As it readies for the 2008 Olympics, Beijing strives to redefine its images as an ultra-modern capital city with world-class facilities. As a result, the number of choices in luxury hotel accommodations continues to expand at a dizzying rate. However, most options remain centrally located near Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City.
Bill Clinton regularly stays at the St. Regis Hotel (http://www.stregis.com/beijing), Known for its personalized service. All accommodations feature warm, inviting colors, luxurious bedding and marble bathrooms with extra-deep tubs. The most requested room may be the Diplomat Deluxe, but Ambassador Suites offer the best vistas, thanks to their corner locations.
All rooms include 24/7 butler service. The butlers have been known to go above and beyond for their guests; one shopped for lamps after hours when a guest didn’t like existing room lighting, and another helped bargain for souvenirs at the nearby Silk Market.
We were dazzled by the marriage of traditional Chinese architecture and modern luxury at the Peninsula Palace Beijing (http://beijing.peninsula.com). For excellent city views, book one of the 18 Duplex Suites on the top floor. Each features a downstairs sitting area with a beautiful wooden staircase leading to an upper-level bedroom.
For the ultimate in sophistication, the recently renovated 10-room, 7,100-square-foot Peninsula Suite features an impressive collection of antiques and a private elevator linked directly to the lobby and hotel restaurants. French President Jacques Chirac was the suite’s first guest.
At the Grand Hyatt Beijing (http://www.beijing.grand.hyatt.com/), nothing beats relaxing at Club Oasis, where guests can take a dip in China’s largest hotel swimming pool. The tropical theme includes underwater music and a “virtual sky” that replicates different weather phenomena.
The innovatively prepared meals at Made in China are just as distinctive, but it’s the classic Peking Duck that can’t be missed. Make reservation 24 to 48 hours in advance.
Guest rooms, including the popular Grand Suite, are designed for comfort with relaxing colors, genuine goose-down duvets, crisp linens, rich woods and local works of art.
Advisor Insight
“There is a wide gamut of exclusive and special activities to experience in Beijing,” says Nancy Kim, managing partner of Imperial Tours, which specializes in high-tech travel throughout China. “The key issue is deciphering which is appropriate to the particular demands of each high-end traveler, with whom we engage on an individual basis.”
The Great Wall, the Forbidden City and the Temple of Heaven top the must-see list for most travelers, but “supposing that these neatly describe Beijing is akin to pigeonholing New York with a visit to MoMA, the Met and the Statue of Liberty.”
For a unique experience, Kim suggests strolling through the contemporary art galleries of the Dashanzi Art District, a growing arts and culture center. 798 Space (http://798space.net) is housed in a former state-owned, Bauhaus-style factory built in the early 1950s.
For relaxation, visitors can indulge in a reflexology foot massage or practice Tai Chinin one of the city’s parks. (web_inquiry@imperialtours.net; www.imperialtours.net).
© July/August 2006 Luxury Travel Advisor
