China. How do you even begin to summarise a land of such extremes? Rolling countryside and heaving metropolis. Traditional customs and modern technology. The only way to truly understand China is to spend a length of time in the country. Of course, such extended research requires a certain level of comfort…so here we are…’Mr Aristotle’s Top 10 Luury Hotels in China’.
Please note – we reserve the right to change this list as quickly as the building of a Chinese skyscraper…
1. Mandarin Oriental Pudong – Shanghai
The Mandarin Oriental Pudong hotel is widely regarded as the premier accommodation of Shanghai. We had to check it out ourselves – all in the interests of helping others of course…- and we are inclined to agree. Located along the spectacular banks of the Huangpu River, surrounded by the sky/outer space scrapping buildings of Pudong’s CBD, this hotel offers a unique blend of world class design and style with beautiful views and unbeatable comfort. Timeless elegance is mixed with plenty of colour to bring some much needed light touches to downtown city hotels. Five star service. Five star facilities. Five star experience. An unforgettable stay.
2. The Upper House – Hong Kong
As you know, here at MrAristotle HQ we do have something of a penchant for boutique hotels and this little gem located in Admiralty, central Hong Kong is right up there. The Upper House hotel showcases the most fantastic scenic views of the harbour. A stones throw from the best shopping and sights Hong Kong offers, the location could not be better. Proudly sporting the biggest hotel rooms in the city (not hard – we know…), this highly individualised luxury hotel will attend to your every need before you are probably aware they were even in need of attending. The top floor restaurant is a must.
3. Red Wall Garden – Beijing
Another boutique beauty where luxury meets tradition. The Red Wall Garden Hotel gives its guests a dose of oasis-like tranquility with cutting edge service. Proudly operating in one of Beijing’s historic neighbourhoods – Shijia Hutong – and the famed Forbidden City within walking distance, Ancient China is just around the corner. Although you only have to step into the hotel courtyard to get the sense of a traditional way of life. This humble courtyard style hotel is a refreshing and welcome change to the usual concrete monoliths that populate many of China’s cities. First rate customer service with an emphasis on the serene, the Red Wall Garden Hotel is all about the personal. Cheers to that.
4. The T Hotel – Hong Kong
Located 20 minutes from the CBD, the T Hotel is one of the more unique hospitality experiences you will have. A concept hotel aimed at training staff, the T Hotel provides integral vocational training beyond the classroom environment for up and coming students. But that does not mean your stay will be any less spectacular, in fact it means the opposite. Each trainee is under the supervision of an experienced professional so that every interactaction with you goes towards personally helping them refine their skills. Perhaps even more intriguing in a city famed for high-rise building, the hotel and two bars are set within the greenery of Pokfulam providing an oasis for those who like tranquility with their Tanqueray.
5. Fairmont Peace Hotel – Shanghai
Declared as a ‘luxurious Art-Deco masterpiece’, this landmark hotel once played host to the elite members of Shanghai society – where was the invite? – and was a favoured destination for international globetrotters. The hotel seamlessly melds this glamorous tradition – see the Jazz Bar and Dragon Phoenix – with a modern twist. Those who wish to be seen will head to the Cin Cin Bar whilst those preferring to do the looking will make reservations at the Cathay Room to enjoy some of the best views of Pudong from the restaurant terrace. The Fairmont Gold executive floor is a must for those who simply cannot be seen checking-in with the rest of us mere mortals. Offering luxury suites with elegant art-deco inspired styles and impeccable service, the Fairmont Peace Hotel is as bold and rich as it’s historic past.
6. The HuLu Hotel – Beijing
Under the impression that there is no escape from the hustle and bustle of Beijing? Convinced that the city has developed every square metre? Prepare to be corrected. Welcome to the HuLu Hotel – a residence as unique as its name. This small and intimate hotel offers visitors a very different kind of hospitality experience. Furnished with wooden furniture in classical style wooden houses, the HuLu Hotel caries an atmosphere of tranquility, harmony and balance. Walking around this unique hotel is like being transported back in time but to a place that has free wifi and flat-screen TV’s. The wooden houses feature some elegant modern design finishes to create the best of both worlds – central city location with rare tranquility, modern design with traditional service.
7. The PuLi Hotel and Spa – Shanghai
The first of its kind in China, the PuLi Hotel and Spa is a new Urban Resort Concept. Right in the centre of Shanghai, the hotel perfectly blends the immediacy of the big city, with a peaceful and luxurious resort experience. A beautifully designed hotel, full of authentic historic cultural touches that brush shoulders with innovation and cutting edge technology. to create a true stress free environment The real treat resides on level 3, where you will find the PuLi Spa and Wellness retreat to attend to your every indulgence. Jacuzzi’s, sauna’s, steam rooms, an infinity pool and the award winning Anantara Spa Group to pamper you from head to toe. With such luxuries as 24 hour butler service, one of Shanghai’s most extensive wine lists and the signature Jing ‘An restaurant overlooking the park it does beg the question…’What stress?’
8. Sofitel – Xi’an
If ever one needed proof that China was embracing international influence, they need look no further than this luxury hotel within the Xian city walls. A fantastic and unique looking building of Russian-Chinese architecture, the inside has been superbly refurbished with a contemporary French styling whilst the hotels five restaurants offer Mediterranean, Brazilian, Moroccan, Japanese and Chinese cuisine. Whilst the whiskies of Scotland, gins of England and beers of the world are well-represented in the 2 bars and lounges. Perfectly located with the Grand Mosque, Drum Tower, Forest of Steles nearby and the Terra Cotta warriors a 45 minute drive. Enjoy a relaxing swim in the pool, followed by some well-deserved pampering at Touch Spa and the sensory experience of a rainforest shower.
9. Renaissance Suzhou Hotel – Suzhou
A multiple award winning hotel, including ‘Hotel of the Year’ by Marriot, ‘Best Service & Best Business Hotel’ by the Golden Horse Award of China and a ‘TripAdvisor Excellence Award’. The Renaissance Suzhou Hotel overlooks the beautifully lush Central Park, showcases a luxurious stylish design and boasts two superb restaurants featuring international and traditional Asian cuisine. Award-winning service and a great location right in the heart of Suzhou, puts the Renaissance on any consideration list for hotels in Suzhou.
10. Waldorf Astoria – Shanghai
The name says it all. Waldorf Astoria. Few brands in the hospitality industry stir such emotions of elegnce, service and luxury. The Waldorf Astoria Shanghai on the Bund (to use its official name) is no exception. Like one of the classic cocktails available in The Long Bar, this centrally located perfectly blends old and new aesthetics. Housed within a two-building complex that combines a 21st century sophistication with the hotel chains legendary service. Expats in Shanghai love the Champagne brunch served every Sunday in the Grand Brasserie whilst locals and tourists alike make a bee-line to the legendary afternoon tea served daily in the Salon de Ville. With three restaurants, two longes and a bar to choose from there is plenty of ways to toast the great city of Shanghai.
Ashley Pollard is a member of the MrAristotle team and has visited more cool hotels than is polite for a man of his young age…