This is my final answer: My picks of China hotels from our recent journey
I didn't need to call a friend or poll the audience! After much thought and consideration, here are my favorite hotels from our recent journey to China. Last week, I offered a list of the perfect hotel room. Now that I've had several more experiences in Shanghai, Chengdu, Huangshan, Hangzhou, and Lhasa, I have a new order of favorites and I proudly share them below:
St. Regis Lhasa-I wasn't sure how I'd react to plush luxe in Lhasa. It seemed like an oxymoron, but it works. It really does. The use of native materials, granite, stone and wood; the decor, a mixture of muted colors accessories of tactile native crafts and religious items, and amazing photographs and paintings; the service is impeccable (attention Chinese hotels that complain how difficult it is to train their staff to Western standards, maybe Magdy Anis will allow you to sit in on his training classes); the butlers were a silly affectation (it's a St. Regis thing) but fun; and the food was divine. The architecture was about blending into the city and not sitting in some awkward, juxtaposed out-of-place way.
Waldorf Astoria on the Bund: a Shanghai MUST STAY. Last night, the final night of this Chinese journey, I stayed in a suite in the historic old building and LOVED everything about it-even though it did not have a brainy toilet like the new wing (go back a few posts for my love affair with the brainy toilet). My Tip: request a suite facing the river in the old wing ( there are only a few) or a suite in the new tower facing the river. What won me over and moved the Waldorf to my absolute fave for Shanghai was the in-room check-in. Last week after sampling the Waldorf and the Peninsula, i picked the Peninsula. The main decider was en suite check-in. Last night i had that luxury at the Waldorf, and, thus my new #1 in Shanghai. Some people are devoted to other Shanghai properties, but at this writing, I prefer the Puxi side of Shanghai, on the Bund, with great service and an excellent breakfast (you may recall that the Peninsula's breakfast was totally scrambled and unorganized). Peninsula Hotel Shanghai: The clubby feeling at the Peninsula would comfort a solo traveler and some people still appreciate the signature outfit of the Peninsula bellman. Beautiful hotel and the first new build in years on the Bund. I like the Peninsula tradition but prefer the history of the Waldorf Astoria. The next must stay hotel is the Amanfayun in Hangzhou-picturesque and tucked into a spiritual area. It is very soothing and spiritual and when they improve their lighting in rooms and on pathways (rooms are scheduled for increased lighting this winter), it will be a solid recommendation. Other places we stayed or inspected were adequate, even perhaps, the best of the area, but truly not worthy of comment---except I did like the Four Seasons Hangzhou, just a little too Western compared to the Aman. I know several of you have been to China. What are your favorite places to stay?
