Best Design Hotels in China

Set in International Finance Square, the Niccolo Chengdu has long served as a playground for the rich and famous. The 20-metre indoor lap pool is the perfect place to take a dip, while there is also an onsite sauna and fitness room. Each of the spacious 230 guestrooms and lavish suites is flooded with light thanks to the floor-to-ceiling windows. Guests are treated to an iPad mini as well as extremely fast WI-FI, 500-threadcount linen and luxurious Lorrenzo amenities. There are several excellent onsite restaurants to choose from with authentic Italian dishes being served at Niccolo Kitchen, Yue Hin offering classic Chinese dishes and a mixture of dishes from around the world are served at Pu’er.

Rising 27 storeys, this curved masterpiece accommodates 427 contemporary guestrooms, five restaurants and lounges, a luxury spa, a jacuzzi, a sun deck and an indoor infinity pool overlooking Jinji Lake and the striking Suzhou skyline. Rooms begin at 45 square metres, going up to 71 square metres, some offering 270-degree views over the water. Guests can benefit from an on-demand robot service, accessed via an in-room QR code, delivering everything from room service to treats for kids. This IHG hotel has three eateries; JING All Day Dining Restaurant, Riva Mediterranean Steakhouse and XIU Chinese Restaurant.

The Shangri-La group also offers the Kerry Hotel in Hong Kong. An urban resort in the Hung Ho district, its designer Andre Fu (responsible for the decor of the first hotel of our list) has once again woven his award-winning magic. Motifs reflect the neighbouring sea, while the outdoors is brought in, through the hotel’s signature aroma ‘Walk in the Woods’. 546 rooms all have minibars and Nespresso machines and all three eateries have alfresco areas – there’s even a Starbucks. Work out at Kerry Sports Base Camp, take a swim in the infinity pool, unwind at the spa, or simply watch the world go by on water as you lounge on the harbourside terrace.

The lavish and elegant Ritz-Carlton Shanghai, Pudong is located on the upper floors of a 58-floor tower, giving stunning views of the city in all directions. The nearby Shanghai Oriental Pearl TV Tower, when lit up at night, makes the perfect backdrop to an evening spent at Flair, the highest rooftop bar in China. If that’s not to your taste, the hotel features two gorgeous restaurants, and the Aura Lounge and Jazz Bar serves delicious cocktails and more than 30 varieties of Rose Champagne.

Conveniently located between Old Taipa and Coloane, adjacent to the Galaxy International Convention Center and Galaxy Arena, Andaz Macau is designed to offer guests easy access to both the city’s cultural attractions and the luxury amenities within Galaxy Macau, the city’s award-winning shopping and entertainment complex. With over 700 rooms inspired by local art, culture, and architecture, the hotel immerses guests in “real Macau” through a blend of traditional and modern elements. Highlight features include the “Macau Steps,” a unique multi-sensory staircase that showcases over 100 videos that beautifully narrate the history of the city, which is complemented by a collection of art and antiques showcasing the city’s rich culture. Guests can also enjoy excellent amenities including wellness facilities, a heated swimming pool and a 24-hour fitness centre.  The Andaz Lounge is the social hub whilst a trio of culinary venues serve an array of Chinese, Portuguese, and Western dishes, creative cocktails and a welcoming ambience.

W Xi’an is the brand’s seventh hotel in Greater China and the largest W to open in the Asia Pacific. W Xi’an has 385 guest rooms furnished with a signature W bed, and featuring step-out balconies offering panoramas of Qu Jiang. Discover a culinary experience at their three dining venues, WEI, YEN and FU, that are designed to entertain and enlighten. Lounge away at WOOBAR with a wonderful cocktail selection, and get pampered and treat your body with a full fleet of practical functions, such as a foot bath or hair and scalp treatment, at AWAY SPA. Keep up your fitness routine at FIT or swim a few laps at our indoor pool, WET. The hotel offers all that you will need to make you feel right at home in Qu Jiang.

