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THE EMPEROR BEIJING, CHINA |
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The Emperor is China’s first urban Design Hotels™ member, located on a quiet, tree-lined avenue in the heart of Beijing, a short walk away from the Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square and the famous shopping mile Wangfujing. Housed in the former premises of the Qinghua University Alumni club, The Emperor stands adjacent to the Imperial Palace, nestled amongst traditional temples and houses – a tranquil oasis in the midst of an exciting, hectic and fast-evolving metropolis. Though fronted by a classical Chinese brick façade, The Emperor features a cutting-edge interior conceived by internationally-renowned designers, Graft Labs. Its 46 rooms, eight suites and one Emperor Suite all boast a modern aesthetic accented with traditional symbolic touches, as well as wall-mounted flat-screen TVs, wireless Internet and butler service.
At the hotel’s Shi restaurant, guests can enjoy fusion cuisine creatively prepared by pre-eminent Chinese chef John Hao, who puts a modern spin on traditional local dishes. They can also choose from amongst a selection of vintage Chinese rice wines, stored beneath the restaurant and visible through patches of transparent glass flooring. Each wine is presented with the traditional accompanying ceremony, making it no wonder that Shi’s integrated bar transforms into a Beijing hotspot once night has fallen. Up on the roof, The Emperor’s other bar, Yin, offers breathtaking view over the city as well as a large selection of specially-created cocktails and crêpes, all prepared with a Chinese touch. In addition to hosting fashion events and art exhibitions, Yin is also home to the Emperor’s daily Raising of the Lanterns ceremony at sunset, marking the transformation of the roof terrace into a club and lounge under the stars.
Also located on the terrace is Yue – or, Joy – the hotel’s spa and wellness area, an all-glass enclosure offering amazing city views and featuring a reflecting pool, two massage rooms, a fitness centre, a chill-out area and, at the roof’s highest point, a Jacuzzi. Other hotel facilities include a rooftop meeting room for up to 20 people, two additional meeting spaces connected directly to guestrooms and the Jing Boutique, a modern interpretation of a Chinese arts-and-crafts store. Housed in the building’s old guardhouse, Jing (Chinese for “exquisite”) makes reference to the historical character of the surrounding neighbourhood, which once bustled with artisan workshops. It offers traditional Chinese crafts as well as modern design articles from the hotel’s private collection – everything, that is, fit for “an Emperor.” |
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