The Ritz-Carlton – Sophisticated style in Beijing.
Text & photos of my colleague Britt Freyberg
My colleague Britt Freyberg was impressed by the charm of the Ritz Carlton /Beijing, here is her lovely report.
I took the high-speed train from Shanghai to Beijing and arrived in the afternoon at “Beijing South”.
Five relaxed hours and 1,300 kilometers behind me. A lovely travel companion -with a slight British accent- said to me. “Oh, I know your hotel, I live nearby. I would not take the Metro, especially not during rush hour. I know quite well that in China hardly no-one speaks English and for Europeans the orientation is difficult, so I called the Ritz Carlton and asked for a pick up. No problem.
The hotel arranged a VIP shuttle and send me a Rolls Royce. Wow. Furthermore the driver gave me a very entertaining lift. He told me that he grew up in Beijing and visited later on a hotel management school in Switzerland. I enjoyed it to listen to his stories about Chinese characters and it was even more interesting that he was familiar with the Western perspective.
Another world: the Ritz Carlton Beijing
Finally we made it through the capital’s traffic.
Entering the hotel lobby the sophisticated city hideaway reveals its elegant ambience. I felt like in another world with a British touch.
The lobby and lounge gave me a feeling of security. It seems to me that the city’s hazzle stopped straight away in the hole. The power of 24/7 business and the noise of the 20 million metropole are outside. Truly a paradise. The Ritz Carlton is “cozy”, timelessly elegant, charming and certainly unique in Beijing. The stylish rooms and suites are kept in mint, gold and pink. Floral wallpaper in pastel shades are the perfect couple with the furniture in Chippendale style.
Furthermore my room was packed with ultra-modern high-tec features like a 15-inch LCD in the marble bathroom.
IP touchscreen phones and electronic control of lighting and curtains.
After a exciting city trip, the Club Lounge – located on 16th floor- was an “sweet” oasis of relaxation and feeling of “coming home” at the heart of Beijing.
The Ritz Carlton executive club lounges are world-wide nice, but this one is unique.
Truly a place of calm in the bustling metropole.
Culinary experiences of the highest standards are offered by “Chef de Cuisine” Ku Chi Fai, a fantastic cook and real celebrity in China.
I enjoyed the delightful cuisine in the hotels resto, my Bordeaux Grand Cru together with a fantastic view of the illuminated and flashing Chinese capital was a fantastic couple.
When you arrive at The Ritz-Carlton, you’ll soon find there is no shortage of things to do and Beijing attractions to explore.
The city is an intriguing blend of old and new, with booming development that respects the ancient traditions and explores modern advancements.
I will be back soon.
