - Snow
Autumn - EVERYTHINGS ORANGE AND YELLOW AND RED
Summer - Warmth and sunshine