Sofitel Wanda Beijing Hotel

Beijing is a fascinating city, home to ancient architecture set against the backdrop of a thriving metropolis and a growing business economy, and the Sofitel Wanda Beijing Hotel sits center stage. The hotel is located in the privileged area of Chaoyang which is also home to the Olympic Green, constructed prior to the 2008 Summer Olympics which took place in the city. The area comprises 475 m2 within the urban area of Beijing which is 183 square miles, making it the second largest district in the city. Chaoyang is also home to many foreign embassies, International corporation head offices and the well-known Sanlitun bar street. The Sofitel Wanda Beijing Hotel couldn’t have picked a better location.

Lobby ©Antonio Cuellar
When Luxury Hotel Photographer Antonio Cuellar stepped into the 5 star luxury of the Sofitel Wanda Beijing Hotel, he was mesmerized by the art and architecture which clearly brought to life the interior and exterior of the structure. No expense had been spared decorating this hotel, ensuring that all guests fortunate enough to visit will remember the experience for years to come. The sheer opulence and scale of the crafted murals in the hotel lobby were a sight to behold, bringing forth an individuality rarely seen in luxury establishments. The staff took excellent care of him during his stay and he can definitely say the hospitality and the hotel experience were 5 stars all the way!

Reception ©Antonio Cuellar
As you walk into the hotel you are greeted by helpful concierge staff who are all willing to assist you. The glamorous lobby and reception décor is awe inspiring with opulent gold and silver floral sculptures and intricate designs on the feature walls. The myriad of chandeliers glisten with thousands of tiny sparkling droplets, all tempting you further into the hotel to discover more delights. Fragrant blossoms and floral displays grace antique decorative tables shimmering under the spotlights of a thousand crystals. The Sofitel Wanda Beijing Hotel simply put, is the hotel for connoisseurs seeking a luxury travel experience in China.

The hotel guest rooms and suites are no less stylish, with a unique blend of contemporary French palatial design and traditional Chinese inspiration. A mix of geometrics, warm rich tones and traditional Chinese blossom and bird wallpapers ensures that any room you choose will be visually striking and inviting. The attention to detail is captivating, with mood lighting and long panel windows allowing in lots of natural light, to fabric textures which are soft and velvety to the touch. Luxury rooms have all of the modern elements you require to enjoy a comfortable stay, from upmarket bath products by Lanvin or Hermès to waterfall rainforest showers and jacuzzi baths. Feature glass walls divide the bedroom and bathroom, ensuring the wonderful lighting aspect and views are with you wherever you are in your room.

Suite ©Antonio Cuellar
The Junior and Prestige Suites situated on upper floors of the hotel offer some of the best vistas of the cityscape. Exclusive Club Lounge access, espresso machines, and your own butler service are just a few of the unique advantages you can look forward to when you stay in one of the suite accommodations. The hotel also understands that some guests may prefer to dine in the privacy of their own room, a 24-hour room service is available serving hot and cold cuisine. Dine in the comfort of your own room surveying the bright, twinkling lights of Beijing from your own private restaurant.

If you enjoy dining in the company of others, Sofitel Wanda Beijing Hotel has 5 restaurants installed within the hotel. The cuisine ranges from French in the Héritage Restaurant to International gastronomy in the Vic. Old Shanghai, Yipin and Hyoki showcase the best in regional Chinese and Japanese cuisine. The latter three host several private dining areas, perfect for VIP’s visiting the city or if you are planning a special occasion in the hotel. Between all five restaurants, you have the choice of fine dining in elegant surroundings or you can opt for a more casual experience. Following an exquisite gastronomic experience, you are invited to the hotel lobby bar, where gratifying shades of purples, aubergines, rich golds and russet reds await, bringing this area to life as you sit back into one of the deep comfortable sofas or designer chairs with a beverage.

Restaurant ©Antonio Cuellar
Once you have exhausted all that Beijing has to offer, you can relax in the hotel’s state of the art spa facility which unites modern and ancient treatments, it is the perfect space in which to unwind and soothe away any tension. The 30-meter indoor heated swimming pool can tempt you in for a refreshing swim in a tranquil, peaceful atmosphere, or if you prefer to stay active in the gym, the well-equipped fitness emporium has everything you need for an invigorating workout.

Aside from the impressive layout, opulent décor and unsurpassable customer service you receive at the Sofitel Wanda Beijing Hotel, they also add another accolade to their list. Planet 21 is a seven pillar, 21 commitment action plan devised by the hotel to help care for the environment and highlight sustainable development. This mission is actioned by using specific methods in the day to day running of the hotel in order to achieve more sustainable development. For example: balanced dishes are served in the restaurant, Eco-friendly cleaning products are used to clean every room, water faucets are fitted with flow regulators and energy saving light bulbs are used in the magnificent light installations in the reception areas. These are just a few ways the hotel is helping to contribute to a sustainable environment – it is refreshing that such a large global organization such as Sofitel has implemented a great scheme like this.

Master Suite ©Antonio Cuellar
Even if you are visiting Beijing for a short period of time there are still a few sights you should make an effort to try and see. The hotel is situated a 23-minute drive from the Old Palace Museum, the Forbidden City and Tiananmen Square. You can also reach these destinations via Subway Line 1 which runs every 3 minutes from the station just outside the hotel, it will take 39 minutes to arrive at your destination. Within the same distance in another area of the city you can also reach the Temple of Heaven, another iconic landmark. The same subway station at Subway Line 1 or 5 will take you there directly. If you prefer to centre your stay close to the hotel, explore the Sanlitun district – an area scattered with pubs, bars and nightclubs which are popular with both locals and foreigners alike. Large International stores such as Apple, Uniqlo, American Apparel and Adidas are also here if you enjoy indulging in some retail therapy.

The helpful concierge staff at the hotel will assist you with planning your itinerary if you plan to venture further afield during your stay. If you have the opportunity to drive or have hired the services of a driver whilst in Beijing, then no trip to this magnificent country would be complete without a visit to the Great Wall of China. Heading out of the city to the north, onto the G45 toll road it will take you 1 hour 20 minutes driving from the hotel. Once there you have the opportunity to discover one of the original truly magnificent 7 wonders of the ancient world. The pathway spans over 5,500 miles of walkways across China, with towers, fortresses and look out points seeking out the lush green forests and sites of villages and towns below.

Whatever the purpose of your visit as Antonio will agree, the Sofitel Wanda Beijing hotel the perfect place for those appreciative of life’s little luxuries to rest their weary heads after a day of business or exploration.

About the Author

Angela Murray  I love to travel, ever since my first visit to Italy at 3 years old I was hooked. As the years progressed I found myself as a teenager working in Spain and France guiding excursions around Barcelona and the medieval walled city of Carcassonne in France. This was a life-shaping experience where I developed a love for everything Gaudí, Monet and Salvador Dalí which has never left me. Since then I have lived in Edinburgh, London and the English Lake District – until Spain and Portugal pulled me back for another 9 years. This time I worked in luxury real estate and interior design, which is where my interest sparked in architecture, hotels and décor. These days I find myself just outside London – planning my next travel writing adventure, and there are many more destinations on my list!