| Date | Rating | Comment
[Guest Comments: 35 positive, 0 negative]
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| 09/15/09 |
Positive
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| I stayed in the Beijing condo with a friend for 5 nights in August, 2009 and we couldn't have been more pleased with our experience. Liu Pei and Monica ran a very professional business that allowed us to do everything we wanted while staying in Beijing. Our itinerary was pretty full and included a lot of the tourist sites in Beijing, but thanks to Liu Pei and Monica we were able to see everything with plenty of time to spare. The condo was an incredible experience in itself as it allowed us to spread out with our large bags and enjoy the comfort of having our own spacious bedrooms. We didn't spend a whole lot of time in the condo as we were always out during the day and evening seeing the sites or eating a meal, but it was always great to come back to the peace and quiet of the condo at the end of the day. The car service included with the condo was terrific and Monica was an excellent guide for many of the tourist sites that we visited. Liu Pei on the other hand was a fantastic driver that knew his way very well around Beijing and we never had to wait long for him to pick us up from wherever we were. We wouldn't hesitate staying in Liu Pei and Monica's condo again and will definitely recommend it to any friends and family that visit Beijing. |
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Chris Wagner, Kansas City, MO
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| 08/17/09 |
Positive
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We were very pleased with our 4 night stay in Beijing with Liu Pei and Monica as our hosts. As other reviewers in this guestbook have mentioned, Liu Pei and Monica are very accomodating and considerate, and we could not ask for anything better with the service and the genunine interest to make our stay memorable. The condo was comfortable and conveniently located for quick access to the highways and also local downtown, but located in a quiet residential neighborhood with nearby stores as well. Our hosts suggestions for restaurants on the fairly inexpensive to a nice 5 star rated Chef Dong (for Peking Duck specialty, but try the Sashimi salad as well, yummy. BTW free drinks in the lobby as you wait for your table) restaurants were good for us. Our hosts would drive us to the restaurants and we will eat, then use the host's cell phone to call for pickup, which was always prompt.
As a side note, we want to thank Monica for insisting not to be conned by some tricksters who offered horse rides for a low price to journey from the Dragon Valley Long Qing Gorge parking lot to the actual entrance( usually there is shuttle service but it was not running at that time, which equate to a 30 minute walk in the sun - could not drive to the entrance with Liu Pei's car as it was off limits for some reason), then demanding a much higher price per person 5-10 minutes into the off road journey. Monica was able to control the situation and forced the tricksters to bring us back to the main road and Liu Pei managed to arrranged a private shuttle bus to take us at a much reasonble price. In retrospect, we got a free horse ride !!
In a summary, we would not hesitated to reserve a spot with Liu Pei and Monica when we go back to Beijing.
Monica & Liu Pei - thanks for everything and the great conversations. Please remember us. Maybe next time we can go to Xian or Shanghai together? |
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J Tan, Lexington MA
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| 07/28/09 |
Positive
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| We had the most wonderul time in Beijing thanks to Monica and Liu Pei. Throughout our stay, they devoted themselves completely to making our Beijing vacation happy and memorable. The apartment was clean and very comfortable. It had internet access, an excellent washing machine, and plenty of hot water. We were a party of three, and the kitchen and two separate bedrooms with air conditioning gave us everything we needed to rest comfortably after days of delightful excursions. We highly recommend this apartment and Liu Pei and Monica's services as tour guides for your vacaton in Beijing. |
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Ella Wray, Needham, MA |
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| 06/05/09 |
Positive
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What a wonderful time we had in Beijing thanks to Monica & Lui Pei. The apartment was just right for the 4 of us. We felt safe the whole time we were in the city. Having our own private guides and driver made it so much easier than if we would have had to do everything ourselves. They greeted us with a smile early each morning and remained pleasant until late at night when they brought us back. The restaurants they suggested were reasonable and the food was good. We appreciated that they never rushed us no matter how long we took at the places we visited. Monica is a great guide and really knows her history. She and Lui Pei taught us a lot. We allowed them to choose the places to visit and were happy with their suggestions. We learned some Chinese and we taught them some "Texan" - like "Yep", "Nope", and "Yee Haw". This was a trip of a lifetime and we are happy to recommend Lui Pei, Monica, and the rental property. We truly enjoyed our stay and have beautiful memories to cherish.
