Waldorf Astoria Beijing

Character and identity

Set in the Wangfujing district, a short ride from the Forbidden City and Tiananmen Square, the Waldorf Astoria Beijing wraps itself in a copper and bronze latticework facade designed to oxidise over time. Inside, Yabu Pushelberg's design swaps the usual grand lobby for silk-lined corridors, intimate chambers, gold-flecked Italian marble and a strong programme of contemporary Chinese art. Peacock Alley handles afternoon tea and cocktails on the ground floor, Brasserie 1893 delivers French technique on local ingredients under chef Addison Liew, and Zing Mansion takes care of refined Cantonese. At 171 rooms, the scale stays personal, and a compact spa blends Western therapies with traditional Chinese medicine.

Who's it for

Bottom line

What defines this hotel is the unusual combination of a heritage Wangfujing address with quietly contemporary interiors and a kitchen, under Addison Liew, that earns its Michelin Plate. Spend the money if you want culture on foot and a hushed return at night. Book a Hutong Courtyard suite for the strongest sense of place, and ask about seasonal packages like the summer Aston Martin Glamping Suite.