China World Summit Wing, Beijing - a Shangri-La Hotel.

Expectations are inevitable when you are a fan of a hotel brand and and eventually get to stay at one of their flagship properties. In this case it was the China World Summit Wing, a Shangri-la property in the proverbial heart of Beijing where I just completed my stay. 

If truth be told, I had probably made about 4 bookings over the last year but cancelled them because I dithered to and fro regarding staying here. I had grown accustomed to the Club concept, the hotel-within-a-hotel set up where as a guest you experience a higher level of exclusivity. Interestingly, this hotel eschews this in favour of a seemingly high level of service of all guests. In theory, it makes sense especially with the hotel's initially hyped Residents' Foyer. For me, it just doesn't work but rather than dwell on this, I am told by the cousin of someone  who knows the janitor's sister and who is the neighbour of someone who overheard a conversation between two people who met someone who works in a building next to the hotel about a renewed concept - now this excites me. Watch this space. 

Once I had checked in, it was with tremendous eagerness that I checked out the room, having seen so many images online. 

The Room

My room - an absolute highpoint of my stay. The hotel is 10 years old and I expected fairly tired looking rooms but was really surprised to see how well the room had aged. Even the word 'aged 'is harsh because the room has maintained that modern feel with Chinese touches. Entry level rooms at 55SQM are among the largest in the Shangri-La portfolio and certainly the most spacious in China. My room, though, a Grand Premier room at 75SQM is probably the largest non-suite room in the group. This corner room offers majestic views of the city from two perspectives. The bed side window in particular is oversized and for this city boy, the night skyline was just magical. 

The view from my bedroom

However, and this sounds like an infomercial, there is more. Much, much more. A spacious dressing area leads to the simply stunning bathroom with views of the Forbidden City. Incidentally, I was graced with perfect weather during my stay, so I was able to enjoy the view. While it is not a stone's throw away from the Forbidden City, the psyche is thrilled knowing it is visible. Then, of course, there is  bath time, one of the most taken for granted simple pleasures in life. I found myself soaking and bathing in sunlight, while the fragrance of the Aqua di Parma (see note below*) bath gel wafted through the air as I sipped on a Chardonnay I had picked up at the supermarket. Forget the in-mirror TV screen. Stop, soak and stare as I did from my 66th floor bathroom. It is decadent, something we need after what has been a torrid time the last year especially. 

Recreation 

In my time, I made use of the gym and swimming pool. The gym is an aesthetically pleasing element in the recreation crown of the hotel and even though the build in screens on the treadmill prevent what could have been amazing views from the 79th floor, there are several other vantage points, like the weigh area,  with clear views. It says alot about us as a  people that we are obsessed with screens - TV on the mobile, in the bedroom, bathroom and even while 'running'. A pity. 

Of course, there is the swimming pool and despite being on the small side,  is a must. It is becoming a cliché in this piece to talk about the views, but it bears repeating. They are such a massive part of this hotel experience. Finally, sadly I had no time to check out Chi, the signature Shangri-La Spa experience that spans an entire floor,  but will certainly include it next time. 

Dining

It is not uncommon for restaurants to bank on the fact that can offer a good view and eschew the rest of the dining/drinks experience because most guests will allow a spectacular view to compensate for, for example, a poor F&B product. I am so pleased that this is not the case on the hotel's 80th floor where two distinctly different experiences are offered to guests. As you leave the elevator, to the right you have The Lounge, a venue that specialises in Afternoon Tea and  a fairly extensive dining menu. If you go left, you will find Atmosphere, a. chic but relaxed bar that offers some great bar food and after work drinks.  As you watch the sun set, Atmosphere takes on a different character. Whether you go right or left, you will be sipping on tea or a glass of bubbly from the highest bar and lounge in Beijing. 

I usually pride myself on having a finger on the pulse with regards to dining in the city but I was totally overwhelmed to see everything that is being offered by just these two venues, and bear in mind that the hotel also boasts Japanese at Nadaman, high end dining at Grill 79 and a choice of 4 restaurants with a Chinese/Cantonese theme. 

My own evening started with a platter of cold cuts, just one of the promotions at the Lounge/Atmosphere. To get a feel for the two venues, I began my journey in The Lounge, with its more quiet and family oriented feel. However, don't expect grand ma's elevator music. At around 6pm, there were some cool beats playing in the Lounge. It really is a laid back space with a less trend-conscious  clientele. In other words, a lot more mature. After a couple glasses of Veuve Cliquot NV, I moved to Atmosphere. By that time, the sun had gone down and the there was already good flow of bar traffic. Appropriately, the champagne changed to my most recent go-to champagne, Perrier Jouet NV, because of its decent bubbles, mousse and attractive price. 

The entertainment at the Lounge appears to vary from a live violinist to a harpist - a harpist! It is a beautiful instrument that is seldom seen in lounges. With regards to Atmosphere, the entertainment is a tad more progressive and fun, with  a resident DJ sharing the space with live musicians. On the night I was there, DJ Youri brought some groovy retro tunes to the dance floor while Topfours lead by local gal Nikki, churned out jazz laced songs. Honestly, not a bad way at all to spend the evening until the wee hours of the morning. 

Drinks? Well, it is a classy bar so expect anything from premium cognacs to single malt whiskies and of course,  a decent range of champagnes at competitive prices - One thing you can bet on at Shangri-La properties is value for money champagne prices. However, if cocktails are your sin, then you are in the right place for crafted drinks. This should come as no surprise as the Shangri-La Head of Mixology for the region is in-house - Volkan Ibil. The latter  is a wonderful, down to earth liquid artist who is  is all about the art of mixology. How often can you say that you had a gin brewed at the bar and served with a Chinese twist? I also love the care and attention he gives to non-alcoholic drinks. Why shouldn't a mocktail look sexy? Or a non-alcoholic spritz based on an Aperol Spritz have equal appeal? Mmmmm. I think so. 

Verdict

China World Summit Wing by Shangri-La finds itself in a tough neighbourhood in terms of competition. There are several high end hotel options and a plethora of dining choices, but after my stay it is not hard to see why they are able to compete. Firstly, uber spacious rooms with enviable views of the city are matched with dining options that go from affordable to high end with a Lounge/Bar offering that gives something truly unique in the context of Beijing. Furthermore, the location means you are in the thick of everything with convenient transport options abounding - after the subway, it took me a 15 minute stroll though the mall, point to point. 

Finally, China World Summit Wing, Beijing is a Shangri-La property and with that comes things you can always take for granted - just because you are housed in a magnificent glass and steel skyscraper, does not mean you are not entitled to expect and receive the essence of Shangri-la: warm service from the heart. 

Essentials

China World Summit Wing, Beijing. 

A Shangri-La Hotel.

1 Jianguomenwai Avenue,

Guomao,

Beijing

+86 10 6505 2299

Subway:

Lines 1 and 10, Guoamao.

Allow 15-20 minutes to walk through the mall to the hotel check-in area, 64th floor. 

*All rooms are equipped with L'Occitane toiletries except for selected suites which come with Aqua di parma. Due to special circumstances I requested it for my room. 

Brandon Stoltenkamp

i: bmstoltenkamp