Bvlgari Hotel Beijing

Character and identity

Set above the Liangma River in low-rise Chaoyang, with Sanlitun and the CBD in view, this is the Italian house's Beijing outpost: interiors by Antonio Citterio Patricia Viel in warm earth tones, imported leather, wood and marble, with bamboo wall coverings and a white tea signature scent as the only overt nods to China. The major flourish sits outside, in Enzo Enea's sculpted gardens and a riverside walkway. Niko Romito runs Il Ristorante with a 500-plus-label wine list, Il Bar rotates guest bartenders, and the indoor pool channels the Terme di Caracalla in Vicenza stone and gold-and-green mosaic. Service is polished and pre-arrival, often via WeChat.

Who's it for

Bottom line

What sets this property apart is the combination of Romito's kitchen, the Roman-bath pool and Enea's gardens, all delivered in pure Milanese design language rather than a Beijing-themed interpretation. Book a southeast corner room for the river light, request a steam shower, and time a stay around a guest bartender residency at Il Bar if you can.