Best Luxury Hotels in China
China, home to more than 1.4 billion people, is a mix of tranquil countryside villages and exciting, modern cities meaning there is something for every traveller whether they seek a peaceful retreat or an adventure. Head to the metropolis of Beijing and visit the Great Wall or the Forbidden City which stand as reminders of China’s heritage. Experience the luxury of Shanghai with its futuristic skyscrapers and world-class shopping.
Head west towards Guilin set beneath the karst mountains and travel along winding rivers or admire the traditional rice fields. A perfect place to relax and reflect amongst natural beauty and ancient traditions. The accommodation options in China range from city apartments in the bustling streets of the cities to peaceful resorts in the heart of the countryside, whatever suits the traveller best.
Guangdong, Shenzhen, Futian
The Langham, Shenzhen
Also in the Futian Central Business District, The Langham exudes European elegance, with its blend of contemporary style and classic luxury. Each accommodation option offers spacious layouts, premium bedding, and state-of-the-art technology. Be sure to dine in T’ang Court, the hotel’s signature restaurant, which holds three coveted Michelin stars and showcases exquisite Cantonese cuisine prepared by some of the country’s best chefs. Or dine in Silk, where you can sample international dishes with a contemporary twist and Duke’s, for a selection of premium wines, spirits, and cocktails. The Chuan Spa at The Langham, Shenzhen offers a holistic wellness experience inspired by traditional Chinese medicine and an indoor pool.
Hong Kong, Hong Kong Island, Admiralty
Upper House Hong Kong
Boasting beautiful interiors and cutting-edge style from top Asian designer Andre Fu, the mountain and harbour views here are to die for. Found on Pacific Place above a glitzy mall, there are 117 rooms and suites, decorated in a warming, soothing style with bamboo, limestone and woollen textiles. There’s an eco-friendly vibe with hybrid hire cars for hire, paperless checkouts and organic food. The in-house restaurant, Café Gray Deluxe is renowned, as is its chic adjacent bar, popular with well-heeled business people.
Hong Kong, Hong Kong Island, Central
The Murray Hong Kong
A Niccolo hotel, The Murray offers a greener outlook than many of Hong Kong’s others – set apart from the ocean of skyscrapers, beside a lush park. Plush mid-century interiors have been created by architects Foster + Partners, reflecting the authentic 1960s exterior. 336 rooms include suites with freestanding tubs and you can even bring a small dog along with you. The decadent spa offers coveted and innovative treatments from Dr Barbara Sturm, who herself treats the international glitterati with age defying facials. Book an appointment with the hotel’s nutritionist, who can tailor a menu for your stay, customise a diet plan and carry out body tests.
Hong Kong, Hong Kong Island, Admiralty
Island Shangri-La, Hong Kong
Established in the early nineties, this whopping 565 room property is a tour de force in Hong Kong. Like The Upper House, it’s part of the Pacific Mall complex and blends Oriental with European style. There are 779 Austrian and Venetian chandeliers, a 16 storey silk painting, quirky bubble lifts and many hundreds of original artworks adorning the walls. There is an outdoor pool and whirlpool, as well as indoor spa facilities, yoga and a gym. As you may expect from such a large hotel, there are many food and drink options – from fine cuisine to buffets and a delectable patisserie.
Macau, Cotai
Morpheus
Experience the future at this newly-opened innovative Morpheus hotel, named after the Greek god of dreams. Designed by Zaha Hadid Architecture as the first free-form high building supported by a skeleton steel sculpture, it challenges the need for the clutter of internal walls. A bridge connects two towers, while high speed lifts whisk guests upwards for panoramas of both the interior and the skyline. The Morpheus Macau lives up to its other title as the City of Dreams with high-class facilities that include an art collection, restaurants with top chefs, and a rooftop sky pool, plus rooms, suites, villas and upgrades offering every amenity.
Tianjin, Hedong
Shangri-La Tianjin
The Shangri-La brand feels most at home here in Tianjin, where local culture and traditions go hand in hand with the group’s signature hospitality. The central property enjoys views of the Haihe River, with 304 rooms and suites and 79 serviced apartments. In the lobby you can relax with a drink and admire a curated collection of contemporary Chinese art; in the Shang Palace restaurant you can sample authentic Cantonese food as well as international buffet stations; and you can hit the shops in the adjoining Riverview Place mall. Guests also have access to Café Yun, a health club and Chi, the spa.
