Beijing
China


The Experience

Set back from the main Jianguomenwai thoroughfare, Beijing's St. Regis is located in the leafy diplomatic and business heartland, a 10-minute cab ride from Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City. Though facing competition from several new high-end openings, it has long been recognized as Beijing's premier hotel. Step inside the marble lobby and it's easy to see why -- there's an ambience of classical grandeur, with greenery and layered, theatrical-style balconies. And the lobby is always abuzz; this is a business hotel that's strong on luxury, but where a sense of deal-making is always tangible.

The Rooms

Space is a little tight in the 320-square-feet standard rooms, but the cream decor is well matched with understated furnishings. The result is a pleasing level of comfort and practicality, especially appreciated when you return after a day touring Tiananmen. Suites, beginning at 600 square feet, are lavishly draped with comfy sink-into sofas, potted plants and hardwood details.

The Service

With a track record of serving Chinese and international business clients, as well as visiting dignitaries, the staff are well drilled and courteous. They're perhaps not as open and amiable as you may find in other hotels in the city, but this is a starched-collar organization.

The Highlights

This may be a business hotel, but with tennis and squash courts, a bowling alley, a gorgeous pool and a rooftop putting green, it's sometimes hard to tell. Book ahead for the spa, which uses natural hot-spring water and offers a mix of Chinese and Western treatments. Take a dip in the naturally lit Romanesque swimming pool, which is worth a picture even if you don't want to get wet. Then sit down at Danieli's, the signature Italian restaurant; its wonderfully extravagant decor places it somewhere between a tiled Tuscan villa and gentlemen's club.

-- Gary Bowerman

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