St. Regis

With the scarcity of grand old hotels in Beijing, the St. Regis steps in to fulfill the role of secure fortress where politicians, film directors and business moguls can meet their opposite numbers in the emerging superpower.

Up until 2007, it was the only hotel in mainland China that could take on the likes of Hong Kong’s Peninsula. But competition in Beijing from the refurbished Raffles and others has forced the owners – Starwood and the Chinese government – to knock down walls to make rooms bigger and more modern.

These are the most expensive beds in town, but for your money you’ll get a personal butler, top restaurants, the lovely, low-lit Press Bar, vast 24-hour gym and big pool, and beautiful garden. Staff speak the best English in town, and are attentive but generally discreet. The St. Regis has its own bowling alley, cigar humidor and lots of private rooms for Chinese-style dining; in fact you need never leave the hotel.