Aman at Summer Palace, Beijing

Dear Aman Team, I am writing to share feedback following our recent stay at Aman Summer Palace. I want to be very clear from the start: it is not in my habits to complain, especially about a brand I deeply respect. We have stayed at several Aman properties, including Amanpulo and Amanoi, and those experiences set an exceptionally high standard that we truly value. Unfortunately, our stay in Beijing felt significantly below what we associate with the Aman name. From arrival, the experience lacked the refinement and anticipation we are accustomed to. The airport transfer was disorganized, with a long wait and no assistance with luggage. Despite an upgrade, the room felt cold and outdated, lacking the warmth and sense of serenity typical of Aman properties. Operationally, several points were surprising for a property of this level: – Breakfast starting only at 7:30 AM, which is late for international guests dealing with jet lag - No coffee machine in the room, old radiators provided, damaged paintwork, a very old television that is not facing the bed. – Gym opening at 8:00 AM (opened earlier upon request, but without lighting) – Sauna available only from 1:00 PM, making it unusable after a morning workout We were also repeatedly asked to sign bills, which felt out of place compared to other Aman experiences where everything flows seamlessly. The breakfast quality itself was also far below expectations. We also booked a private excursion to the Forbidden City and the Great Wall for 7,500 CNY. While the guide was excellent, the experience itself was indistinguishable from mass tourism, with queues and no added value, which was disappointing given the price. I genuinely regret having to write this message, but the gap between what Aman represents globally and what we experienced here was simply too significant not to mention. This feedback is shared in a constructive spirit, with the hope that it can help preserve the consistency and excellence of the Aman brand worldwide. Kind regards, Wahl Maxime & Cervantès Flore

This Aman is located near the vicinity of a UNESCO World Heritage Site, The Summer Palace or Garden of Clear Ripples. Hotel guests have exclusive access to the imperial garden from 06:30 via a secret door. So you could stroll the tranquil garden and the Long Corridor before tour groups arrive. Suite was of good size, quiet and comfortable. Shower area, a bit bare, would be nice to have a dressing screen. Chinese restaurant food was alright. Breakfast was decent. Service was cordial and enthusiastic.

This hotel is one of the most disappointing I’ve ever stayed in. It might have been a good property many years ago, and it’s certainly in a beautiful location, but that’s where the positives end.There is no real management in place, and the staff seem completely lost. Service feels cold, confused, and detached — as if no one truly understands what hospitality means. The atmosphere is sterile and uncomfortable, more like being in a controlled environment than a luxury hotel.What’s most shocking is how far this place is from what an Aman hotel should be. There is none of the warmth, soul, or effortless service that Aman is known for. It feels institutional, not luxurious — a place that has lost all sense of personality and care.Overall, this property does not deserve to carry the Aman name. It’s a sad example of how a once-promising hotel can lose its way entirely.

A (too) Brief but Breathtaking Stay: My Review of Aman Summer PalaceMy stay at the Aman Summer Palace was nothing short of magical, a true highlight of my trip to Beijing. I was immediately greeted by name—an astonishingly personalized welcome that set the tone for the entire visit. It felt less like checking in and more like being received as an honored guest.The hotel itself is a masterpiece of tranquility and luxury. The facilities, particularly the swimming pool, the gym with its top-notch machines and the unexpected bonus of a Reformer Pilates studio, were truly impressive. It was the perfect way to unwind after a day of sightseeing.What makes this place a standout is its unrivaled access to the Summer Palace. The privilege of entering the grounds directly through a private back gate is an experience that cannot be replicated. It felt like a secret key to a world of imperial grandeur, allowing for peaceful, VIP moments before the public arrived.Every detail, from the seamless check-in to my reluctant departure, was handled with an effortless grace that made my solo journey feel utterly pampered. For anyone seeking a unique blend of historical immersion and luxurious retreat, Aman Summer Palace is an absolute dream.

