Who's Going
Business Travellers, Paris Execs, Advertising Directors
Reason to Stay
Chaooyang Clientele, Stylish Rooms, Gourmet Eatery
Hotel Type
Luxury Hotel
There is a Dubaian tendency in Beijing to create the largest, the tallest and the best. Given China's title as most-populous country on earth; many of these undertakings seem more natural amongst the dense urban sprawl of Beijing than less-populated Dubai. But the ambition is much the same, to take a hot new economic powerhouse from the 19th Century to the 21st Century with high-rise bang and over-the-top hotels. The result is architectural porn at its finest, a city infrastructure and signed by virtually every acclaimed architect and designer in the world. <br /> <br />The luxury brand of Accor Hotels makes a strong statement with its Sofitel Wanda Beijing, located in the Chaooyang District close to the Silk Market. The façade is part of the new Beijing architectural-guard, a glassy exterior of squared edges and drastic lines that wouldn't look out of place amongst flying cars. The interior is a meeting of Orient opulence and modern design with a two-story lobby lined in marble floors, gold paneling and lacquered antiques. Aside from the glossy guest rooms, the best amenity is the in-house restaurant, Le Pre Lenotre, a spin-off of Paris' Le Pre Catelan and first 3-star Michelin chef to hit mainland China to date. <br />
The Room
Sofitel always surprises us in a good way, as they do in Beijing with a massive collection of sensibly French-styled guest rooms with enough Asian accents to make you still feel like you’re in Beijing. Smaller entry-level rooms are well conceived with walnut-paneled wall with integrated TVs and glass-enclosed bathrooms with soaking tub and across the room views. Upgraded rooms and suites are even larger in size, often two separate spaces with silk wallpaper in whimsical floral patterns that aren’t too blinding. Swirly cream-colored carpet frames business-minded living areas with sizable desk and cushy seating areas fit for a demanding Parisians and their Beijing guests.
Preferred Room
Luxury Club Room
Special Features
Gourmet Eatery, Upscale Clientele, Architectural Hotel
Amenities
Pool, Spa, Lounge, Restaurant, BAr
