Mandarin Oriental Qianmen, Beijing

Character and identity

Set within a restored warren of hutongs in the historic Qianmen district, this is Mandarin Oriental's most intimate Beijing project: a low-rise siheyuan compound where guests walk through alleyways to reach rooms, each anchored by its own private courtyard. The Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square and the Temple of Heaven are all within easy reach. Dining spans four venues, including the Michelin-starred Chinese restaurant Yanting, the Italian VICINI inside a converted textile factory, Maple Lounge for afternoon tea, and the much-talked-about bar Shitiao. A Chinese-medicine-led spa adds sound baths and singing bowl therapy.

Who's it for

Bottom line

The draw here is singular: nowhere else in Beijing lets you sleep inside a working hutong at this level of comfort, with a private courtyard at your door and a Michelin kitchen down the lane. Book a room with a separate living area or private tea room, and aim for spring or autumn shoulder weeks when the courtyards are at their most usable.