Aman at the Summer Palace
What with so many luxury five star hotels in Beijing, travelers really are spoilt for choice in this megacity. But how do you choose when confronted with this much choice? It’s not easy, so we’re here to help and have written a brief guide to the primary choices for your luxury hotel needs in Beijing. The following are listed in alphabetical order.
Aman Summer Palace
The Aman in Beijing is an absolutely gorgeous Qing dynasty heritage boutique hotel. It’s located at the Summer Palace which is far from downtown Beijing but that’s actually the attraction. It’s a great place to go for some relaxation for a few days at the start or end of a trip. The rooms are all in a traditional courtyard style and the hotel grounds are peaceful and relaxing. To stay at the Aman Summer Palace is truly a unique experience which we’d suggest for you in addition to staying at one of the following downtown luxury hotels.
City views from a premier suite room at the China World Summit Wing
China World Summit Wing
Shangri-la’s China World Summit Wing (CWSW) has a great location right in the middle of Beijing’s Central Business District (CBD). However the real selling point here is that the hotel is located from floors 64 through 80 of the China World Trade Center building, the tallest and most prestigious skyscraper in Beijing. The views from the rooms, infinity pool, restaurants and bars are fantastic. You can see out over the Forbidden City and Tiananmen Square, and in the distance you can see Beijing is hemmed in by mountains to the north and west, it’s a stunning backdrop. The rooms are generous averaging 650 square feet. “Atmosphere” bar on the 80th floor is not to be missed!
Mio at the Four Seasons
Four Seasons
The Four Seasons is a great choice for connoisseurs of luxury living in Beijing. The lobby often packed for high tea points to one of the highlights of this property, its fantastic service. This comes in addition to its spacious rooms and admired restaurants, particularly Mio, the Italian with its over-the-top chandeliers running the length of the restaurant. On the subject of food, this is the one hotel in Beijing to include many local Beijing breakfast foods within its sumptuous buffet spread. The location in the northern embassy district is great for politicians and leisure travelers alike.
Bali-style underground swimming pool at the Grand Hyatt
Grand Hyatt
The Grand Hyatt is conveniently located on Chang An Jie, the city’s main artery, close to Wanfujing’s shopping areas, food night market as well as Tiananmen Square. By merit of its large number of rooms and location close to the city’s ministries, the hotel’s primary focus is corporate. However, thanks to its terrific Peking Duck restaurant, for many years one of the best in the city, and glorious 50 meter underground swimming pool, styled as a Bali beach, the property is versatile enough also to cater to visiting families. A hidden bonus is that some of its suites have views onto the Imperial Palace.
Unique Japanese design at The Opposite House
The Opposite House
The Opposite House has an enviable location right in the thick of all the action in Sanlitun – this is the place to go for dining, drinking and designer shopping. The hotel and rooms have a contemporary and fun design by Japanese architect Kengo Kuma and the lobby houses rotating art exhibitions. The bar and restaurants are also a draw – try Jing Yaa Tang for excellent Cantonese dim sum or Sureno for contemporary Italian cuisine. This is a sound choice for contemporary luxury in Beijing.
Lobby with a view at the Park Hyatt
Park Hyatt
With stylish bedrooms designed by Peter Remedio and public areas by Super Potato, there’s no doubting the pedigree of this property, housed in the Yintai Center, a skyscraper offering amazing city views from the heart of Beijing’s most prestigious business area only ten to fifteen minutes east of the Imperial Palace. Appealing by location particularly to the business traveler, the hotel still has plenty to offer. Over and above, “Xiu”, a lively bar and live music venue, and its “China Bar”, serving champagne and cocktails, “China Grill” was the first restaurant where Jack Aw Yeong, head of F&B for Park Hyatt in Asia, could experiment with his multi-cuisine restaurant concept serving Western, Chinese and Japanese foods simultaneously at the same table.
Swimming pool at the Rosewood
Rosewood
The Rosewood has only been open since last year but it’s quickly become one of the top choices for a luxury stay in Beijing. The lobby is gorgeous and all the rooms have a contemporary, classic feel. The location is great – right in the middle of the CBD. The swimming pool is a definite highlight as are the restaurants. We recommend Country Kitchen to experience northern Chinese cuisine and Red Bowl for trying Sichuanese hotpot.
Beautiful deluxe king room at the Waldorf Astoria
Waldorf Astoria
The Walforf Astoria is another fabulous alternative. It boasts a fantastic central location within walking distance of historic sites such as the Forbidden City and Tiananmen Square, but also near the fashionable shopping and dining area of Wangfujing. The property has a lovely contemporary design with Asian accents and the rooms are beautiful. Moreover, the hotel offers courtyard suites and a private villa in a traditional Chinese hutong style in a separate low-rise behind the main building. The suites almost feel like an extension of the Aman Summer Palace, but in downtown Beijing.
To arrange a custom tour of Beijing with a stay at any of these luxury hotels please contact us or one of our recommended travel agents.
