China Luxury Hotels

Beijing • Aman Summer Palace

Perhaps not an ideal location for strolling to other Beijing's highlights, but this remote Aman is directly adjacent to East Gate of the remarkable Summer Palace. Housed in a series of pavilions, some of which date back over a century, that were originally used by guests awaiting an audience with the Empress Dowager Cixi. To contemporary travelers, the outpost offers not only a retreat from the hustle and bustle of Beijing, but a gateway to the past.

Formerly used as a summer resort for Empress Dowager Cixi of the Qing dynasty around the turn of the 20th century, the resort today is the picture of modern luxury set within classic Chinese architectural style of the Ming Dynasty with traditional fabrics, wood screens, and bamboo blinds. Step outside your room and you have quick access to the Summer Palace, a 716-acre park that served as a retreat for Chinese royalty dating back to the 1700s. With rolling hills, lakes, and centuries-old pavilions, palaces, temples and bridges-you can literally explore the grounds for days, with some travelers citing the Summer Palace as their favorite place in Beijing. One of the best perks offered with a stay at Aman is a private entrance to the Summer Palace complex and exclusive access to the popular tourist site when it's closed to the public, including torch-lit tours at dusk.

Four dozen suites and guest rooms, large underground spa, two squash courts, an 30-meter indoor swimming pool, Pilates studio, library and a movie theater are all spread across the nine quaint courtyards of the Aman. The most impressive of room options is the Imperial suite, consisting of three separate pavilions-private pavilion, a living/study pavilion and a formal pavilion-and a spacious private courtyard. The private pavilion's four-poster king bed, roomy bathroom, spa treatment room (with two beds), and steam room just might make you feel like the Empress herself.

A few courtyards away is Naoki, one of three restaurants at the hotel. Here you can experience chef Naoki Okumura's original "French kaiseki" fare, a combination of French technique and Japanese artistry. For traditional Cantonese cuisine, The Chinese Restaurant is just a few pavilions away and serves Peking duck that is often considered the best in Beijing.

The Aman offers cooking classes at the Chinese Kitchen or at Naoki, with instruction by the resort's chefs. Sessions include preparing Dim Sum, Japanese soup making and learning the artistry behind Naoki's signature kaiseki dishes (each class is three and a half hours long and limited to eight people). While at the resort there are two old world experiences you don't want to miss: The first is an afternoon in the Cultural Room, where you can watch the resident calligrapher demonstrate the ancient art (if you're with a group, book a private demonstration of calligraphy, painting and paper cutting); the second is time spent near the Music Pavilion. Sit outside with other guests and listen to a rotating set of local musicians play traditional Chinese music while you take in the captivating views of the nearby lake and gardens.

Beijing • Waldorf Astoria

The Waldorf Astoria Beijing, opened March 1, 2014 adds a sumptuous 176-room addition to the handful of Beijing luxury hotels. With an exceptional location in the heart of downtown Beijing, next to Wang Fu Jing, the famous Beijing Waldorf Astoria exteriorhigh-end walking shopping district, across from the Peninsula Hotel, walking distance of Tiananmen Square, and just two blocks west of the Forbidden City. Nearby is also a 700-year-old hutong neighborhood.

The Waldorf Astoria Beijing features impressive architectural design by Adrian Smith + Gordon Gill Architecture. Diverging from the Waldorf's typical, classical styles, their Beijing property boasts a contemporary exterior featured with bronze - the royal material which expresses the luxury, dignity, and legend of the Waldorf brand, and reflects the character of the site location. The bronze will oxidize over time, changing the patina of the metal

The super frame, connecting the roof and anchoring building corners successfully, recalls the symmetry and steady character of Chinese traditional architecture. The carefully detailed bay window with large floor to ceiling glazing provides the best city view for each guest room, and creates the unique window room area with featured window screen for guest to enjoy the special living experience in Beijing. Orientation particular shading frame system not only establishes the special exterior look for hotel, but also protects the building and minimizes the solar heat gain from all directions to make it a cultural but sustainable building.

Read more about the Waldorf Astoria on our blog

Beijing • Peninsula Beijing

(Note: under renovation in early 2015) Of the capital city's many fine hotels, the Peninsula along with the Raffles, have one of the best locations. The five -hundred room hotel is located within Beijing's premier shopping and business district and a 10-minute stroll from the Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square, and the Museum of Chinese History.

Dining venues include Jing (Western/Asian fusion cuisine) and Huang Ting (an exquisite Cantonese restaurant). A comprehensive health club and spa offers an indoor pool, fitness center and Clarins beauty treatments. The hotel is managed by Hong Kong's renowned Peninsula Group.

