A royal retreat with its own private entrance to the Summer Palace, ultraluxe Aman promises imperial splendour in spades. It just about delivers – the courtyard suites are gorgeously refined – but the trio of restaurants, to which you are a captive audience, are underwhelming and service lacks the sparkle of Beijing's newer luxury piles.
Parts of the complex date to the 19th century and were used to house VIP guests waiting for an audience with Empress Cixi. Hotel facilities, mostly below ground, include an enormous infinity pool and a 35-seat private cinema.