InterContinental Beijing Sanlitun
Even though it only opened in 2016, InterContinental Beijing Sanlitun already has become an essential part of the capital’s vibrant Sanlitun shopping, nightlife and entertainment district. The iconic narrow building is impossible to miss as a shimmering and pulsating LED light show dances across its facade, each light panel arranged in a repeating hexagonal diamond motif that calls to mind an elongated honeycomb.
Adjacent to both the CBD (central business district) and diplomatic compounds, it might be ideal for business travelers, but the hotel is aesthetically and physically oriented around the hip Sanlitun neighborhood right on its doorstep: dining and leisure areas and suites all take full advantage of the magnificent city views to the northeast.
Polished marble, wood and modern furnishings blend seamlessly throughout the luxurious property, punctuated by trendy twists like golden drop-cable lamps, blue glass light installations, inviting leather armchairs and polished vintage bicycles.
- Occupying a prime spot on the fifth
floor, the asymmetrical swimming pool is a relaxing leisure spot as suited to
doing laps as lounging. The panoramic views through floor-to-ceiling windows
give you the impression of being able to swim right into the Beijing
skyline.
- The vaulted, cathedral-like lobby is
elegantly divided into separate lounges by brass cable bookshelves that mimic
the strings of a harp. The stylish space is worth spending time in, if only to
take advantage of the premium teas on offer.
- A private room in the expansive
3,229-square-foot gym makes squeezing in a solo workout easy. Just be sure to
reserve in advance.
- Whether craving classic Cantonese
favorites or Spanish-style tapas and a glass of red, you can be satiated in the
Beijing hotel’s five restaurants. Be sure to cap off your evening in Top Bar,
where a live band and terrace make for a lively atmosphere.
- It’s worth upgrading to Club-level accommodations.
You’ll get access to Club InterContinental, which affords the best views around
from the exclusive 22nd-floor lounge. Plus, it serves complimentary breakfast,
evening canapés and cocktails (or try a pour from the Enomatic wine-dispensing
machine).
- The hotel’s Top Bar (adjacent to
Spanish-themed Top Tapas) prides itself on its range of international whiskey
and both local and imported beer. It gets busy on Tuesday nights, when the
hotel’s signature whiskey sours are two-for-one.
- For now, members of Club InterContinental
have access to the best views around from the exclusive 21st-floor lounge, but
there are plans for a rooftop bar in the works.
- Traffic jams are commonplace in this
trendy area, especially during weekends, so allow yourself extra time to get around.
- Most staff members at the
InterContinental Beijing Sanlitun are dressed in cropped, wide-legged culottes,
low-cut sneakers and black bowler hats; a super-chic uniform that may at first
cause you to mistake them for trendy influencers staying in town.
- The best rooms are all oriented around the narrow northeast corner, including the Presidential Suite, which provides stunning city views through a wall of floor-to-ceiling windows.
- Each of the hotel’s 300 accommodations boasts a large, white ceramic freestanding tub as well as a spacious shower. The latter is great for private soaking if you can’t bring yourself to leave your room and visit the sandalwood-scented spa on the second floor.
- Given the hotel’s curving, flat-iron like design, few of the rooms offer a traditional rectangular shape. The circular layout of the Classic Rooms, for example, is both futuristic and cozy.
- Ying Chinese restaurant, with an
open kitchen serving modern Cantonese specialties, gives way seamlessly to adjacent
sister eatery, Ying Japanese. Here, dine on fresh noodles and kaiseki-style multicourse meals in an
elegant but casual environment.
- At Char Dining Room and Lounge, not
only can you choose from wagyu, Kobe and dry-aged cuts, you can even select
your cutlery. High-quality blades from Germany, Spain and England are on offer,
including French Laguiole.
- Serving up hot and cold savory bites
from Spain and further afield, Top Tapas is the restaurant of choice for an
after-work or pre-dinner aperitivo. Nibble on Iberico ham while selecting a sip
from a long list of international wines.
24-hour room service 
Bar
Fitness classes
Gym
Indoor pool
Meeting rooms
Restaurants
Spa