If you want a hotel that offers the best of Beijing’s nightlife, The Opposite House is one of them. Situated at 11 Sanlitun Lu, the hotel allows guests unrestricted access to some of the top clubs and entertainment spots in the city. The Opposite House was one of the luxury accommodations to come out during the 2008 Olympics and has managed to maintain the same quality of service over the years. It is decorated in an authentic Japanese theme of wood and minimalism. Guests have a five-star restaurant that promises the best Chinese food.

Hotel Stage, Hong Kong offers business travellers and families alike a variety of contemporary, chic guestrooms and suites to suit individual needs. Each of the 97 spacious rooms are fitted with expansive windows overlooking the hotel’s stunning surroundings and there is an option of an East-facing room to provide guests with unbeatable vistas of a Hong Kong sunrise. This luxury hotel is situated in the commercial district of Kowloon, surrounded by beautiful neighbourhoods, and is made truly unique by its cultural bookshop and gorgeous art gallery. Guests can choose to dine at the all-day Kitchen Savvy or relax in the basement Muse Wine Bar. This hotel offers facilities for hosting business events, functions, and weddings for up to 200 guests. This modern, easily accessible hotel is situated a 3-minute walk from Jordan MTR Station which makes exploring the surrounding areas, and further afield, convenient.

The Fleming Hotel is a 66-room boutique hotel located in a lively neighbourhood on Hong Kong Island. The room types range from small to extra-large to suit the needs of any guest, for any purpose, and are an elegant combination of traditional and contemporary design. Even the smallest of rooms are equipped with every necessity and additional luxuries while the larger rooms provide a spacious environment to enhance your stay. The hotel is a short walk from the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre and is specifically designed to reflect the area’s industrial and maritime past. The hotel includes the exquisite Osteria Marzia by the Black Sheep Restaurant group, serving indulgent Italian dishes to bring a Mediterranean feel to Asia. The restaurant is open from early until late to provide a cosy, upscale experience at any time of day.

Found in Zhujiang New Town, the Park Hyatt showcases Lingnan culture and cuisine and also happens to be one of China’s tallest buildings – those who prefer Western food will enjoy the Mediterranean restaurant or snacks in the rooftop bar. Spacious rooms have a mid-century-meets-contemporary feel and many offer views of the Zhujiang River. Pay a visit to the wellness centre and you can enjoy an indoor swim with a phenomenal outlook. Business services are provided at the Park Hyatt – a longstanding favourite brand for international business people – making it a smart choice if visiting the city for work.

W Macau – Studio City, part of Melco Resorts & Entertainment on the Cotai Strip, exemplifies the fusion of local culture and global appeal. Designed by Zaha Hadid Architects, the hotel’s aesthetics draw inspiration from 1950s Hollywood and Macau’s East-meets-West heritage, featuring elements like undersea-themed ceilings and wave motifs. Its 557 rooms and suites offer modern amenities, including a Bluetooth sound system and signature in-room bars, with the Extreme WOW Suite boasting panoramic views and a luxurious layout. The hotel offers a diverse selection of dining experiences including day-to-night niche coffees and creative cocktails, a contemporary Cantonese fine dining restaurant, a delightful Chinese-Portuguese-inspired bakery and an exclusive speakeasy bar too. Guests can make use of a 16m indoor pool, a fully equipped gym, and the AWAY® Spa, while meeting and event spaces accommodate up to 130 guests. Adding to its unique offerings, W Macau is the first in Greater China to feature a W Sound Suite for recording experiences, highlighting its commitment to blending lifestyle with artistic and musical endeavours.

Contemporary five-star hotel in the heart of the Chinese capital, this 29-storey tower by MAD Architects is in Beijing’s Sanlitun district, and opened 2013. Expect 289 guest rooms, three restaurants, lobby lounge, an impressive spa and fitness centre, and an executive lounge with panoramic views across the city’s modern skyline. The hotel is well-positioned base for both business and leisure travellers, offering good value for a genuine five-star experience.