Who's Going
Design Lovers, Art Scene, Trendy Businessmen
Reason to Stay
Penthouse Pool, Food Scene, Art Crowd
Hotel Type
Design Hotel
It's quickly become China's most glamorous hotel brand, now Swire Hotels whose brands include Opposite and Upper House Hotels is expanding their urban line of boutique properties with the sophomore edition of EAST Beijing. Part of the sprawling Indigo development within the Jiang Tai neighborhood of Beijing's Chaoyang District, its sexy glass and steel silhouette designed by Benoy who also masterminded Abu Dhabi's YAS Island and Hong Kong's airport expansion. The result is a gleaming urban boutique hotel that brings a design-edge to a somewhat removed city location. Inside, a thoroughly minimalist lobby with spare décor, towering ceiling and reception counters that seems to levitate above the ground. Two restaurants include an international and Japanese option as well as Xian, the in-house bar inspired by nearby 798 Art Zone with late-night DJs that spin till 2am.
The Room
As big as it looks with an upward-tilted head in the motorcourt, EAST Beijing is home to 369 guest rooms that vary between 400 and 800-sqaure feet in size. Bright, airy hallways trimmed in decorative art murals lead to lofty accommodations marked by wide-plank hardwood floors and large spans of glass that reveal neighborhood views or perhaps juts the incredible bathroom with its rugged stone walls or elevated soaking tub with its own city view. Décor is simple but tasteful, a mix of Scandinavian and Italian design that’s trimmed in muted fabrics. Upgraded rooms and select suites feature better views and access to a private concierge lounge. A wellness center is just short of being a proper spa, but with well-appointed fitness center and indoor pool.
Preferred Room
Executive Floor
Special Features
Art Scene, Hip Restaurant, Retail Setting
Amenities
Restaurant, Lounge, Bar, Pool