No, you can't

Sorry for the late response. I too do not remember any interior refurbishments or renovations being done. Outside, construction is taking place everywhere in Beijing. I was there in late July/early August.

Its variable. Sometime when we are travelling around far east Gulf and Europe even though they refund the amount in full it takes a few days if not a week or so...depending on the bank. What we find in this case is to pay for the room, give the hotel cash for incidentals which sometimes is less than what they were going to hold on the card. (staying for a night or two) When we leave they return the cash in full if not used. or second scenario is that we pay for the room and tell them that we will pay cash for what ever we use ie restaurant etc. directly to them as not to run up a bill. This also works. Hope this is helpful. Enjoy your stay!!