Though many hotels have gone up or been renovated, the Peninsula is still my favorite. A classic hotel with fabulous service and unbeatable location with Tiananmen Square only a stroll away. A good choice for families. The Peninsula's Huang Ting Restaurant is very stylish and the great food has been a delight for our past travelers.
—Steve Du, Indochina Travel

Shanghai • Peninsula Shanghai

The 1920s Art Deco Grand Dame features a superlative location with panoramic views across the Huangpu River of the historic Bund. The only new hotel built in over 70 years along The Bund, The verdant gardens of the former British Consulate are located adjacent.

Named as the World's Best Business Hotel by Travel + Leisure, we recommend the property as a top family hotel as well and is our top two recommendation, along with the Waldorf, but top choice for families and those who will appreciate the advanced room technology.

Shanghai • Park Hyatt

China's tallest hotel features heavenly, sweeping views from high-rise rooms, dining areas, and spa pools. Located on the top floors of the 101-story the World Financial Center, in the heart of Lujiazui business district in Pudong. The view alone is worth a visit to the Park Hyatt, with outstanding choices for afternoon tea, aperitifs, and dining, all with remarkable views over the city. The Hyatt's spa called the Water's Edge boasts a swimming pool with equally jaw-dropping views Shanghai.

Shanghai • The Ritz Carlton

Consistently ranked the top property in Shanghai, fabulous modern rooms and public areas make the Ritz a sumptuous place to stay in an ideal location in Shanghai's buzzing Pudong. The hotel's design Ritz pays homage to city's rich Art Deco past, with a modern update. Stylish rooms feature elegant cream-and-latte marble bathrooms with gold accents and vivid views over the Bund and the city.

The rooftop bar, Flair, located at 58 stories high, is the city's highest featuring stunning views of Pudong's skyline and Oriental Pearl Tower, enveloping you in the city's tableau. ESPA Spa on the 55th floor is the city's finest, offering soothing treatments with a view.

Shanghai • Waldorf Astoria

Boasting neoclassic architecture, lavish accommodations and modern facilities, Waldorf Astoria Shanghai On The Bund Hotel makes is a perfect luxury base for visiting The Bund. A newly built modern tower connects to an all-suite historic heritage building - The Waldorf Astoria Club - once the legendary Shanghai Club. Located at the center of The Bund, a city boulevard which runs alongside the Huangpu River and one of the most photographed postcard scenes of city, the Waldorf Astoria Shanghai on the Bund mixes the history and culture of the surrounding district with a taste for 21st century sophistication.

The Waldorf Suites are decorated in classical European style with plush amenities, claw-foot bathtubs, sparkling chandeliers and signature Waldorf poster bed. All 255 rooms and suites are fitted with modern entertainment systems, a walk-in closet, and a marble-finished bathroom featuring a double vanity area with bathtub and separate shower. The new tower also houses a Noble Suite and a President Suite, each with a spacious two bedrooms floor plan. Many rooms overlook the scenic Bund while others feature views of the surrounding historic sites. Performances at the European-style Shanghai Concert Hall are close by.

The Long Bar is the city's premier lounge, serving up unique concoctions, including the Waldorf Cocktail, a Manhattan with absinthe and bitters. The wine list also exceeds 500 fine wines hand picked by the Waldorf's own resident sommelier as well as a selection of excellent Cuban cigars.

Hangzhou • Amanfayun

Amanfayun, opened only in 2010, is modeled on a traditional Chinese village in a bucolic wooded setting on a pathway where monks stroll each morning by to reach nearby Lingyin Si, an important 1,800 year-old Buddhist temples.

The four dozen rustic dwellings, some dating back over a hundred years, feature period stone floors, lacquered wood, and clay-tiled roofs. The surrounding area of tea fields, tree and thick bamboo forests offers tranquility rarely found in China and the Amanfayun a perfect balance between comfort, authenticity, and harmony with its setting.

Hangzhou • Four Seasons Hangzhou

ALocated in one of country's most picturesque, ancient settings, with ideal location along the shores of scenic West Lake, the Four Seasons Hotel Hangzhou is located in the serenity in a tranquil, natural enclave. Embraced by mist-shrouded peaks and peppered with weeping willows, lotus pools and painted pavilions, this area West Lake is rich in natural beauty.

Chinese gardens and bamboo groves are just steps from guest rooms. There is an outdoor pool, private spa suites, and 11 private dining pavilions surrounding the lagoon.