-Marilyn & Denny Willmon-Houston, Texas
-Sheri & Jim Young-Shanghai and Greenville, South Carolina |
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Marilyn & Denny Willmon, Houston, Texas, USA |
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| 06/04/09 |
Positive
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| We had a fabulous time here with our great hosts Lui Pei and Monica, in April 2009. The apartment is exactly as you see it in the photos. It's comfortable, clean, safe, and most importantly, gives you a real feel for life in Beijing. Having a private guide and driver enabled us to see much more than we could ever see in a group tour. The nearby garden/park was a delight each morning to see people doing Tai Chi, and other groups doing various other activities including dancing. There is a takeaway food store just down the road from the garden which makes these amazing pancakes - 2 for 3 Yuan, that's breakfast for less than a $1. It's also worth checking out the Wu Mart, the local shopping centre. If not to purchase, at least to see how the locals go about their daily shopping. Make sure you check out each floor. Overall, a wonderful experience for us. Thank you Liu Pei and Monica. |
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Bernie & Justine Kuran, Melbourne, Australia
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| 04/15/09 |
Positive
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| Thank you Liu Pei and Monica. We thoroughly enjoyed our stay. The apartment was perfect for our family, great location, clean and very comfortable. Liu Pei is a fantastic driver and Monica was very helpful as a guide. We hope to see you again soon. |
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Anonymous, Hong Kong |
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| 03/02/09 |
Positive
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| Had a fabulous trip and couldn't have done it without Lui Pei and Monica. Travelling with our kids (ages 10 & 11)they loved the history and stories that Monica was able to share about all the sites we visited, the experience of shopping,the night market, Lui Pei's driving (which saved us lots of walking at all the sites) and their fabulous restaurant recommendations. Staying in the apartment gave us the local experience you can not get staying in a hotel, and having a driver and guide helped us really learn and experience Bejing and China. We would highly recommend and would love to visit again for longer! |
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Nancy Myles, Banff, Ab, Canada |
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| 02/19/09 |
Positive
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We stayed in this condo for 4 nights, we have two young boys and it suited us well. We have lived in shanghai for 6 months so we were not as 'new' and maybe not the usual tourist! Lui Pei and Monica were outstanding hosts. Not only were they friendly and helpful they were very obliging to our some what hectic and for ever changing schedule. It was very cold when were there, snowed the last 2 days! was specutular. As it was cold my boys did not handle it very well and Monica was fantastic by taking us through certain parts of eg Forbidden city and Summer palace and showed us the highlights withought having to be there ALL day. We saw a great deal whilst we were there and everything was close by. Excellent location. Even though it was cold and snowing we were warm as toast in our little temporary home and we would always have to go out to the sunroom to check the weather! we were very thankful for the car as a long trip in the car to see the great wall and we could leave anytime we wanted without having to wait for a tour group to leave. Lui Pei is a very safe driver and they both had a good sense of humour about my boys, especially if one of them was having a melt down in the car!
Monica and Lui Pei you are an asset to Beijing! and there should be more like you! would makes us young families travelling with small children life much easier! I certainly will be passing on my recommendations to friends here in china and overseas. Will be booking with you again this year in summer! see you soon! |
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Read Family, Shanghai, China (org Australia) |
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| 12/31/08 |
Positive
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| This place was just right for us (visiting Beijing for the first time with 5-year-old twins -- we currently live in Shanghai). Though it was the middle of winter the apartment was warm and had limitless hot water. It's not fancy but it was very clean, pleasant, and comfortable and the kitchen was especially convenient. The driver and guide were extremely knowledgeable, skilled, kind, and thoughtful. We saw all the tourist basics and also did two day trips out of town. We had a terrific time and will definitely stay here again the next time we are in Beijing. |
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Maggie T., Shanghai, China |
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| 11/21/08 |
Positive
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It is my pleasure to recommend this rental property. Lui Pei and Monica were superb hosts and guides. The condo is exactly as advertised and the excellent location gives westerners a chance to glimpse everyday life in Beijing, from watching Tai Chi in the park, to breakfast from sidewalk venders to children at day-care all is right there.
