Who's Going
Hong Kong weekenders, Euro-travelers, Design Aficionados
Reason to Stay
Rooftop Spa, Hip Crowd, Rooftop Bar
Hotel Type
Boutique Hotel
Beijing's first boutique hotel is located adjacent to the Imperial Palace walking distance to the Forbidden City and Wangfujing shopping district. Behind a traditional Chinese architectural facade, a lobby of high ceilings and sparse furnishings is lined in glossy block-wood floors with built-in seating arrangements that at times feel more hospital than hospitality. An in-house restaurant and rooftop bar are two of the hottest nightlife destinations in Beijing. Shi Restaurant is a sedate dining space and lounge serving traditional Chinese cuisine with a modern fusion spin. The modern dining room is adjacent to a separate lounge area popular for weekday happy hour and late-night noshing.<br /><br />Up on the roof is Yin, the Emperor's hottest nightspot, with spectacular views of Beijing's historical district enjoyed by one of the sexiest outdoor bars in the city. The rooftop bar is a bi-level entertainment space decorated in slatted-teak paneling with floor-to-ceiling walls of glass encasing a small lounge and main bar. The bar is a popular romp for Beijing's fashion and media community with a lineup of fashion events and art soirées throughout the year. There's also a daily Raising of the Lanterns ceremony at sunset, which officially marks the opening of the bar with posh pomp and cocktail circumstance. The rooftop is also home to Yue, the hotel's spa and wellness area. Meaning Joy in Mandarin Chinese, the rooftop spa is a glass-enclosed sanctuary with reflecting pool, fitness centre and whirlpool terrace.
The Room
A total of 46 rooms and suites are arranged along compact, carpeted hallways of a former-university alumni club. Dorm rooms, AKA guest rooms, are tech-heavy sanctuaries of stark-white walls intersected by bold yellow, orange or green stripes. Walls are painfully sterile and entirely free of artwork except for the occasional Chinese mural in upgraded room categories. Compact rooms are a spin of classic Scandinavian design with virtually every inch of furnishing attached to a wall. Built-in beds are attached to built-in tables which connect to closet consoles. Built-in seating areas, also connected, are upholstered in industrial fabrics of matching shades of yellow, orange and green under high-widows covered in sheer white drapery. Bathrooms are tiled in dark colors with built-in consoles and basin-sinks lined in organic local toiletries. All rooms feature wall-mounted flat-screen TVs, wireless Internet and butler service that usually equate to a check-in phone call and last-minute scurry for luggage upon checkout.
Preferred Room
Emperor Suite
Special Features
Compact Guest Rooms, Rooftop Pool, Design Crowd
Amenities
Restaurant, Pool, Lounge, Spa, Bar, Views
