Just returned from another trip to Loong Palace and the improvements regarding service I have seen are getting better - especially for China.
The Restaurants still need improving regarding service although the menus had changed for the better since my last visit in February.
This time I went with my wife and we had a few days of leisure together which was a nice break from the usual buisness trip and I had a chance to properly explore all the leisure facilities which are really good and well maintained.
Although the hotel was really busy with an International Taekwondo event she was really taken care of, especially at their new Spa in their new South Wing called My Spa which is certainly one of the best we have seen in Beijing.
The understanding of English also seems to be improving as one member of staff told me they now have regular English lessons.

I hope they keep it up as I will be going back in Sptember.

A brilliant Hotel with excellent facilities, friendly staff and good resturants.Rooms are large, well serviced, and well appointed room service is fast and efficient.Business facilites were good, and it is well located in relation to the high tech districts.The Great Wall and other major sightseeing areas are within easy reach.I will be staying there again.

Two friends and I spent 6 nights at the Loong Palace. It is a lovely hotel deserving of it's 5 star rating. The employees were very helpful, very accomodating. Most spoke enough English that we had no problems exchanging money, asking about areas we wanted to visit, ordering room service or ordering at the bars and restaurants, even getting a massage. This hotel is a bit out of downtown Beijing but taxi rides are very inexpensive and taxi cabs were numerous.

The hotel is beautiful, the rooms are spacious, and the staff is excellent. Yes, as several reviews have pointed out, English skills are often lacking, but a little bit of patience goes a long way. Besides...you are in China after all..how fluent is your Chinese? The hotel has several restaurants (excellent breakfast in the Bravo on 2nd floor), a spa, bowling alley, tennis court, and other amenities to fill your free time (assuming you have any). I will definitely stay at the Loong Palace again. Top notch! The ONLY negative for anyone travelling strictly for pleasure is the location (45 minute cab ride from downtown).