We were there for the last week of the paralympics and our needs were not usual since we needed to travel to and meet friends at different times and places; Lui Pei always manged to get us there on time and this was despite the travel restrictions which meant he had to arrange for alternate cars every other day. All of our unusual requests were met with calm ,patience for beyond what might be expected. Beijing is a lovely, interesting, sprawling city I am sure that the best way to enjoy it is with Lui Pei and Monica.
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Keith Minler, Wasaga Beach Ontario Canada
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| 11/04/08 |
Positive
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We only had a 4 days to visit Beijing in Oct 08, so we opted to stay in this 2bdrm condo because the price included a car, driver and guide.
We are glad we did this as Beijing traffic is crazy busy and crowded; having Liu Pei & Monica ready at any moment was so convienent, saving us time and sore feet. The accomodations were simple, comfortable, tidy and clean. The area was a real neighbourhood filled with families going about their daily lives.
They gave us the use of a cellphone to call them for any help or advice.
What we really appreciated was the no hassle, what ever you please service they offered. There were times we had to attend evening events and asked them just to drop us off, but they offered to pick us up and drive us back, at our leisure with never a worry about time. Their graciousness was greatly appreciated and we would glady recommend their services to people new to Beijing. |
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Harvey C, Vancouver, B.C.
604 681 1225 |
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| 09/06/08 |
Positive
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| My wife and I thoroughly enjoyed our week with Liu Pei and Monica. They were attentive to our needs, from sightseeing to shopping to eating. The condo was comfortable and our hosts, knowledgeable, warm, and fun. We couldn't have been more pleased with this rental package. |
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Charles Ogletree |
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| 08/21/08 |
Positive
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Our stay was from Aug. 6, 2008 - Aug. 16, 2008 (During the 2008 Olympics)
I found the condo on "vbro" read all excellent reviews, & wanted to stay at this condo. I emailed the owner, Liupei, & reserved the condo. I was hesitant when Liupei asked for $500USD deposit. I sent emails to previous guest who has stayed at the condo. All the previous guest vouched that he was a trustworthy person. After the reassurance from previous guest, I sent the deposit via Western Union & eagerly waited for over 2 years for out trip to Beijing & the Olympic games. I kept in touch with Liupei over the years via email. Liupei was very responsive to every email I sent.
Monica & Liupei picked us up from the airport & help carry our luggage to the car, then we went directly to the condo. At the condo, Liupei showed us how to use the air conditioning system, washer/ dryer, & everything you can think of in the condo. There were also some books on Beijing & DVD’s (The Last emperor, etc..) for our enjoyment. The Condo was very clean & was very well stocked (TV, bowls, knives, pots/pans, etc…). The pictures on the condo listing are accurate & the furniture (beds, table, couch, etc…) were all clean & comfortable. We truly felt like a local resident instead of a guest in somebody else’s house.
During the Olympics, the government took half the cars off the streets to reduce the smog levels. Odd license plate cars could drive on odd days & even license plate could drive on even days. Liupei’s car ended with an odd # & could only take us out on odd # days.
We did not have a driver/guide during the even days, but we still felt like our guide & translator, Monica, was right there with us. She always answered the phone when we called & made us cheat sheets to give to the taxi drivers (none of the taxi drivers speak English). The cheat sheets were in Chinese with English translation so we can show the Taxi driver where we wanted to go. Below are just some of the cheat sheets Monica made for us:
*Olympic venues
*Food translation (ice cubes)
*Condo address w/directions
On odd days, Monica & Liupei was our personal driver & tour guide. Monica is an official licensed tour guide (she had a government issued tour guide ID) & Liupei’s driving skills are amazing. The day typically began at 9 am when they would pick us up from the condo & drive us to any destination we choose. Some of the destinations included:
*Great Wall
*Tiananmen Square
*Summer palace
During our vacation in Beijing, we ran into many other American who had bad experiences due to communications issues. I told them about our condo, personal guide/translator/driver & they were all envious. We had no issues with communications.
If you want additional information on the condo, Liupei (our driver/owner), Monica (our tour guide/ translator) or our experience, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Quoc Nguyen
California USA
QUOC.L.NGUYE(at)GMAIL (dot)COM |
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Quoc, 1-408-930-6101
Nguyen |
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| 06/08/08 |
Positive
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My husband and I travelled to Beijing in April. Our trip was wonderful!! With the assistance and company of Liupei and Monica it couldn't be anything less than wonderful!
