Best hotels in Beijing

The Orchid Hotel, Beijing

Hidden deep within the winding alleys of Beijing's historic Gulou neighborhood, The Orchid Hotel is a brilliant reimagining of a traditional Chinese siheyuan (a multi-family courtyard house). It is so tucked away into the residential fabric of the ancient hutongs that cars cannot even reach the front door. Guests navigate the final stretch on foot, immediately trading city noise for old-world charm.

“A laid-back hotel in one of the city’s most vibrant hutong neighborhoods, The Orchid offers a relaxing way to experience local life in old Beijing. From a trio of roof terraces you can catch sight of the famed Drum and Bell Towers looming over tiled rooftops.”

Aman at Summer Palace Hotel, Beijing

Tucked away just steps from the East Gate of Beijing’s historic imperial grounds, the Aman at Summer Palace is a striking masterclass in architectural preservation. Opened in 2008, the luxury resort is housed within a network of carefully restored, century-old pavilions. Rather than building a modern imitation, the architects utilized traditional Qing Dynasty construction techniques and materials to seamlessly weave contemporary luxury into the existing estate structure.

“Hard to fault this exquisite hotel, a candidate for best in Beijing. It’s located around the corner from the Summer Palace – parts of the hotel date to the 19th century. The big rooms are superbly appointed, and contained in a series of picture-perfect pavilions set around courtyards.”

Four Seasons Hotel, Beijing

Located in the heart of the bustling Liangmahe area, the Four Seasons Hotel Beijing is a masterpiece of architectural storytelling. Designed by the Beijing Institute of Architectural Design with interiors by Hirsch Bedner Associates, the property cleverly mirrors the grand facade of China's historical imperial palaces, establishing a sense of place before you even step through the doors.

“Even the most modest “deluxe” rooms at the Four Seasons Beijing come with state-of-the-art tech, bathtubs with city views, and clever architecture that seems to amplify the already generous 46 square meters (500 square feet) of living space.”

Featured as Fodor’s Choice in Beijing.

NUO Hotel, Beijing

NUO Hotel Beijing stands out as one of China’s first homegrown, independent five-star luxury hotel brands. Launched in 2015 near the trendy 798 Art District, its name translates to "golden promise." The property aims to deliver an authentic, high-end experience rooted deeply in Chinese heritage rather than mimicking Western luxury concepts.

“The flagship hotel of a homegrown hospitality brand, NUO serves up a Chinese take on luxury living, which equates to teas from its own plantations in the palatial guest rooms, Chinese poetry inscribed on the marble bathroom walls and bling art pieces from Chinese superstar artist Zeng Fanzhi in the lobby. Far from the action, but close to 798 Art District.”

The Peninsula Hotel, Beijing

Originally opening its doors in 1989 as The Palace Hotel, The Peninsula Beijing holds a special place in history as the capital’s very first true luxury property. Its architecture immediately catches the eye, blending a towering modern structure with a traditional Chinese hip-and-gable roof covered in classic glazed tiles.

“People pay top dollar to stay at the Peninsula Beijing, but they know it’s not a gamble. It’s a cosseting experience from start to finish, and a fine way to ensure your entire trip is seamless.”

Featured in CN Traveler’s 2018 Hot List

Mandarin Oriental Qianmen, Beijing

The Mandarin Oriental Qianmen upends the usual luxury hotel blueprint by trading a single high-rise building for 42 independent siheyuan (traditional courtyard houses). Tucked inside the 600-year-old Caochang Hutong near the Forbidden City, the property is woven directly into a living neighborhood. To get from your room to the spa or restaurants, you actively stroll down public alleys alongside local residents going about their day.

“Chinese heritage meets modern luxury in the newly opened Mandarin Oriental Qianmen, Beijing. At just 42 rooms, the intimate hotel offers an immersive taste of tradition. Upon arrival, you’ll be welcomed into a restored labyrinth of hutongs (narrow alleyways), complete with a Zen-like courtyard and a sleek, contemporary aesthetic that provides a calming retreat from the bustle just outside your front door.”

The PuXuan Hotel & Spa, Beijing

The PuXuan Hotel & Spa is a modernist architectural marvel located right in the nerve center of Beijing, just steps from the historic Forbidden City. Designed by the renowned German architect Ole Scheeren, the building features an eye-catching, cube-like glass facade. This striking exterior is a thoughtful, contemporary homage to the pixelated brick patterns of the city's traditional historic neighborhoods, the hutongs.

“Opened in 2019, the PuXuan is Beijing’s most stylish sanctuary, made for grown-ups who demand the finer things in life. Rooms are a masterclass of taste and design – choose a west-facing Grand Deluxe for artfully framed views of Jingshan Park, a sea of hutong and a tantalising corner of the Forbidden City.”

Hotel Fairmont, Beijing

The Fairmont Beijing is a striking architectural landmark right in the heart of the city's Central Business District. Opened in 2010, the 25-story building serves as a literal bridge between the modern economy and traditional culture, featuring a unique multi-story skybridge that links it to the neighboring Reignwood Centre.

“The 222-room Fairmont Beijing, opened in 2010, has excellent English-speaking service and is conveniently located a short taxi ride from the Forbidden City, SanlitunCQ and the Temple of Heaven. The top-of-the-line Gold Rooms offer great views from the skybridge on the 20th floor and 24-karat-gold rain showerheads.”

Featured in New York Times’ 36 Hours in Beijing.

Shangri-La Kerry Hotel, Beijing

The Kerry Hotel stands out as a uniquely energetic offspring of the classic Shangri-La family. First built in 1999 and undergoing a multi-million-dollar transformation in 2011, it flipped the script on traditional corporate luxury by blending upscale comfort with an unpretentious, spirited atmosphere. The eye-catching interiors are a masterclass in modern curation.

“Few hotels capture the bustling energy of cosmopolitan Beijing like the Kerry Hotel. Style and service runs through the veins of the downtown hotel. Bright, airy rooms are equipped with space age bathroom equipment.”

Hotel Cordis Capital Airport, Beijing

If you are trying to escape airport chaos, the Cordis at Beijing Capital Airport is a brilliant sanctuary. Built in 2010 under Langham Hotels, it sits right next to the iconic Terminal 3. Instead of the typical sterile airport hotel setup, it feels more like an upscale urban retreat overlooking a calm, serene lakeside park.

“Although just a minute away from the international airport, this 372-roomer succeeds in being more than a place to pass out during a layover. With contemporary Chinese art filling the hotel, Cordis has a cheeky, creative atmosphere.”