Best Luxury Hotels in China

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.

Stay in the Heping district, beside the former residence of Cao Kun. This is the political and economic heart of Tianjin, making it a great option for business travellers, as well as those wishing to sightsee. The Ritz-Carlton has 277 rooms. Guests can relax and socialise in The lounge bar with cocktails and the group’s famed afternoon tea. For larger meals, the Victorian Lounge and Zhu Zang cater for a range of tastes. There’s an indoor pool, a sun terrace, a garden with a BBQ area, a spa and a tennis court at The Ritz-Carlton in Tianjin.

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.

This beautiful boutique hotel is one of the most sophisticated establishments in the whole of Chengdu. This 21st-century Chinese hotel combines contemporary touches with classic cultural elements to provide the perfect balance. Guests are invited to enjoy al fresco dining in the 10o0 year old courtyard, while there is also an indoor swimming pool as well as a large spa and fitness centre to make use of. There are eight different types of rooms to choose from and those who want to splash out are sure to love the Studio 90 suite with its enormous balcony, free maxi-bar and very comfortable furnishings.

With a prestigious address in the ancient city, this impressive establishment is ideal for people who want to be located close to Chengdu’s most popular attractions. There are 279 guestrooms and suites to choose from that combine state-of-the-art amenities with custom furnishings. Guests can enjoy the signature St. Regis Butler service while they take in views of Tianfu Square. Among the luxurious amenities that guests are invited to make use of are both an indoor and outdoor swimming pool as well as a fitness centre and spa, both of which are open around the clock. With its extra-large bed and huge bathroom, the St. Regis Suite is an excellent option for luxury lovers.

The Shangri La is famous as being one of the most luxurious hotel chains in the world and this Chengdu branch does not disappoint. Set in a shimmering tower on the bank of the Jinjiang River, guests are treated to pretty views of the waterway as well as the neighbouring Yihe Park. There are plenty of elegant authentic Chinese touches throughout this establishment such as deep red lacquer panels, fresh flowers and the large chandeliers that have been inspired by Chinese lanterns. The guestrooms are very comfortable and offer understated luxury with their marble bathrooms, while the river view deluxe rooms are simply stunning. As you would expect from a Shangri La there are several excellent restaurants to choose from that focus on authentic Chinese dishes with plenty of decadent touches.

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.

While each of the guestrooms at the Waldorf is extremely comfortable, guests who want to enjoy a truly memorable occasion should make sure that they secure one of the Waldorf’s six very lavish suites. Stunning views of Tianfu Square are just waiting to be enjoyed from the huge picture windows and there will be no need to move a muscle as room service is provided around the clock. With six different restaurants to choose from, food lovers are sure to be in their element and a wide range of delicious dishes from around the world are just waiting to be enjoyed.

With a reputation for being the most luxurious hotel in the whole of Chengdu, this is the perfect place to stay for people who have a love for the finer things in life. Everything here has been created on a grand scale from the huge guestrooms and suites to the picture windows and rooftop bar. Many of the suites come complete with huge balconies that provide stunning city views. Unwinding in the steam room is an experience that should not be missed, while the onsite spa is an excellent place to indulge in a little pampering that is provided by exclusive green tea treatments. People who enjoy messing about in the water will love the indoor swimming pool as it plays underwater music for them to groove to.

Perfectly placed for those visiting on business, Langham Place is found in the new Haizhu district, not far from the river. Its architecture, by Aedas International, is remarkable and makes up a part of the Nanfung Commercial Hospitality and Exhibition Complex. The hotel offers 500 rooms with floor to ceiling windows spread over twenty-three floors and is part of the famed London Langham Group. Enjoy that quintessentially British tradition of formal afternoon tea (with Wedgewood). Dine alfresco, in the open-plan buffet, or at its Michelin Plate restaurant, Ming Court, then relax over drinks on the Sky Bar’s chic and glitzy outdoor terrace with breathtaking views.

East meets west at this British institution nestled in the heart of New Zhujiang Town. Elegant Rococo interiors mark The Ritz-Carlton out as one of the more unusual properties in the otherwise very modern Guangzhou. Many of the 351 rooms and 91 fully serviced private residences offer river views. Those acquainted with the hotel brand (this was The Ritz-Carlton’s 72nd property) will enjoy a sense of familiarity and internationalism here. But charming accents of Chinese culture and history are found throughout the private and public areas. The cuisine is a mixture of Cantonese, Italian and Western, and The Churchill Bar boasts the city’s largest single-malt whiskey collection. Pamper yourself with Tea at the Ritz, served daily in the Pearl Lounge, accompanied by live music and a trip to the spa or heated outdoor pool.