VIBE

The Peninsula’s Beijing outpost lives up to its name, with signature Peninsula polished service and a sophisticated blend of traditional and contemporary luxury. The sleek, streamlined décor is complemented by classic amenities like lavish high tea in the Lobby Lounge. A swish onsite shopping arcade is chock-a-block with designer mega labels like Armani and Chanel. The central location makes this hotel über convenient for sights like the Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square, Wangfujing night market, and Oriental Plaza, and their fleet of Rolls Royces and Mercedes are ready to take you there (or anywhere else you’d like to go).

GO HERE WITH

A family – for the convenient sightseeing and kid-friendly pool; significant other – for a deluxe city break; a friend – for a shopping and urban adventuring getaway

WHY WE LIKE IT

Sterling service makes the stay a treat. They’ll deftly deal with any problems that arise. Also, the spa and fitness areas are lovely and much needed in a dusty and draining city like Beijing. Finally: location, location, location–ease of shopping and sightseeing is a treat.

AMENITY WE LOVE

That nifty control panel which gives outside temperatures–in a city with frigid winters and boiling summers, it comes in handy. So simple yet so appreciated.

WHAT WE WOULD CHANGE

The rooms could do with a bit more character–they’re luxe as expected but a little on the bland side. High-tech amenities like temp and light controls, flat screen TVs, a DVD library, and MP3 and MP4 plug-ins along with extras like the marble bath help, but it’s overall a touch generic luxe.

GOOD TO KNOW

They produce an in-house "Concierge Choice" guide to Beijing–it’s well worth checking out. Also, whether you’re sticking to their guide or striking out on your own, the concierge is happy to load you up with a stock of "Take me to….” cards giving addresses in Chinese. These come in extremely handy in Beijing taxis. (For alternative transport, the subway is only a few minutes walk away and will get you to most major sights.)

CLOSEST COMPS

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