Beijing, China
The Peninsula Beijing
All-Suite Splendor
What it is
A newly revamped, extremely luxurious icon with a Chinese-meets-western aesthetic.
What it isn't
Sparing any expense. Guests can be whisked from the airport in any of their fleet of chauffeur-driven Rolls Royce Phantoms and customized BMW 7-Series, to name but one pampering example.
What we think
It can be difficult to make an impression in a city of more than 21 million people, yet the Peninsula Beijing is a shimmering star: capable of dazzling locals and jetsetting glitterati alike. Every single room here is a suite, and gynormous (to use meme parlance): starting at 645 square feet. Each one has a room and adjacent living room that’s as glossy and high-tech as they come; you’ll have a room control panel in 11 languages (and another next to your deep soaking tub), gratis Video on Demand flicks on the flat screen, and an all-in-one business machine that prints, scans faxes, and all but spins plates on command (it’s no wonder this hotel is beloved by business tycoons). The spa is expectantly stunning, with etched granite and wooden lattice walls and a tea lounge (yes, a tea lounge), and there’s an 18-meter indoor swimming pool that’s arguably the most relaxing in the city, lined in plush deck chairs and Chinoiserie-potted palms.
You're here because
The Peninsula Academy offers guests the chance to learn things they’ll use for decades to come. Dumpling making? Check. Kung Fu? Oh, absolutely.
The Moment
You’re a fervent Francophile, and delighted to find Jing—where Chef de Cuisine Julien Cadiou whips up a French-Asian fusion menu that brings tears to your eyes (and no, not because it’s spicy). Tonight, you opt for a nod to summer with a rosemary smoked whole Maine lobster, served on a hot stone. Because, of course it is.
Restaurants & Bars
Jing - international "farm-to-table" dishes with a hint of Mediterranean inspiration
HuangTing - fine Cantonese cuisine
The Lobby - Peninsula Afternoon Tea, a la carte breakfast, plus an eclectic selection of international and Asian favourite dishes
Location
In the Dongcheng District, a quick stroll from The Palace Museum—the circa 1420 onetime imperial palace from the Ming dynasty through the latter Qing dynasty.