Aman at the Summer Palace $$$$

15 Gongmenqian Lu
10/5987-9999
www.amansara.com [1]

COST: More than ¥1,500 per night

METRO: Xiyuan (Line 4)

Staying this far out of town may not be everyone’s bag, but if you detest the noise of traffic and thick air of car fumes, Aman at the Summer Palace may be your dream resort.

Incorporating the pavilions used by the guests of the last empress, Dowager Cixi, by the east gate of the Summer Palace [2] complex, Aman is a luxury boutique hotel with beautifully decorated rooms and exteriors. The pavilion roofs are covered in Jin clay tiles, and the wood detailing on the walls is painted red, green, and blue. Ming-style gardens separate the buildings.

Despite its historic appearance, it contains a Pilates studio, modern luxury fittings, and three excellent restaurants. Aman appeared on Condé Nast’s 2011 Gold List—clearly, luxury is guaranteed here.