Escape the City and Live Like an APEC Honcho with Kempinski's Huairou Ski Package

Michael Wester | Dec 18, 2015 4:30 pm | Add a comment | 1868 reads

Sometimes hotel travel deals just don't seem like much of a deal – but here's one that definitely is a steal: Stay overnight at the ultra-modern Sunrise Kempinski Hotel (you know, where all the APEC bigwigs stayed last year), ski all day at Huaibei Ski Resort, and enjoy a bunch of other package specials for the kick-ass price of RMB 1,588 for two (plus the irritating and ubiquitous "plus 15 percent" that all hotels tack on). Still, that's less than a thousand RMBs a person for a nice luxury getaway.

The package includes:

  • One night at Sunrise Kempinski Hotel;
  • Two breakfast buffets;
  • Two tickets (following day) at Huaibei International Ski Resort;
  • A 60-minute spa for one adult;
  • Set dinner for two at Paulaner Bräuhaus;
  • Free access to Kempinski's internet, gym, and swimming pool.

Go on a weekday when things aren't crowded. So here's the plan:

As soon as possible: Request a day and half-day off of work next week.

The day before you go: Book the spa for 4pm the next day (as one day's notice is required). Pack a bag to take to work the next morning.

Noon, the day of: After a quick work lunch, Uber it out to Yanqi Lake. Last time I went there, I left from downtown East Third Ring, paid a RMB 86 fare (though the original cost was RMB 116) and the ride took 65 minutes. Aim to arrive at 2pm. Use the time while you are riding out there to reserve a shuttle bus back into town from the Huaibei Ski Resort (8969 6677) for the next day. The ticket is RMB 40 for a roundtrip (unfortunately, they do not sell one-way trips).

2pm: Check-in at Kempinski Sunrise. Take a quick tour of the facilities, hit the gym and swimming pool and work up a sweat.

4pm: Finish up at the gym/pool and escort your lady friend to the spa to partake in the pampering. Meanwhile, you go up to the room to chill, surf the net and prepare for your evening.

5pm: Arrive at Paulaner early for your set dinner. If it's Monday, Wednesday or Thursday evening, cough up the additional RMB 98 per person for the free-flow of beer offer and begin to tie one on. Once your buzz is going, feast upon Paulaner's German goodies.

8pm: Retire to your room, check your email and fall asleep early to make sure you are well rested for the next day.

7am, next morning: Carb load at the Kempinski breakfast.

8am: Check out and get a cab to Huaibei – a mere 20 minute drive – to be there as the gates open at 8.30am. Ski to your heart's content.

Mid-day: Refuel at one of Huaibei's eateries (not included in the package).

3.30pm: Get yourself off the slopes and change back into your civilian gear.

4.30pm: Board the shuttlebus back into town. Now their website says the bus leaves at 5, though the lady on the phone said it leaves at 4.30. Play it safe and board by 4.30. There is no other bus, so if you blow it, you'll have to try your luck getting a cab on the way back, which is considerably harder than getting one going out. Shaoyaoju, Guomao, and Xuanwumen.

For more information or reservations, please contact Kempinski at 6961 8888 or reservations.yanqilake@kempinski.com.

Photos: Sunrise Kempinski Hotel, Huaibei Ski resort