InterContinental Beijing Sanlitun
Daily price line
Upcoming nightly rates
Review
Character and identity
A shimmering, narrow tower wrapped in a hexagonal LED facade marks this 2016 arrival in the heart of Sanlitun, Beijing's shopping and nightlife district, with the CBD and diplomatic compounds close by. Inside, a vaulted, cathedral-like lobby is partitioned by brass cable bookshelves resembling harp strings, with polished marble, wood, leather armchairs, golden drop-cable lamps and vintage bicycles setting a design-conscious tone. Five restaurants span Cantonese to Spanish tapas, while Top Bar runs whiskeys, beers and live music. A fifth-floor asymmetrical pool, a 3,229-square-foot gym and a 22nd-floor Club lounge round out the offering, with staff in culottes and bowler hats.
Who's it for
Best for:
Design-literate urbanites and business travellers who want to be plugged straight into Sanlitun's shopping, dining and bar scene, with the CBD and embassies a short hop away. Couples after city views, cocktails and a striking architectural backdrop will get plenty here, as will guests who value a sociable lobby and varied in-house dining.
Should look elsewhere:
Anyone seeking quiet seclusion or a resort-style escape: this is a vertical city hotel in one of Beijing's busiest neighbourhoods, and weekend traffic snarls the surrounding streets. Families looking for kids' programming or travellers wanting expansive grounds and a beach feel will find it the wrong fit.
Bottom line
The defining draw is location plus design: a vivid, well-styled tower wired directly into Sanlitun's energy, with skyline views from pool, lounge and suites. Pay up for a Club-level room to unlock the 22nd-floor lounge, complimentary breakfast and evening canapés. Hit Top Bar on a Tuesday for two-for-one whiskey sours, and build buffer time into any taxi plans.