HANGZHOU • Banyan Tree

Located within Xixi National Wetland Park, China's first wetland reserve and home to a wide diversity of animal and plant life in a tranquil eco-environment. Villa feel like privates home in a secluded area with balcony view of the wetlands. The villa also has its own spa room and steam bath for relaxing after the day exploring.

HUANGSHAN (YELLOW MOUNTAIN) • Banyan Tree

There is no longer a reason to put off a visit to fabled Huangshan (Yellow Mountain), a place known as much for the magnificent peaks as its poor quality hotels, for not only has the high-speed train been launched, but now the Banyan Tree, arriving in late 2015, has opened doors the very first luxury accommodation, As it has done in Lijiang and Zhongdian before, Huangshan now has it's first and only luxury resort in a sublime setting nestled at the foot of the majestic Mount Huangshan.

Standalone villas offer space, privacy, and dramatic views of the sublime setting. Ancient villages are only minutes away, and the resort offers the perfect setting after a day hiking Mount Huangshan at sunrise to witness the "Buddha's Light."

Xian • Sofitel Legend People's Grand Hotel Xian

The finest property in Xi'An in a city sorely lacking in luxury hotels. Originally established in 1953, the legendary Xian People's Hotel embraced in a beautiful landscaped garden and located right in the heart of Xian is being completely refurbished into an ultra luxury hotel.

Reopened only in 2014, the Sofitel Legend People's Grand Hotel Xian hosts a fine Italian restaurant, bar and lounge, cigar lounge, luxury spa and state of art facilities.

The architecture blends of French and stark Sino-Russian styles. A thorough renovation revamped all of the hotel's spacious rooms, featuring lofty ceilings, elegant moldings and art deco features. Situated within the city walls, the Sofitel is a short walking distance of the historic Bell and Drum towers and the Moslem Street adjacent to modern shopping and entertainment areas.

All 71 rooms and 27 suites overlook the beautifully landscaped 40,000 m² gardens and fountains. The hotel's unique private museum features memorabilia from the early years. The hotel is 45 minutes to airport and Terracotta Warriors, and is within walking distance of many city's historical sites.

LIJIANG • Banyan Tree

Styled on a traditional Chinese compound, the Banyan Tree Lijiang is a front row place to savor the magnificent surroundings with the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain as a backdrop. Each of the over 120 high-walled and roomy bungalows are of traditional Chinese design replete with paper lanterns and lacquer furniture and also feature spacious private gardens or pools. Public spaces feature a lounge and bar area set on a large reflecting pool. Traditional design coexists effortlessly with modern amenities. Tired legs will enjoy the large marble baths or outstanding spa which offers a wide selection of treatments. The resort restaurants serves some of the finest cuisine in Lijiang, featuring international and Chinese dishes in a spectacular outdoor setting.

ZHONGDIAN (SHANGRI-LA) • Banyan Tree Ringha

In secluded Zhongdian (Shangri-La) at the frontier of Tibet above 10,000 feet lies the Banyan Tree Ringha, a sumptuous and ultimate retreat installed into a small complex of traditional Tibetan farmhouses. The spacious 15 one-bedroom suites, six spa suites, and 11 two-bedroom lodge balconies feature broad views of Ringha Valley, snow-capped mountains, and the Shu Du Gang River, preserving the cultural and historic charm of the region with authentic Tibetan furnishings, artwork,and decor. Past travelers have most appreciated the large wooden bathtubs which they can sink into after a day exploring the trails in the surrounding countryside. There is a teahouse and are two resort restaurants featuring Yunnan, international, and Chinese cuisine.

If you're touring Yunnan with us, the Lijiang and Zhongdian Banyan Trees provide perfect bookends for exploring China's most beautiful landscapes of deep gorges, waterfalls, peaks and plateaus. Diversions include a spa, tours of nearby villages and monasteries, and trekking in the Three Parallel Rivers National Park. From Zhongdian, continue with us to Tibet for even more splendid mountain scenery.

My favorite suite is Bhugong, a Tibetan Spa Suite which is modeled on the private residence of a Tibetan villager, but has all the comforts and facilities of modern-day life. Sunrise and sunset are magical times at Ringha. Villas 301 to 311 all face east, and when the first sunlight streams from the crevices of the mountains, it lights up the surrounding pine forests, villages and fields. For sunset, Villas 201 to 211 are located riverside, where you can watch farmers bringing their livestock-yaks, horses, pigs and sheep-back to their homes, and feel in touch with life in the highlands.