This winter Mandarin Oriental will open its very first hotel in the Chinese capital of Beijing. Located in the Wangfujing district overlooking the Forbidden City, the hotel will be housed on the top floors of WF Central, a premium retail mall with 130 different tenants. (For years we heard rumors that Mandarin Oriental would open its first Beijing property in Qianmen, an authentic, historic neighborhood of hutongs and traditional courtyard houses dating back to the 13th century. But it appears this project is no longer in the pipeline).
Mandarin Oriental Wangfujing, Beijing will only have 73 rooms, measuring a minimum of 55 square meters (592 square feet), making them some of the largest in the city. Expect a contemporary, residential-style design with floor-to-ceiling windows, marble bathrooms, and all the latest technology. A highlight will be the Spa at Mandarin Oriental, complete with a fitness center, four treatment suites, and a 25-meter pool illuminated by a glass roof. There will also be two restaurants and a bar connecting to the garden roof terrace— a chic pocket of verdure with views of the UNESCO-listed Forbidden City.
The famous palace complex isn’t the only site at the hotel’s doorstep; Mandarin Oriental Wangfujing is located within walking distance of Tiananmen Square, the National Museum and the National Art Museum of China. After a day in meetings or exploring Beijing, sip a cocktail at MO Bar where international DJs will spin the soundtrack, order a steak at the Mandarin Grill, or tuck into Asian cuisine at Café Zi. (Note that this café will also serve a lunchtime dim sum menu created by Michelin-starred Hong Kong chef Wong Wing-Keung.)
Related Articles
Leading Hotels of the World Adds 14 New Members
Stefano Attardi Named Executive Chef of Four Seasons Bora Bora