Best Luxury Hotels in China

299 guest rooms at the Hyatt Regency Tianjin East come with soundproofed windows, Nespresso machines, Pharmacopia bath products and high-speed internet access, some have real flame fires. The interiors combine modern and traditional Chinese decor with pops of vibrant yellow, alongside taupe and leaf-green hues. Contemporary sculptures from the ‘Tai Chi White Series’ by the renowned native artist Xie Aige add character and a local authenticity to the spaces. Dine in the Market Cafe with its open kitchen and adjacent patisserie; at Wok in the Garden, a huge indoor space filled with lush trees; and in The Lounge.

Nestled along the shores of West Lake, this hotel provides views of the water, the lush garden grounds and the surrounding mountains, creating a tranquil ambience. Seamlessly blending traditional Chinese aesthetics and native artworks with contemporary elements, the architecture features graceful lines and intricate details. A sanctuary of tranquillity and rejuvenation, the spa provides beauty rituals inspired by ancient Chinese traditions. Curated experiences such as tea ceremonies, calligraphy lessons and traditional musical performances also enable guests to immerse in local heritage. The InterContinental’s rooftop bar is a standout feature and an ideal vantage point to admire the breathtaking West Lake sunsets.

Located in the central business and commercial district close to Wulin Square and Hangzhou Tower shopping mall, the JW Marriott Hotel is a 10-minute taxi ride from West Lake. It has 305 guest rooms and suites, three glitzy restaurants (Man Ho, Cru Steakhouse and Asia Bistro) and a lobby lounge. Swim in the indoor pool, relax in the steam room and soothe aching muscles in the massage pool or the health club spa. Limousines are on hand to whisk guests around the city as required.

Perched over the tranquil West Lake, this international hotel is local and traditional in style, with temple-like constructs, ponds, courtyards, graceful willow trees and atmospheric lagoons all with a mountainous backdrop. Loaner bikes enable guests to explore in an eco-conscious fashion, a wooden boat provides an unforgettable setting for an on-water breakfast, there’s a spa providing mindfulness retreats and rituals inspired by 18th-century Emperor Qianlong, and culinary concepts such as Jin Sha, with private dining options. Book a garden, lake or lagoon villa or the Presidential Suite with its own huge indoor pool.

The poetic landscapes of the Xixi Wetlands Nature Reserve are the backdrop for this Banyan Tree Spa hotel. Drawing inspiration from ancient practices deeply rooted in Chinese culture and honouring these techniques, it offers a range of traditional therapies, such as Tui Na massage, acupuncture and herbal therapies, performed by therapists who have mastered these ancient arts. And the Rainforest Experience offers a unique journey through hydrotherapy. Villas and suites here come with their own private pools and gardens, ensuring the utmost privacy and exclusivity for guests. And the destination dining offer includes a very special Love Boat Dining experience.

Swim with garden views and soak in the whirlpool; watch the floating world go by on the tidal Qiantang River; visit one of the world’s most famous green tea plantations close by (and try a huge number of varieties in the lounges); and workout in the top class fitness centre at The Azure Qiantang. Dine at Panorama on the 22nd floor and Lan Ting on the 23rd floor, whose glamorous 1920s-era accents create a vintage glamour. Ceilings that mimic the sky, a palette of baby blues and soft taupes and gleaming high-shine floors create a sleek aesthetic.

Part of the West Lake UNESCO site, this authentic shikumen brick-built mansion is an homage to its original era, yet very relevant in the 21st-century. Wooden shutters, Art Deco ornaments, furniture handpicked from local craftsmen and Chinese umbrellas for shade in the ground floor garden all a one-of-a-kind personality to this historic monument. Guests can stay in bedrooms, suites, villas, or townhouses, with up to four bedrooms. Le Lotus is the Chaptel Hangzhou’s gourmet restaurant, with Chef Jack Wang at the helm. And the plant-filled roof terrace is a charming setting for a nightcap.

Found a kilometre or so from the Forbidden City, the Waldorf Astoria is one of Beijing’s most luxurious hotels. Architecturally, it is an eye-catching marvel that is encased in copper and bronze exterior decor. It’s 176 rooms are decorated in gorgeous artwork. The hotel also includes a separate building with a large villa and guest suites. The interior is done wood and marble with paintings and sculptures that bring everything together in an intimate ambience. At first glance, the hotel feels more like a boutique than a chain. There is no lobby, but someone is always available to check guests in.

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.

The Beijing version of the Kempinski is located in the diplomatic district of Chaoyang with public transport only a few minutes away. The hotel incorporates European and Asian style decor to result in a classy and chic place. With 526 rooms that include grand deluxe, deluxe and superior rooms, guests have a wealth of options. Kempinksi is famous for its exclusive services, which entail a 24-hour butler. The hotel has state-of-the-art conference facilities, which is why it is perfect for corporate guests. It has a choice of 7 restaurants, Including Paulaner Bräuhaus, which has the best Bavarian cuisine.

If you prefer accommodation that is a bit tucked away from the city’s bustle, Shangri-La is it. Set in Zizhuyuan, the hotel has a serene environment that is complemented by a 3,000 m2 garden. Its interior is a blend of new and old decor. The different restaurant selections offer something for everyone. There is S.T.A.Y, the modern French restaurant, Shang Palace ah authentic Chinese cuisine, while Café Cha is perfect for breakfast. There is also the Garden Bar and Terrace for relaxing in the evening. The hotel has one building with 528 rooms and another with 142 rooms.

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.