Kerry Hotel Beijing is a fabulous luxury hotel based in the expansive China World Complex in the heart of the city’s financial district. The second property in a new five star hotel brand by Shangri-La Hotels, Kerry Hotel Beijing combines the group’s signature touches with a lifestyle-orientated approach and contemporary design.
Sights such as Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City are a 15-minute taxi ride away and the interconnecting China World Mall offers designer shopping opportunities at stores such as Hermès, Jimmy Choo and Fendi. Silk Street Market is also nearby for bargain hunting local products.
We stayed for two nights at the nearby China World Summit Wing by Shangri-La, located in the city’s tallest tower, and went on to Kerry Hotel Beijing for another two nights before leaving for Shanghai.
When we arrived after a tour of Beijing’s 798 Art District, we were checked in at hotel’s exclusive Club Lounge. It was one of the easiest check-ins I’ve ever experienced, as we relaxed briefly over chilled juices and Chinese canapés before being shown to our rooms.
My Club Room on the 20th floor was spacious and homely, designed in cool neutral and grey tones with light wood and shimmering metallic highlights. A pot of calming jasmine tea (a Shangri-La signature), red bean rice rolls and fresh fruits awaited as a thoughtful welcome treat. I sipped tea and grazed on the rice rolls while lazing on the comfy chaise-longue, flicking through the free movies on the 40-inch flatscreen Samsung LCD TV before getting ready for dinner.
A real highlight of staying at a Kerry hotel is that all guest room minibars are complimentary on arrival (soft drinks only). Also offered is a Nespresso machine and kettle with a selection of teas, plus countless bottles of mineral water.
Working is made easy with an executive writing desk with multi-socket electronic panel, plenty of electrical plugs and free wifi throughout the hotel. There is also plenty of storage space, with fitted wardrobes in the bedroom and drawers in the reception room.
The marble bathroom is perfectly-equipped with a separate bath and rainfall shower, bathroom mirror television with digital clock, a full set of L’Occitane bathroom amenities and a TOTO toilet with built-in washing and drying facilities. Another Shangri-La signature is a handy embroidered female amenities bag filled with L’Occitane lip balm, facial cleansing wipe, shea butter hand cream, sheer stockings and a hair band.
My king-size bed was extremely comfortable and was turned down each evening with chocolates and extra bottles of mineral water. In the morning, we enjoyed a spectacular buffet breakfast in Kerry’s Kitchen, offering everything from eggs to order to waffles, Dim Sum and congee.
One of the perks of staying on the Club Level is access to the Club Lounge. The bright and airy lounge is a great place to relax and enjoy complimentary drinks, evening cocktails, Chinese canapés, afternoon tea and breakfast. Macs and iPad are available for use and the Club Concierge is on hand to make reservations or travel arrangements. Club Level guests can also benefit from a complimentary suit pressing and shoeshine service.
The hotel’s expansive Kerry Sports is perfectly-equipped for a morning work-out or unwinding after a long day of sightseeing. The fitness club includes an indoor pool, children’s wading pool, jacuzzi, sauna, steam room, gymnasium, fitness studio, basketball and badminton courts and treatment rooms.
Eating at Kerry Hotel Beijing is a delight, with excellent dining options such as contemporary Chinese restaurant The Horizon, Kerry’s Kitchen with its open kitchen stations and the informal cafe Kerry’s Pantry. Centro Bar is the hotel”s slick cocktail bar, offering expertly-mixed drinks and live music in the evening.
Kerry Hotel Beijing is a cool, comfortable base to discover the delights of Beijing. While the service felt more personalised at China World Summit Wing, Kerry Hotel Beijing has a more relaxed atmosphere and the luxury of the Club Lounge. I would find it difficult to pick a favourite between the hotels, however as they are so close together, you could easily experience the best of both.
A double room at Kerry Hotel Beijing starts from 2,185 RMB (approx £231) per room per night. Price includes tax and service. (B&B basis). To book, visit: www.shangri-la.com or call 0800 028 3337.
Cherie City was a guest of Kerry Hotel Beijing
Photos by Cherie City and Kerry Hotel Beijing
You Might Also Like