In just a matter of days, Waldorf Astoria will make its debut in the popular Wangfujing area of the Chinese capital. (The hotel is taking reservations starting March 1, 2014.) In addition to the Beijing hotel, Hilton’s upscale brand has three other talked-about hotels opening this year: Jerusalem, Dubai, and Amsterdam.
Besides its location (10 minutes by car from the Forbidden City), the Waldorf Astoria Beijing has some other desirable amenities: a ballroom, luxury spa, heated indoor swimming pool, fitness center, the Brasserie 1893, a Chinese restaurant, and the Peacock Lounge.
The exterior is dramatic; the building is the only one in the world to be clad in copper. Inside, there are 171 guest rooms (including 55 suites) that are contemporary in style. Some of the rooms—designed as traditional courtyard residences-- channel the city’s rich history. These exclusive “Hutong Studios” and the “Hutong Presidential Suite” occupy two villas in the courtyard in a separate wing of the hotel. (Hence they have their own private entrance.) Beneath the Presidential Suite will be an entertainment space with an intimate private cinema and lounge.
Waldorf Astoria Beijing, 5-15 Jinyu Hutong, Dongcheng District, Beijing, China; Tel: 86. 10 8520 8989; www.waldorfastoria.com