The condo was terrific and located in a residential area that allowed us to be happy observers of life in Beijing. Close to the condo were universities where we had pleasant morning runs. Close by as well was a park where we watched the community of Tai Chi practitioners and were greeted by children wearing bright yellow hats en route to their nearby school. The neighbourhood restaurants and bakeries were outstanding and most importantly, the people were very friendly.
We made good use of our sightseeing time while there. And Liupei and Monica made it all so effortless. We were spoiled! Liupei and Monica would pick us up every morning and we would be taken to which ever destinations we had chosen for the day and return us to the condo at day's end. Monica joined us for our sightseeing adventures and was absolutely wonderful company. Her knowledge of the places we visited enhanced the experience tremendously. Liupei and Monica answered our endless questions and tirelessly took us anywhere we chose to go. Knowing the area so well, of course, their suggestions as to what we should see and where we should eat were invaluable.
Liupei and Monica were warm, thoughtful, gracious, funny (we had lots of laughs!) and patient. Our holiday was as amazing as it was thanks to Liupei and Monica. Anyone considering a visit to Beijing must consider this fabulous guided holiday.
Thank you again Liupei and Monica!!!
Lana and Trent
Canada |
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Anonymous, Canada |
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| 06/02/08 |
Positive
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My husband Dennis, Daughter Amanda an I spend a lovey week in Beijing. Lui Pei's condo was great.Lui Pei and Monica were wonderful to be with. Lui Pei took us to many wonderful sights. Monica was great in putting the history of China and the various sites we visted in perspective. I would recommend this as the way to go. You have a guide and a driver who are helpful and more than willing to adjust as necessary. The
Great Wall and the Summer Palace were two of our favorites.. The seats that Lui Pei got us for the Acrobatic show and the Kung Fu show where exceptional also. There are so many wonderful sites to see. |
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Nancy Finkenkeller, Schaumburg IL |
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| 04/22/08 |
Positive
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Shelly and I have been fortunate enough to have visited a large number of great cities, such as London, Paris, Zurich, Athens, Hongkong, San Jose (Costa Rica) and New York. But the week we spent in Liu Pei's condo in Beijing in Janurary, 2008 will always be of the top of our list.
The accomodations were warm and comfortable. Liu Pei is a fantastic and patient driver and Monica, our tour guide, a warm and charming young lady who knew when to give help and when to back off and left us make decisions. We could never want a more accomodating team to assist us.
In addition to the usual sights of Beijing (Forbidden City, Great Wall, etc.), we recommend some less known sights: Madam Soong's Masion, the Red Gate Gallary and a stroll down the old legation quarter street(Dong Jiao Min Xiang), a Sunday morning church service at Chongwenmen Church is a unique and memorable event.
If we are lucky enough to return to Beijing, we will make every effort to stay in Liu Pei's condo again. It feels like home,
Thank you, Liu Pei
Thank you, Monica
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Michael & Shelly Jones, McMinnville,Oregon,USA
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| 04/21/08 |
Positive
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We enjoyed our stay in Beijing in April 2008 particularly thanks to the courtesy, reliability and good humour of Liu pei and Monica. They drove us to most interesting places in addition to the usual tourist sites and never failed to find restaurants and shops that we specifically wanted to see. Nothing was too much trouble for them. They are a charming partnership who provide a most interesting service particularly recommended to those travellers who want to experience real China and meet its people. Thankyou very much for all your help and constant efforts to make our holiday very memorable indeed.
can you still get those terrific seats at the circus??
