The Shangri-La Hotel in Beijing’s bustling business district.

With a prime location near Beijing’s bustling business district, Shangri-La Hotel, Beijing is immensely popular with vacationers and business travellers alike. Listed on Conde Nast Travellers 2003 Gold List, it was also voted the ‘Best Hotel in Beijing’ by Global Finance in 2004 and one of the ‘Top 3 Business Hotels in Beijing’ by AsiaMoney in 2006.

In March 2007, Shangri-La hotel, Beijing completed its US$50 million expansion project, bringing its number of guest rooms to 670 with the unveiling of the new sophisticated Valley Wing Located in a 17-storey modern glass tower. With a walk-in wardrobe and a spacious lounge area, each premier room in the Valley Wing measures at least 50 sqm (538 sq ft) and features high-speed and wireless Internet access.

Complimentary breakfast and beverages, including champagne, wines and canapes, are available all day in the grand Valley Wing Lounge, the largest executive lounge among Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts worldwide.

CHI, The Spa, is also a brand-new facility at the hotel covering 1,000 sqm (10,764 sq ft) and is equipped with 11 luxurious private suites. The exclusive treatment rooms are modern interpretations of Tibetan temple with Himalayan art decorations.

The combination of scented incense, music from Tibetan singing bowls, and shimmering light contributes to a serene atmosphere. At the health club, one is spoilt for choice with the wide variety of fitness facilities such as the 25-m (82-ft) heated indoor pool, whirlpool, sauna, steam room and an outdoor jogging track on the rooftop garden.

Visitors can also take an hour-long cruise on the River Dragon, on 11-m (36ft) long vessel commissioned exclusively by Shangri-La Hotel, Beijing. The 38-seat traditionally designed barge heads towards the Summer Palace along the Chang River and recreates the imperial route that only members of the Chinese royalty enjoyed in the past.

The ride offers views of ancient bridges, temples and courtyard houses on the riverbanks and ends with a fully guided tour at the historical Summer Palace.

The addition of Blu Lobster, a contemporary restaurant and cocktail lounge, enhances the dining experience with its inventive Western Cuisine and one of the finest selection of Bordeaux wines in Beijing. Other restaurants include Shang Palace which focusses on Cantonese specialities, Cafe Cha with its open kitchens and individual food stations, and Nishimura which has a sushi bar, teppanyaki, rabatayaki, and traditional tatami rooms.

Visitors can also enjoy cocktails at Cloud Nine Bar, voted the ‘Best Hotel Bar in Beijing’ by Forbes.

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