Very good location. Easy access to Summer Palace.Summer palace is so crowded.The hotel is very nice. You can have free photo shoot but only with 3 free photos, but it's nice.Breakfast is good. Book with trip have free dessert.

Beautiful rooms and the access to the summer palace is magical, the service is top notch, the food I didn't find remarkable (overpriced, took ages, and bad unlike every other meal in China which makes the comparison more pronounced), but every single other thing was great. In short: definitely stay here, but do not eat here

I had the pleasure of staying at Aman Summer Palace for one night earlier this month (July 2025). I can say, without a doubt, that this is truly an exceptional hotel — not only for its incredibly unique location or delicious cuisine, but for its incredible hospitality. My experience at Aman Summer Palace was nothing short of excellent, from the luxurious Spa to the evident care and quality in each meal at the handful of on-site restaurants. Having stayed at various other premier hotel brands around the world, such as Mandarin Oriental, Four Seasons, St.Regis (etc.), it is clear that Aman is truly a rank above every one of them. The hotel itself impeccably blends traditional Chinese architecture with even more than enough modern luxuries, making without a doubt, the best hotel in Beijing. In this, its location in the Summer Palace — and private entrance — provides a rare and intimate view to breathtaking views and nature. I stayed in a courtyard room which was extremely spacious compared to its counterparts in other hotel brands. It’s also important to note that the hotel evokes a sense of tranquility, that is a much appreciated escape from the hustle and bustle of Beijing. All in all, the hotel is quite large and makes you truly step back in time to imperial china while including all contemporary luxuries! Most importantly, the hospitality at Aman was truly out of this world. I want to give a special thanks and appreciation to the Food & Beverage Manager, Candy Duan, for her expertise and thoughtfulness for the duration of my stay at the resort. Besides providing exceptional service throughout every one of my activities throughout the hotel; from start to finish, she exemplified the hospitality that every hotel should strive for. Not only did she introduce me — and give me a comprehensive tour — to the entire grounds of the hotel, but she made it her mission to ensure that I was enjoying my stay at the Aman Summer Palace, from assisting me in securing the accommodation and spa reservation, to thoughtfully recommending me dishes at each of the restaurant — Candy truly made my stay at Aman Summer Palace unforgettable! To sum it up, I can't recommend the Aman Summer Palace enough! For those looking for a truly elevated experience through Chinese culture, hospitality, and cuisine, but wanting something with more character than one of the many office-like buildings that other hotel brands provide, this hotel is for you! Can't wait to return soon!

The hotel is located adjacent to the Summer Palace and is technically part of its grounds, which gives it an exceptional advantage in terms of location and atmosphere. The architecture of the building itself is stunning—traditional, elegant, and full of cultural character. However, the room renovation is quite disappointing. The design choices seem impractical and outdated. For instance, there are two large, tall wardrobes placed in the room. They occupy a significant amount of space and resemble something you might find in a grandmother’s house, rather than a modern hotel. When a hotel upgrades its toilets to highly modern versions, it should also reconsider removing such bulky, outdated, and largely useless furniture. In fact, there’s a third oversized wardrobe on the opposite side of the room, which further limits the usable space and makes the room feel cramped and poorly planned. There is also a lack of adequate lighting in the room, which adds to the sense of discomfort. The bathroom is similarly underwhelming—it’s neither comfortable nor functional. The washbasin and faucet are mismatched in height and position, making basic tasks unnecessarily difficult. You don’t feel safe, relaxed, or free in that space, which is ironic given that this city is associated with the idea of “fanchushi”—a sense of relaxation and detachment from stress. Additionally, these rooms are not child-friendly and are far from ideal for families. They might perhaps suit an artist seeking a dark, isolated space, but definitely not the average traveler or family guest. The pricing does not reflect the quality of the accommodation. While the service is good—thanks to the hardworking and courteous Chinese staff—the overall experience does not justify the cost. In conclusion, I do not recommend this hotel. The aesthetic charm of the building cannot make up for the poor room design, lack of comfort, and mismatched value. It’s simply not worth the price.