VIBE

This striking glass and chome tower houses a distinctly Chinese-flavored Ritz-Carlton. While the swank, understatedly elegant surrounds are the usual Ritz fare, unique Chinese accents like the ornate sculpted bamboo and lucky cloud murals in the lobby and traditional Asian furnishings in the rooms remind guests that they’re staying in the capital of the Middle Kingdom. The sumptuous spa area complements its dark Chinese paneling and silk tapestries with neat avant-garde touches like classic black-and-white films screened above the pool. Service is fantastic, and amenities like the 24-hour business center keep the Financial Street crowd happy.

GO HERE WITH

Family – to enjoy the kid-friendly amenities; colleagues – to be spoiled by the fab business amenities and professional event facilities; significant other – for a romantic, pampering getaway

WHY WE LIKE IT

The Ritz does a great job of tastefully referencing the Beijing context of the property–it’s neither yet another bland chain location nor hyper-kitsch. Kudos for creating an experience that combines the best the Ritz has to offer (a refined luxury space, excellent service) with highlights from Chinese culture.

AMENITY WE LOVE

The deluxe pool area is divine (while not playing when we were there, we’ve heard they show classic movies over the pool, allowing you to watch a Hepburn classic while swimming laps), and the treatment rooms and Jacuzzi area are both atmospheric and serene.

WHAT WE WOULD CHANGE

The breakfast is only so-so at best–definitely not up to the usual Ritz standards–and besides Starbucks, there aren’t tons of breakfast alternatives in the neighborhood.

GOOD TO KNOW

If you want to get out and about, the Ritz offers a complimentary shuttle around the local area (weekdays: 7:30am-7:00pm). If you’re heading farther afield, they’ll drop you at the nearby metro station (otherwise, it’s a 15 minute walk to get there) or they’ll arrange a car. Taxis can take a few minutes to secure here, but the hotel will help you. Within walking distance, there’s a high-end shopping center (Season’s Place) which includes a few Westerner-friendly restaurants. Rooms are lovely with spacious marble bathrooms with soaking tubs, flat-screen TVs, plush robes, and electronic controls for lighting and curtains. Corner suites on the east side offer views of the Forbidden City.

CLOSEST COMPS

The St. Regis Beijing (Beijing); Park Hyatt Beijing (Beijing)

Read more about the The Ritz-Carlton Beijing in The Diary