VIBE

Designed by Japanese architect Kengo Kuma, the green glass façade of this boutique hotel is meant to invoke traditional Chinese screens, creating a calming, forest-like shelter from the busy city. Inside, the uncluttered, natural wood design scheme is indeed serene, and the fantastic service and one of a kind features (like an onsite contemporary art gallery) are a breath of fresh air in a city where luxury often means a stuffy “old boys’ club.” Opposite House’s unique service concept is evident from the moment of check-in: rather than going to a reception desk, you begin begin your visit with a relaxing lounge in the “living room” where a “host” (a blend of receptionist and concierge) gives a private consultation before personally showing you to your room. The onsite restaurants and lounges all get rave reviews, but the surrounding Village at Sanlitun offers even more options (as well as shopping galore).

GO HERE WITH

A friend – for a hip nightlife and shopping getaway; significant other – for a relaxing city break; colleagues – for business

WHY WE LIKE IT

Calm, cool, and collected without being either too prim or too show-offy. The distinctive design, the ultra-luxe amenities (from the 400-thread count sheets to the stainless steel pool), the superb service concept (they know your name!), and the fab shopping and nightlife location all make us swoon.

AMENITY WE LOVE

The oak soaking tubs and gourmet bath salts: perfect after a day out on Beijing’s dusty streets. Complimentary minibar with snacks and soft drinks (alcohol carries a charge) is a treat. The Village Café offers a solid and decently priced international breakfast.

WHAT WE WOULD CHANGE

Although Opposite House was careful to bury its own thumping lounge, Punk, in a soundproof underground bunker, other nearby nightlife venues (Sanlitun is a hopping ‘hood) were not so conscientious about noise pollution. If your room is on the wrong side of the hotel, you might find that you’re “serenaded” all night long.

GOOD TO KNOW

No fixed check-in/check-out times–very cool, especially if your looong international flight arrives or departs at an inconvenient hour. Along those lines, they’re happy to greet (or deposit) you at the airport in their courtesy Maserati or Audi, and the cars are available for transport around the city if required as well (for a charge). If you decide to make your own way there, keep an eye out for the distinctive green exterior because there’s no signage on the building and few taxi drivers have heard of it. Rooms are truly special, with bath features including rain shower, oak soaking tub, and BaYanKaLa toiletries, and amenities including Nespresso machines, LCD TVs, and complimentary minibar and wireless. For those concerned about their carbon footprints: Opposite House is built almost entirely from reclaimed materials, and they have a number of eco-forward recycling and conservation policies.

CLOSEST COMPS

Park Hyatt Beijing (Beijing)

Read more about The Opposite House in The Diary