The Regent Beijing

China’s capital is a noisy, fast paced metropolis, the city’s energy pulling you in as soon as you arrive. The sensations of the lights, smells and action in the streets can easily exhaust anyone visiting for either business or pleasure.  It’s nice to know that there is a hotel like The Regent which provides more than a little respite from the frenetic surroundings.

The property’s distinct Feng shui sensibilities are evident immediately upon entering. Soaring ceilings, gleaming marble floors, modern fittings juxtaposed with Chinese traditional furnishings – every detail oozes sleek and clean, and you automatically sense a positive aura.  The hotel’s innate elegance achieves a sense of calm and tranquility but with modern amenities and at once you’re transported away from the bustling streets outside.

Situated right in the heart of the city, The Regent is close to both the labyrinth of alleyways of the “Hutong” historic district as well as Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City and other must-sees in Beijing. The hotel itself sits on the corner of a highly trafficked cross street, but the building is angled and set back from the crosswalk, blending into the environs of modern China.

The 500 guest rooms are big on contemporary style but with elegant Chinese touches.  Premium rooms are on the higher floors and have views of the Forbidden City.  Deluxe rooms are very large with a king bed and sofa and ample room to relax.  The work station area is perfect for a businessman who wants to spread out his entire briefcase and work in comfort in his or her room. Arresting Chinese artwork decorates the surroundings making a visual statement.

A full size bath is situated at the center of the space with both a large tub and shower. Slatted blinds are used to create the partition to the main area of the accommodation.  In-room amenities include a large flat screen television, bathrobe, slippers, and complimentary Wi-Fi broadband internet.  Nothing has been overlooked.

The hotel has four signature restaurants including Morton’s Steak house, a Hong Kong style Chinese restaurant called Lei Garden, the main dining room Jinbao 99, serving modern Asian cuisine, and Daccapo, serving regional Italian dishes.  After dining, have a cocktail in The Lobby lounge, which acts as a meeting point for guests wanting a casual drink in a modern surrounding. In summer guests have a view of the inner garden.

The Regent also has a state of the art health club with an 80-foot swimming pool and a relaxation area with Jacuzzi.  Adjacent is the Serenity Spa, a Chinese themed sanctuary with 13 treatment rooms offering guests holistic pampering. This includes sensory experiences with exquisite therapies.  Men and women can indulge in massages with exotic aromatic oils and body lotions, body scrubs and facials.

Beijing offers many experiences, some fast paced like the city itself, but when guests check-in at The Regent they can freely leave all that behind and enjoy a feeling of Zen to achieve a perfect balance.