Best Luxury Hotels in China

Expect bold carpets, hand-painted cloud murals and bathrooms with mirrors that magic into TVs, at the Four Seasons. You’ll find three dining options: Foo for Asian food; Zhuo Yue Xuan specialising in modern Cantonese; and the Yi Bar and Lounge where you can get a lighter bite and a daily creative afternoon tea service. In the spa, you’ll encounter a blend of ancient practices and modern technology. And there are green areas throughout to give that sense of zen. A real highlight at this hotel is the outdoor pool and deck where you can take tai chi and yoga classes.

One of the many reasons to book a suite here is The St. Regis Butler Service, a hallmark of the brand, that takes care of unpacking and packing, tea and coffee delivery, garment pressing and much more. Guests of St Regis can enjoy a fine-dining experience at Social, with Mediterranean and Asian dishes; sip on wines and spirits at Decanter; take afternoon tea in the Drawing Room and sundowners on the rooftop bar with panoramic views of the city. There’s also a business centre, a spa and an indoor swimming pool.

With a prime location in the Futian Central Business District, The Ritz-Carlton provides easy access to shops, cultural attractions, public transport and eateries. Although there are some excellent restaurants onsite: Xingli for authentic Cantonese cuisine; Paletto Italian Restaurant, and The Lounge for the hotel group’s iconic afternoon tea experience and light refreshments. Treatments at the spa have been inspired by traditional Chinese medicine as well as Western techniques, plus there’s an indoor pool and a state-of-the-art fitness centre with personal trainers on hand to offer guidance if required.

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.

Located in the same neighbourhood as The Langham and The Ritz-Carlton, the InterContinental is just a five-minute walk from the subway station. It’s one of the few in the city to have an outdoor pool, with loungers, parasols and a pool bar, there’s also an indoor pool alongside the spa. It has three restaurants; Xiangyuan, Café Zen and the Japanese-style Riva. Guests can also enjoy drinks and live entertainment at the Lobby Lounge with a large array of whiskies. The decor here takes on a Spanish-inspired and modern style, with the exception of the Chinese-themed suite.

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.

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.

Where Nanjing Road meets Binjiang Avenue, you’ll find the Four Seasons. Everything you need is on the doorstep, be it shops, bars, or fast transport links. And inside, West meets East in the decor, the food and the service standards. The hotel has 259 elegant bedrooms and suites, five dining options, a swanky spa and a state-of-the-art fitness centre. A real highlight is the indoor pool, flooded with natural light from above by day and revealing a starry vista by night. Notable event spaces are its two glitzy ballrooms and there’s an Executive Club Lounge for higher category guests and ideal for business travellers.

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.

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.

The Four Seasons Hotel Suzhou, is a peaceful urban sanctuary located on a private 22-acre island in Jinji Lake. Despite its private location, the bustling city centre is easily reached. The hotel features 199 guest rooms and suites, plus 11 villas with private courtyards, blending comfort and privacy – to the high standard Four Seasons is known for. The expansive gardens and dramatic Jinji Lake views are the backdrop to a range of first-class amenities including a spa, wellness programs, outdoor pools, and excellent social spaces designed for children and teens. Culinary experiences at the hotel are as varied as they are exquisite, with the signature Chinese restaurant, Jin Jing Ge, offering Jiangnan cuisine by renowned chefs. An all-day dining restaurant, Yun He, presents a pan-Chinese dining experience, while The Lounge and Bar serve classic afternoon tea and cocktails. Seasonal offerings include a poolside grill and bar with Italian cuisine, complementing the serene lake views and tranquil atmosphere.

The modern glass-fronted city skyscrapers of the GCL Plaza commercial complex (home to this international hotel), contrast the timeless serenity of the adjacent Jinji Lake. Just four years old, this property has direct access to a shopping mall and is within walking distance of attractions. There are 3,000 square metres of meeting space onsite, 303 bedrooms and 16 serviced residences, with lake views framed by floor-to-ceiling windows and mood lighting for added ambience. Higher-level room categories enjoy membership of the Horizon Club Lounge where breakfast, refreshments and cocktails are served daily. There’s also a spa, an indoor pool, a yoga room, a restaurant and bars in-house.