Beijing, Tianqiao
The Peninsula Beijing
In 2016, the former Palace Hotel in Beijing went through a lavish refit and turned into the Peninsula, an all-suite five-star accommodation. It got a first-rate spa that focuses on Chinese wellness, an art gallery and shopping arcade, among other extravagant amenities. The renovation included elegant interiors of marble floors, high ceilings and ivory walls that give the hotel a modern style. The technology throughout the hotel is operated from tablets, making systems very convenient. Guests can dine at the Huang Ting Chinese restaurant, which serves some of the city’s best Cantonese food. The family-friendly hotel is located in the shopping and business district of Wangfujing.
Shaanxi, Xi'an, Xincheng
Sofitel Legend Peoples Grand Hotel
Located inside the city walls, within walking distance of the historic Bell and Drum towers and the Moslem Street adjacent to modern shopping and entertainment areas, the hotel has the best location for guests to experience the picturesque Xian. This legendary hotel was established in 1953 and boasts a beautifully landscaped garden for guests to unwind in, while the Sun Terrace is the perfect place to dine in style on a wide selection of gourmet treats. The Prestige Suite provides guests with uncompromising luxury as well as stunning views of the garden from their large picture windows, while each guest room features a sumptuous king sized bed and plenty of luxury comforts.
Jiangsu, Nanjing, Xuan Wu
The Ritz-Carlton, Nanjing
Towering 63 stories above the mighty Nanjing, the Ritz-Carlton is the pinnacle of luxury and a marvel of modern engineering. The Hotel’s rooms are designed to showcase Nanjing’s heritage and modern growth. They seamlessly blend modern luxuries with tranquillity and many of them have commanding views of the city’s skyline. The Ritz-Carlton is home to a spa, fitness centre, infinity pool and club where guests’ every need is met by a dedicated concierge team. The Ritz-Carlton is also home to six of the city’s best restaurants including the Lavandula which fuses sophisticated French cooking with an excentric Chinese flair. All the restaurants including the exquisite Pin Ning Fu restaurant which serves local cuisine, and the exceptional Flair bar have stunning views of the city’s skyline.
Hong Kong, Kowloon, Yau Tsim Mong District, Tsim Sha Tsui
Kowloon Shangri-La, Hong Kong
Located on Tsim Sha Tsui East’s waterfront, guests are greeted in Shangri La’s lobby by an indoor three-tier fountain, oversized glittering crystal chandeliers, stunning art and – in the evening – live music. This Asian brand offers some of the largest rooms in the city, in traditional classical style. There are seven places to eat and drink, with an opulent buffet breakfast served at Cafe Kool. Head to the basement and you’ll discover a modern fitness suite, overlooking a plunge pool.
Shanghai Area, Shanghai, Jing'an
Upper House Shanghai
Located in the historic Dazhongli area, the Upper House Shanghai is one of Shanghai’s coolest and most modern hotels. The hotel was designed by renowned architect Piero Lissoni and seamlessly blends Shanghai’s modernity with a historic and dramatic flair. The hotel’s rooms and suites are tranquil and minimalist, they feature large beds, deep baths, and Chinese artwork. The Middle house is home to its own tranquil Spa, which is complete with bamboo corridors and glowing hallways, it also boasts its own gym, yoga studio and swimming pool. The hotel is home to the Frasca, a traditional Italian trattoria, and Sui Tang Li which serves exceptional dim sum and classic Chinese dishes. The hotel also boasts the Sui Tang Shang, a secret cocktail bar, and Café Gray, a sophisticated international restaurant and bar.
Guangzhou, Hai Zhu
Mandarin Oriental Guangzhou
If space is at the top of your wishlist, book one of the Mandarin Oriental’s 293 rooms and suites. Its largest offers two bedrooms, a dining room, study, walk-in wardrobe, dressing chamber, epic views and round the clock butler service. The interiors by Tony Chi are sophisticated, contemporary and glamorous, with a mixture of deep rich colours and soothing neutrals. Chef Fei creates traditional Cantonese cuisine at Jiang, while fresh grilled seafood takes centre stage at Ebony. Situated in the vibrant downtown area of Tian He and with a renowned wellness centre and stunning outdoor pool, it’s possible to combine relaxation with excitement at this well-known five-star chain.