The Peninsula Palace, Beijing, China

Against the pretty blue of the Beijing sky on a clear day the Peninsula Palace exudes a rousing “Welcome to China” of a manner unchallenged by her competitors. The straight sides of the ‘H’ shaped luxury hotel - clad with shiny white and topped with her curly grey slate roof, red joists and green gargoyles breathing their protective aura over the eaves - feels like the China of our imagination.
This is a China more “Last Emperor” than the economic production house that graces the pages of newspapers everywhere everyday. It is a China built on crafts: of workmanship, design and tradition and of materials rescued from the razed hutongs (traditional housing) of the city.

The facilities

Stay at the Peninsula Palace in Beijing for easy access to the Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square and the ever changing downtown shopping precinct. Fabulous service in elegant and contemporary Chinese interiors is, however, this luxury hotel's real draw-card.

Be sure not to miss the Chinese Restaurant with its antique horse hitching posts and age old bricks. The entire restaurant is made from rescued materials. Dark floor boards set amongst slate tiles set up a timeless ambiance and the service is second to none.

The rooms

The most recently refurbished Presidential Suite is one of the five star worlds’ finest. The modern Chinese interior is pieced together with materials rescued from the hutongs, antique pieces and contemporary styling. It’s warm toned and cozy yet elite and well worth a splurge for any design conscience guest with deep pockets. Duplex suites sport wall to ceiling windows spanning two wooden boarded floors. Thick carpets, deep sofas and 42inch flat screen TVs on both floors invite nights spent in.

The unique Peninsula Palace developed control pad by the bed sorts out the lighting, the curtains, the entertainment and your privacy requirements without the inconvenience of having to get up. All fine points for a luxury hotel located not only within walking distance of the Bejing sites, but also near her commercial hub. The comfort and style continues in the standard rooms, which are larger than the average. Even these offer a sofa. The Peninsula Palace panel and flat screens are standard throughout the hotel.