THE PENINSULA
WANGFUJING BEIJING
Why it’s got the Insta-factor…
Seen Crazy Rich Asians? This is the sort of place where you’d find Nick Young drinking a G&T in the foyer. It’s big, it’s shiny, the lobby is made of marble, plus it has its own mall. And that’s before you’ve checked in. They also offer personalised helicopter tours of the city, the rooms are all suites with a TV in the bath (yes, a TV in the bath!), and the Great Wall of China is a mere 90 minutes away by car.
How do I blend in?
When it comes to Beijing fashion, it’s about being big and bold – huge coat, huge sunglasses, huge energy. Failing that, its Frenchinspired restaurant, Jing, is one of the city’s best, so rave loudly about how it’s better than any food you’ve had in Paris. That should do it.
Any celebrity guests?
Donatella Versace and Kanye West are said to have enjoyed pampering at the hotel’s luxury spa. Not at the same time sadly.
Don’t go home without...
Taking afternoon tea in The Lobby – the perfect recovery after a 10-hour flight. Steamed dumplings, cake
and champagne? Yes, please. And definitely visit the Great Wall. It’s spectacular – plus you go up to it in a ski lift and can toboggan back down the hillside. Worth it just for that.