All the best
Robert and Bonita |
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Bonita Posen, Israel
o44 4629 0452 |
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| 10/23/07 |
Positive
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| We just returned from China where we had a memorable vacation, and one of the best world trips we have ever taken, thanks to Liu Pei and Monica, our driver and interpreter, respectively. They made it possible for us to relax and simply feast on the sights and sounds of a truly remarkable city, and to eat at wonderful restaurants, where ordering was no problem with them along. We are Seniors, and it is no small task to accomodate us in a city the size of Beijing, but they did it effortlessly. In proximity to the condo are restaurants, a fine supermarket with enough products to excite your interest if not your taste. After all they cater to the neighborhood, and not the tourist. That is one of the charms of what our new-found friends have to offer: The condo is not on a touristic trail, and the restaurants do not modify their menus for foreign tastes. The taste we got was what we wanted: Chinese through and through. We highly recommend the condo, but more particulary the personalized attention of two fine people. Everything about our trip was right. |
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Anonymous
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| 07/01/07 |
Positive
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| Have just arrived back from ten days holiday in Beijing and can safely say this is the best holiday I have ever had.With Luipei(the driver) and Monica the guide,nothing was to much trouble.In the days I spent in their company, I saw all the sites I wanted to see and much much more. Travelling alone,I was a little apprehensive,but within minutes of meeting Luipei & Monica at the airport, I need not have worried,I had a great time.Luipei was a great driver, and Monica a great guide and translator,and without the two of them my holiday in Beijing would not have been half so good.Your own 'condo',your own driver, your own guide, what more could you ask. Not only did I make two friends I also had a fabulous holiday. I thoughly recommend it. |
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Roy Booker, Worcester England.
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| 06/25/07 |
Positive
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| Our trip to Beijing this week is the most enjoyable vacation we have ever had and this can be totally attributed to our hosts (Liupei and Monica) and the polite and cheerful people in Beijing. Words cannot describe the hospitality, affection and alacrity of our hosts. Besides taking us to the usual sightseeing spots, Liupei took us to the nooks and corners of Beijing that only a localite would know. He tirelessly drove us to several shopping places and more so, took care of our energetic 3.5 year old while we did the shopping. Our son loved him so much that he has re-christened himself as Liupei these days :-) Monica was very sweet and went beyond the call of duty as a tour guide. We were extremely impressed by her knowledge of Chinese History and her respect for other cultures. Monica cheerfully accompanied us to the Great Wall, Temple of Heaven, Summer Palace, Llama Temple, Ming Tombs, Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square, Beijing Zoo and Aquarium, Beijing Enamel factory, Beijing Silk factory and the Pearl Market. They also dropped us off at a Kung Fu Show (The Legend of Chingyi) in the Red Theater which is a must-see. The personal touch that Liupei and Monica added to their business has left an indelible impression in our minds. Like others have pointed out, the condo is very clean and comfortable to stay in. It is not a five-star accommodation but it has all the amenities to make one feel at home. The Wu Shopping Mart was a stone's throw from this condo, so we took a daily walk to pick up things we needed for our meals. Since we are strict vegetarians, we got help from Liupei and Monica to make sure we were not buying food with animal ingredients. They also took us to a few vegetarian restaurants in town and we loved the food. Overall, we would strongly recommend this condo and their services. Liupei and Monica! We will always remember the wonderful time we had with both of you. Thanks for making our stay in Beijing so memorable. |
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Vanitha, Krishnan & Sanjay, Madison, WI
(608) 233 9590 |
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| 05/20/07 |
Positive
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What an exciting way to experience China! From the time we were picked up at the airport by Luipei and our charming guide Kelly, until we were returned to the airport 11 days later, we were introduced to the Chinese cultures, history, and way of life like we never could have imagined!
We learned so much about China, not only from the sites that we toured, and the history we received from Kelly, but also just from living the life in the apartment that is located in an area near a daycare, and primary and secondary schools, not to mention the universities. We looked forward to our evening walks to explore the surrounding areas, including where the 2008 Olympics will be held. I know we enjoyed people watching as much as they marveled at watching us!
Luipei is such a patient host and open to any changes in plans, and was kind enough to drive us to the Great Wall a second time so we could hike it on a clear day…..
We will be forever thankful we found this rental property; our lives have been enriched with the friendship of Luipei, Kelly and Nancy (our other guide).
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Cindy Brokens, Silverdale, WA
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| 05/06/07 |
Positive
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My spouse and I spent a wonderful week at this apartment in mid-March, 2007. I agree with the previous comments that this is not the Hilton but it is very clean and comfortable. The basics for
cooking, etc. are there but besides breakfast we never used it. Why would
anyone need it. The cost for a huge, delicious dinner for two, including two large ice cold beers, was under $10 at the University Restaurant.
The best part about staying here is the fact that you have a driver (Luipei)and a guide (Lili) from morning until evening. Before we left for Beijing we sent Ding a list of places we would like to visit, food we liked and things we liked to do and left it up to her to plan our week. And what a week it was. Early every day they would pick us up and take us to a number of attractions. We had asked to see a local village.
