Best Places To Stay In China
China is about as big at the US geographically, and the landscape it covers is so varied that it’s not worth commencing a list of what you can see here. Its recorded history is among the oldest in the world, with dramatic twists and turns that have shaped the look of the country as well as the architecture and the culture. From the best hotels in China’s major cities to the best places to stay to see China’s pandas, or the Great Wall, we hopefully have something to get you started.
1. Rosewood Beijing, Beijing
Rosewood ruffled a few hospitality feathers when it shook up Beijing's hotel scene in late 2014. From the staff's individually tailored suits to the hand-picked books and objects adding personality to the 240 guest rooms and suites, no expense was spared and every detail pored over.
Discreetly dazzling design throughout comes courtesy of Australia's BAR Studio, whose hotel client list reads like the ultimate round-the-world luxury vacation. Gorgeous digs aside, food is another strong suit: rustic-chic northern Chinese fare at Country Kitchen, Red Bowl's hip hot pot, and fine French at Bistro B.
2. Grand Hyatt, Hong Kong
Combining the efficiency of a business hotel with the indulgences of a resort, the Grand Hyatt is a well-oiled machine in the Wan Chai district. It's an ideal location for business travelers—connected to the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre and right across the street from a collection of government offices. Dining on-site after a long day is never second-fiddle: There is the excellent Grand Hyatt Steakhouse; award-winning One Harbour Road, serving traditional Cantonese cuisine; Kaetsu and The Teppanroom, both serving Japanese; Tiffin, a classic and comprehensive European buffet; Grissini, an Italian favorite; and the recently renovated Grand Cafe, with harbor views and all-day dining.
3. The Middle House, Shanghai
In Shanghai’s Jing'an District, the Middle House name references its central setting within the historic Dazhongli area. There’s lush bamboo landscaping outside, and the hotel comprises two tinted and curvy towers, linked by a vast subterranean realm. A stunning Venetian chandelier takes pride of place in the foyer, with low-slung sofas and artwork all around.
4. Graceland Yard, Beijing
The definition of a hidden gem, this rustic courtyard hotel occupies the 500-year old remains of the Zhengjue Temple, in a terrific alleyway location squeezed between ramshackle local residences.
Traditionally furnished rooms have decorative Zen Buddhist features and present a palpable ambience of old China you probably thought had long disappeared.
All the rooms are different, so ask to see a few before deciding. Unfortunately, there's no restaurant, which means no breakfast, but the hotel is a quick stroll from Mianhua Hutong and Huguosi Hutong, both bustling local food streets.
5. The Miraa, Hong Kong
Walking into The Mira’s minimalist lobby feels like entering another galaxy—one light years away from the crowded Tsim Sha Tsui streets outside. As one of Hong Kong’s only luxury design hotels, The Mira attracts cross-generational fashion and creative professionals. In other words, hip young Scandinavian couples share space with middle-aged CEOs dress in Diesel jeans. The hotel's Michelin-recommended Cantonese dim sum spot, Cuisine Cuisine, fills up quickly with local diners during lunch hour—a testament to the high-quality ingredients and time-honored dishes.
6. The Lalu, Qingdao
The Lalu Qingdao is the first mainland venture from the Taiwanese group responsible for the phenomenal Sun Moon Lake hotel, and it’s rather more than just a toe in the water — this place, designed by Kerry Hill, the architect responsible for so many of Asia’s best high-end hotels, verges on the monumental, and the location, just across the bay from the city of Qingdao, is positively otherworldly.
7. Commune By The Great Wall, Beijing
The Commune by the Great Wall is most often described as an architectural museum, a live-in design exhibition, created by a veritable who’s-who of contemporary architects and designers. Oh, and it just happens to be set in the rugged Chinese countryside, through which runs no less a man-made wonder than the Great Wall itself.
8. Hotel Icon, Hong Kong
This stylish eco-hotel is anchored by the tallest vertical garden on the continent, soaking up natural light from the triple-height lobby. Creative professionals populate the café as well the outdoor pool, which appears to spill into Victoria Harbor. Be sure to dine at least once at top-floor Above & Beyond Cantonese restaurant, where you'll have excellent harbor views. The dim sum or Cantonese-inspired afternoon tea will surprise you with an array of dynamic flavors and textures.
9. The Ritz-Carlton, Shanghai
The Pudong hotel fills the top floors of a 58-story financial district building that's a quick walk from the iconic Oriental Pearl Tower. Guests have easy access to high-end shopping and the Metro. Rooms, described by guests as large and luxurious, have views of the Huangpu River and the city's ever-evolving skyline.
10. Mira Moon, Hong Kong
Walking through Mira Moon’s ground-floor entrance feels like arriving at a Chinoiserie-chic palace. The corridor is lined with gold-latticed mirrors and red egg chairs, with a gorgeous mosaic tile floor and an enormous black Chinese lantern that seems to float overhead. The whimsical decor, designed by Dutch guru Marcel Wanders, attracts fashion bloggers, young creative types, and art lovers to 91 guest rooms and suites.
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David Castain
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