Detailed Review
Recently renamed from The Palace Hotel to The Peninsula Palace Beijing following an impressive upgrade, The Peninsula Palace Beijing is now unquestionably the premier hotel in Beijing for business and leisure travelers, as well as the venue of choice for important events and celebrations.
Having opened in 1989, The Peninsula Palace Beijing has an imposing, traditional Chinese architectural-style exterior, integrated with the ultimate in luxurious, modern hotel amenities and facilities. Ideally located in the center of Beijing, The Peninsula Palace Beijing is just a short stroll from Beijing's Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden City, and is within easy access of Beijing Railway Station.
Press Quotes
"The lobby is filled with Chinese antiques and a gurgling waterfall; the 525 posh guest rooms don't disappoint, either. All have streamlined, plush furnishings with subtle Chinese details (dark wood, silky bolster pillows, jade plants), 42-inch plasma TVs, fax machines and high-speed Internet access." Conde Nast 08
"It has eastern finesse underpinned by hi-tech and gourmet luxury." Telegraph 07
Independent Reviews
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"The iron heart of Beijing holds this Last Emperor fantasy palace, elaborate and refined, where the hutongs meet haute-designer chic."
The Peninsula Palace
By Caroline Major
Against the pretty blue of the Beijing sky on a clear day the Peninsula Palace exudes a rousing “Welcome to China” of a manner unchallenged by her competitors. The straight sides of the ‘H’ shaped building - clad with shiny white and topped with her curly grey slate roof, red joists and green gargoyles breathing their protective aura over the eaves - feels like the China of our imagination. This is a China more “Last Emperor” than the economic production house that graces the pages of newspapers everywhere everyday. It is a China built on crafts: of workmanship, design and tradition and of materials rescued from the razed hutongs (traditional housing) of the city.
The most recently refurbished Presidential Suite is one of the five star worlds’ finest. The modern Chinese interior is pieced together with materials rescued from the Hutongs, antique pieces and contemporary styling. It’s warm toned and cozy yet elite and well worth a splurge for any design conscience guest with deep pockets. Duplex suites sport wall to ceiling windows spanning two wooden boarded floors. Thick carpets, deep sofas and 42inch flat screen TVs on both floors invite nights spent in. The unique Peninsula developed control pad by the bed sorts out the lighting, the curtains, the entertainment and your privacy requirements without the inconvenience of having to get up. All fine points for a hotel located not only within walking distance of the Bejing sites, but also near her commercial hub. The comfort and style continues in the standard rooms, which are larger than the average. Even these offer a sofa. The Peninsula panel and flat screens are standard throughout the hotel.
Be sure not to miss the Chinese Restaurant with its antique horse hitching posts and age old bricks. The entire restaurant is made from rescued materials. Dark floor boards set amongst slate tiles set up a timeless ambiance and the service is second to none.
Stay at the Peninsula Palace in Beijing for easy access to the Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square and the ever changing downtown shopping precinct. Fabulous service in elegant and contemporary Chinese interiors is, however, this hotels real draw-card.
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Condé Nast Traveller 2008 & 2007 Gold List