We drove for over two hours through beautiful mountainous countryside
to visit a 500 year old village. Incredible. As we would be visiting
the Great Wall with another tour group the following week they took us to a less visited site in Mutianyu which turned out to be better than the Badaling site. We let our guides elect the lunch stops and again we were amazed.
Each day was a different selection of wonderful foods. The four of us eat from numerous selections. Again we would have two beers (Luipei and Lili did not drink) and the meals would always be around $10. Incredible but true! The most expensive meal for the
week was $18 but this was because we asked for a special Peking Duck lunch. Well worth the extra few dollars and don't forget that this is for 4 persons.
We were never rushed. In fact, they would encourage us to take our time and enjoy the attractions. Lili is very knowledable about here hometown and has a delightful sense of humor. Although traffic is always very crazy we never felt nervous with Luipei behind the wheel. These two jems alone make this apartment a steal.
In addition to the very good local University restaurant, the campus
has a grocery store, jewellery store (great prices) sourvenir store,
banks etc.
Around the corner on the main street is a great bakery. Don't bother
with the conveniently close McDonald's and Starbucks. We made the mistake of going there. 2 muffins and 2 coffees at Starbucks cost more than dinner for two at the University. McDonald's cost more.
Thanks again Luipei, Lili and Ding. We shall return!
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Anonymous, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
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| 03/09/07 |
Positive
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Every city should have a place like this. I only had a week to see Beijing and I can tell you that it can't be done as well any other way.
First of all, you get to live in a real neighborhood with real people around you. The condo is on Tsinghua University so a quick stroll North and you are walking through the Yale of China, South a couple of blocks and you are in busy Beijing.
If was able to just hangout here for a week I would be happy but that is not the case. Each morning Luipei and for my visit Lili would pick me up and take me to great locations around Beijing.
Without Luipei's driving, you would not be able to get around as well. Since Beijing is so big and some crosstown trips are so long, it is nice to have a friend in the car with you.
I saw many group tours there and I would really say after seeing it that it is not the way to go. I came back with what I think is a more personal experience.
The condo is perfectly functional and safe but not the Hilton. Staying there was an important part of my trip because I felt that I lived for awhile in China.
If you have any questions about my visit, please have Luipei and Ding forward my contact information.
Greg |
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Anonymous, Seattle, WA USA |
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| 12/01/06 |
Positive
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| I highly recommend this place if you are staying in Beijing. It was nice and clean and very good location too. |
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Richard Nacamuli, Milwaukee, WI
262) 253-1400 |
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| 11/27/06 |
Positive
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| What a wonderful trip! The condo was a great base of operation - basic (along the lines of graduate student housing) but spotless and totally functional. Having a washing machine was a nice plus, letting you save space in your suitcae for the inevitable purchases. Liupei and Jing were a great team, making sure we were comfortable and responsive to our every request. It felt like visiting with knowledgable friends rather than a vacation trip. If you seek five star plush keep looking, but if you want perfectly adequate accommodation in an authentic environment and marvelously warm, welcoming service, go for this property. |
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Jim H, San Antonio,Texas
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| 11/02/06 |
Positive
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| This was the best value for the dollar we have experienced. The apartment is clean, in a safe area with everything needed. The internet, e-mail access was just like home. Liupei picked us up every morning with Helen, an English speaking guide. They were both wonderful and made us feel so welcome. Liupei is the world's best driver. We highly recommend. |
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John Hillwick, Sun City, Arizona, USA
623-815-8438 |
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| 10/24/06 |
Positive
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To do or not to do is that the question.
See Beijing with a group tour as a voyeur? See the sights yet not experience China?
Or boldly crack open the door to China a little, see the China the Chinese see.
Choose to tour or choose an experience.
We opted for the experience and what an experience! We saw the sights (and the tour groups in their hermetically sealed tour coaches hurrily herded from here to there), while we immersed ourselves in experiences that captivated us.
The early morning rituals in neighborhood parks the locals exercising, the tai chi, the dancing, the musicians, the invitations to join in. The opportunities to eat splendid food at other than tourist restaurants
To feel part of a community, spend evenings in and with the population of your residential area. When we did see the major sights, to be with knowledgeable locals on a one to one basis without time pressures. Fascinating trips through everyday China. To travel away from the tourist routes, seeing and stopping at anything anywhere that caught our attention. To shop in intriguing areas with unusual stores and items.
