"Why did this hotel catch your attention? What's the vibe? Though its modern bronze exterior—which looks as if its glowing from within—has made the hotel a distinctive landmark, the Waldorf Astoria Beijing also fits in with its surroundings in the seven-century-old Wangfujing neighborhood, which is known for its hutong alleyway homes. The interiors marry architectural elements of those historic houses (like the signature courtyards) with sleek, contemporary interiors that are accented by Ming-era flourishes. What's the backstory? Opened in 2014, the hotel is part of the international Waldorf Astoria chain. Tell us all about the accommodations. Any tips on what to book? The 175 guest rooms in the main tower are spacious, understated, and crafted with modern elegance; some King rooms have furnished terraces with views of the hutongs or the courtyard, while suites have separate living areas. All have in-room tablets to control things like curtains and the temperature, and all bathrooms have separate tub and showers, TVs (which you can watch while you soak), heated toilet seats and floor tiles, and Ferragamo bath amenities. The accommodations that really stand out—especially if you are craving privacy—are those located in the Hutong Courtyards, which are connected to the main hotel by an underground passage. These rooms include one- and two-bedroom suites and a villa, and have been done up in Ming Dynasty–style, with stone-colored walls, red doors and pillars, geometric accents, and hutong house-style ridged roofs. Opening out to the courtyard, these spots offer the most sense of place and feel like true residential retreats. Is there a charge for Wi-Fi? Nope, it's fast and free. Drinking and dining—what are we looking at? The domain of rising star chef Addison Liew, who has worked in Michelin-starred restaurants around the world, Brasserie 1893 (named for the birth year of the first Waldorf Astoria in New York) is centered around a show kitchen, allowing for interactions between the chefs and dinners. In addition to serving dishes that marry French techniques with local ingredients, the restaurant celebrates items that are said to have been created at that original Waldorf Astoria, like Eggs Benedict and the Waldorf Salad. It’s a combination that works, as the brasserie received a “Michelin Plate” distinction in the first edition of the Michelin Guide Beijing 2020. At Zing Mansion, Cantonese specialties are served in a refined setting, while a cozy, library-like pastry shop crafts unique treats like a Beijing-style red velvet cake. At Peacock Alley (an outlet found at many Waldorf locations), you can enjoy light bites, afternoon tea, and classic cocktails. And the service? Given its location near the historic hutong alleyways, the hotel’s concierge has designed a walking tour of the Shijia hutong area, which is about 15 minutes away by foot. While exploring, you’ll stop at a hutong museum, a historic handmade shoe workshop, a tea shop, and other spots where you can chat with and learn from local artisans. The hotel also often offers special seasonal experiences, such as the summertime Aston Martin Glamping Suite package, in which the Terrace Suite gets transformed with greenery, Moroccan-inspired cushions, a gourmet picnic, and an oversized tent that conceals a Frette linen-topped King bed. What type of travelers will you find here? The young and affluent, with a mix of couples, families, and business travelers who want to be close to cultural attractions and entertainment. What about the neighborhood? Does the hotel fit in, make itself part of the scene? With sprawling Beijing’s notorious traffic, where you stay matters—particularly if you are only in town for a short time. This hotel’s location in Wangfujing puts guests at the heart of a shopping and nightlife district and within easy walking distance to the Forbidden City and Tiananmen Square. Is there anything you'd change? With China so rich in traditions like perfume-making and herbal healing, it would be nice to see bath products with a sense of place instead of those from Ferragamo’s Tuscan Soul line. Any other hotel features worth noting? There’s a house car that can be booked upon request, and a small spa offering treatments that blend Western therapies and traditional Chinese medicine. Bottom line: Worth it? Why? Yes. The hotel is a peaceful retreat in a location that’s both historic and vibrant." - Sandra Ramani
