Beijing's Best Staycations: Get Away Without Going Away

Whether it’s a romantic stay for Valentine’s Day or a change of scenery for Chinese New Year, there’s no need to leave our fair city for a bit of luxury and some five-star pampering. Follow our guide to these premium staycations at fine hotels throughout Beijing and give yourself a break during the February holidays.

Aman at Summer Palace
Located just steps away from the east gate of the Summer Palace, Aman is housed in a series of buildings originally used by guests awaiting an audience with Empress Dowager Cixi. The 43 luxurious rooms and suites combine modern amenities with traditional Chinese touches like Ming-style furnishings and original wood beams. The out of the way location means you’re guaranteed a good night’s sleep in your king-size, four-poster bed.

Do: Go ice skating on the Summer Palace’s Kunming Lake
Eat: Aman’s kaiseki restaurant Naoki combines French technique with Japanese culinary artistry
Price: RMB 5,200, Courtyard Guestroom (not available February 18-24)
Perks: Early check in, late check out; daily breakfast; one hour Chinese massage; RMB 200 restaurant credit; upgrade subject to availability
 

Intercontinental Beijing Financial Street
Treat that very special someone to a night of international-standard, five-star elegance at the Intercontinental Beijing Financial Street. Sure, the location may not be the first to spring to mind for a staycation, but we say that’s all the more excuse to explore this undervalued part of town. Alternatively, stay in and take a dip in the indoor pool, before relaxing in your elegant, low key room.

Do: Take a stroll in the diminutive, and often overlooked, Yuetan Park
Eat: Take a short taxi ride to Deshengmen Neidajie and search out Hutong 44 Kitchen, which serves up authentic Guizhou style food in a small courtyard
Price: RMB 2,888, available on February 14 only
Perks: Set dinner for two at Steak Exchange Restaurant + Bar, valued at RMB 2,288; book before February 11 and get a free upgrade to a suite
 

Waldorf Astoria Beijing
Imagine coming home to your own private courtyard. Well, you don’t have to imagine anymore at Waldorf Astoria’s Hutong Courtyard. Located in a separate wing from the hotel proper, the two painstakingly authentic courtyards hold three studios, one terrace studio and one villa. Enter through a secret underground passage, where you’ll be greeted by modern rooms with tasteful Chinese details. The bathrooms, with Acqua di Parma products, are a special delight.

Do: Window shop on adjacent Wangfujing Dajie
Eat: Don’t leave without indulging in a piece of the Waldorf’s signature Red Velvet Cake. Just don’t.
Price: Three nights, RMB 23,700
Perks: Hutong butler; welcome tea service; daily cocktails and canapés; choice of Chinese or continental breakfast served in-room; dim sum at Zijin Mansion; 90-minute Signature Body Massage
 

Ritz-Carlton Beijing
Despite being surrounded by shiny skyscrapers in the heart of Beijing, the Ritz-Carlton still screams “old world charm.” Their Club Level rooms are on the chintzy side, but still feature mod-cons like an iPhone dock and 42-inch LCD television. The accompanying Club Lounge offers spectacular views across the city (weather permitting), as well as a dedicated concierge service to help you plan out the details of your staycation.

Do: Nod appreciatively at the artworks in the Today Art Museum in nearby Pingod
Eat: Head over to Shin Kong Place for some of Beijing’s best Neapolitan pizzas at Fissler Academy Café
Price: RMB 2,450
Perks: Book two nights, get the second night free; access to Ritz-Carlton Club Lounge, including complimentary food and drink throughout the day
 

Grace Beijing
Set in the heart of 798 Art District, it’s no wonder that Grace Beijing has become a favorite with artists and arty types alike. There’s no doubt this is a stylish hotel, effortlessly incorporating hints of the area’s industrial past with modern artist elements befitting its current status. And with just 30 rooms, you’re not likely to have your romantic getaway disturbed by other guests.

Do: Grace Beijing guests get free entry to UCCA and 5 percent off the UCCASTORE
Eat: If you don’t fancy Grace Beijing’s serene Yi House restaurant, call by Eatalia for Italian classics in an art-inspired setting
Price: From RMB 625
Perks: 50 percent off room rate; daily breakfast; welcome Champagne; 10 percent off a la carte dining
 

Raffles Hotel Beijing
With its seat right on Chang’an Jie, just minutes from Tian’anmen, a night at Raffles really feels like you’re taking in a piece of history. You’ll feel even more so if you stay in one of their nine 80-sqm Personality Suites, all named after famous personalities like Sun Yat-sen and George Bernard Shaw who patronized the hotel in its heyday and furnished with unique memorabilia.

Do: Fight the crowds at Tiananmen Square for a good spot to view the daily sunset flag lowering
Eat: French Restaurant Jaan’s Executive Chef Cyrille Mollé was previously behind the stoves at Parnas
Price: RMB 2,888, Personality Suite
Perks: Set dinner at Jaan; breakfast for two; access to Club Lounge and accompanying privileges
 

Photos: Courtesy of the hotels