Which leads to our conclusion. A great trip a great experience but it would not have been possible without LuiPei and Ding our two Chinese hosts. These two people are incredible, you are their guests while in China; absolutely nothing was too much trouble for them. When you get to Beijing and comprehend how vast the city is you will understand how vital their car and local knowledge is to the success of your experience.
Be bold forsake the predictability of the organized sanitized quasi Chinese tour. Let LuiPei and Ding show you a little of the real China, you won’t miss a single sight plus you will get a truly amazing once in a lifetime insight into a culture so different to our own. Thank you LuiPei and Ding. Everyone should be so lucky as to experience Beijing with you.
Alan, Gala and Alisse
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Alan Gala & Alisse, Bradenton, Florida
941 752 2077 |
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| 07/11/06 |
Positive
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May I add my accolades to the other comments about Dinglian and Liupei. Our son is attending Peking University and it was very fortunate that the apartment was within easy walking distance of his dorm. Liupei was always helping us, thinking ahead to what would be interesting for us and was unfailingly accomodating. Our bags didn't make it to China, but thanks to him they arrived at exactly 8:00 p.m. the following evening, as promised. Unfortunately Dinglian was called away to Inner Mongolia on business so we only met her the first day. She is charming and I'm sorry we didn't get to spend more time with her. Being called to Inner Mongolia seemed quite glamorous to me.
The apartment was a quiet, spotless refuge to return to at the end of busy days. It was also quite interesting to watch the neighborhood wake up, to see the children going to school, and to be able to walk to the grocery store. Liupei introduced us to the most incredible little loaves of bread.
As someone has said previously the food is wonderful and Liupei seemed to always be able to answer our requests. Our son is quite fond of food from a particular province in China - it's not easy to find outside this particular province. Not only did Liupei find us a restaurant, but it was possibly the best meal I had in the 26 days I was in China.
Your experience in China will be wonderfully unique and much more personal if you choose to stay in the Zhao's apartment.
Patricia Pierce
Paradise Valley, Arizona
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Patricia Pierce & Mike Schrader, Paradise Valley, AZ
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| 04/17/06 |
Positive
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| I flew in to Beijing with a friend to meet my daughter arriving from Rome. We were in Beijing to attend the China Fashion Week that my daughter was competing in. I had no idea how all the arrangements would work - airport meetings, shows, visiting and also sights and shopping. I was able to accomplish everything with Liupei and Dinglian's help. Everything was handled with a positive attitude - even last minute changes. I was very impressed and will return this October with my husband for aother visit. |
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Laura Anglin, Homer, Alaska
907-235-2819 |
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| 03/21/06 |
Positive
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For $100/night you can stay in a fancy hotel in Beijing. You get the front door opened for you by the bell hop and you can say hello/goodbye. Maybe he will wave a taxi for you.
For the same price, you can live Beijing as the local Chinese do. Liupei and Dinglian will take you to the best cultural sites, the best out of the way restaurants, teach you everything you would want to know about their city, providence and country, how to get around, how to bargain, what to eat…and all of this in the nature of true friends, not as a stuffy guide who pushes you through to get you to the next site and back on the bus. For 6 days in Beijing, they were our not our guides, but our friends. We’ve been to Asia four times and usually travel on our own, but Liupei and Dinglian were just awesome.
Some of the more memorable items were the awesome strawberries brought to the apartment by Liupei at the end of the day…Dinglian suggesting and making the flight and hotel reservations to two other cites for us to visit…the phone call in Hangzhou to see how everything was going after we left…the last night with Wie helping us to pick up some needed items knowing that she wasn’t feeling the best all the while smiling and being helpful… Liupei offering to hold some of our luggage so we could travel light while we traveled around China and then sit 6 hours at the airport on the way back through Beijing just to get it back to us…playing ping-pong with Liupei and the locals in the park…and the than special time sitting and talking about both of our cultures, so similar and yet so different.
Liupei, Dinglian and Wie will always be in our hearts.
Ps. Don’t eat for a week before you go so you have room for all the food, and watch out for those foot massages! ?
