Best Luxury Hotels in China

Located in the centre of the Qujiang New District near the Dayan Pagoda and Xi’an Qujiang International Convention and Exhibition Center, the Wyndham Grand Xian South offers luxurious amenities in Shaanxi’s historic capital city. The Big Wild Goose Pagoda can be found just 400 metres away and is another popular place for guests to visit while in Xi’an. Retreat to one of their 565 over-sized, elegant guest rooms featuring flat-screen TV’s, free WiFi, plush bedding, and a spa-like bathroom. Upgrade to a Club Level Room for additional amenities and special benefits, or indulge in a unique duplex suite with walk-in wardrobe, complimentary happy hour, and awe-inspiring views of the Great Tang All Day Mall. There are excellent onsite restaurants where guests can enjoy traditional Cantonese cuisine, eclectic Southeast Asian fare, or Japanese specialities.

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.

One of the priciest hotels in Beijing, The St. Regis caters to an exclusive clientele that ranges from global business moguls to movie stars. From the hand-painted ceiling in the lobby to the Chinese silk upholstery in every room, the hotel offers high standards of comfort. Guests get 24-hour butler service and impressive facilities. For entertainment and relaxing, The St. Regis has its own cigar humidor, 24-hour gym, spa and swimming pool. You can dine in any one of the five restaurants in the hotel, which serve Asian and Western delicacies. The St. Regis is in the political and financial district of Chaoyang on 21 Jianguomenwai Dajie.

One of the most tastefully decorated hotels in the region with its warm browns and Chinese touches. Each piece of furniture and ornamental pieces were handpicked to give the hotel a unique style. Books and art pieces in the hotel rooms and public spaces add to the personality of the place. The service is impeccable with a staff that is big on personalisation. Repeat guests enjoy exclusive care, including tailored extras. Guest facilities include the spa, Sense, a steam room and fitness centre, among others. The hotel’s location in the CBD makes it ideal for business guests. South-facing rooms get the towering view of some of Beijing’s tallest buildings.

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.

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.

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.