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Don & Carolyn Funk, Seatte/USA
425-703-0607 |
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| 02/16/06 |
Positive
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Our week in this apartment was wonderful. We were
there in late January for the Spring Festival (Chinese
New Year) and much of the time it was cold, but the
apartment was quite warm and cozy and served all
our needs quite well.
As the previous comments reveal, Ding and Luipei
are wonderful guides and companions. They made
certain we got to do the many things we had on our
agenda and planned some fantastic additions as
well.
Luipei is a world class bargainer in the markets. He
knows the city well and his driving skills are
excellent. Beijing is a city of unusual driving habits
and Luipei has a great understanding of how to
navigate through the maze.
Ding is an excellent guide with great energy and
understanding. She is keenly interested in pleasing
her clients and has a dynamic personality and a
keen interest in her culture.
We wanted to see some specialized markets and
Ding and Luipei got us to them without a hitch.
This included winding around areas in which major
streets were closed off for the Spring Festival.
Luipei is a magician at finding a place to park.
We had a great time trying so many different types
of restaurants and typical foods. Our chop stick
skills were constantly challenged, but at least we
provided entertainment for the neighbors. Caution:
Peking duck is addicting! We had it twice and each
place had a different method of preparation which
produced equally delicious results.
It was great to have an apartment to come home to
and have access to the internet, a place to wash the
clothes and plenty of room to relax. The apartment
is spotlessly clean, quite inviting and quiet. We
hope to return to Beijing for an October visit in a
year or so and we are looking forward to booking
the apartment again and re-establishing our
friendship with Ding and Luipei.
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David Stacy, Charlottesville, Virginia
434-977-5425 |
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| 11/20/05 |
Positive
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| We just got back from a month in China. Our best decision for the trip was to rent this apartment for the week we were in Beijing. The apartment is everything that is promised, in a friendly, safe neighborhood, within easy walking distance of good restaurants and markets, and across the street from a lively park. What made the week really special were the wonderful daily excursions planned for us by Dinglian and Loupei. They went out of their way to be sure that we were able to visit many interesting places, eat wonderful food, and enjoy everything about the week in Beijing. Dinglian even helped me plan the rest of our trip in China. I would recommend them to everyone. Please feel free to e-mail or call me if you have any questions. |
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Tina Manley, Rock Hill, SC, USA
(803)328-8271 |
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| 11/10/05 |
Positive
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| It had always been my dream to visit China. I never expected it to be so great on my first try. My mother selected this place to stay, because it came with a driver and translater. Neither of us knew any Chinese. We have both been to Europe countless times and knew we could get around there on our own. But China seemed quite different. And it was, until Ding and Liupei picked us up at the airport. The 'driver' and 'translator' were quite personable, especially for our first encounter. I felt at ease immediately. As they helped us tailor our itenary, they made crucial suggestions and alterations. We dined at some of the best, and not well known, restruants around Beijing. I feel that if you are to ever do Beijing, the historical and cultural mecca of China, than you should do it with Ding and Liupei. They were great, and the apartment was great too. I do recomend that you bring shades for your eyes, and some ear protection if you are not a heavy sleeper. I will definately come back, and of course, will have to visit my new good friends Ding and Liupei. Thank you for making this trip very very very special. |
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Chris Pieper, Chandler, AZ
480-236-9407 |
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Homeowner Response:
Hi,Chris.We still remember the Spanish word and German word you taught to us.You are a good teacher! Have you remember How to say "Thanks" and "expensive" in Chinese! Welcome back!Hope to see you soon!
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| 11/09/05 |
Positive
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| I highly recommend staying at this property. Everything the ad said is not only true but better. The apartment was very clean and well equiped. What really made our trip was our driver and translator. They are very special people and made us feel at home. We went home with a very positive feeling about China. They gave us the freedom to make our own itinerary and then helped us to make it better. They took us to different restaurants so we could experience different foods. They took us to the best shopping areas. They were willing and ready to take us anywhere we wanted to go. We can't wait to come back and stay with them. It was an experience of a life time. |
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Anne Pieper, Chandler, Arizona USA
480-963-1044 |
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Homeowner Response:
Thanks,Ann.We also had a good time with you too.Have you practiced using chopsticks? Work Hard, so many delicious Chinese food waiting! Hope to see you again!
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