The Hongkong and Shanghai Hotels’ (HSH) renovation of The Peninsula Beijing is well on its way to completion, set to unveil a first peak into the $US123 million upgrade in August 2016. Changes to the hotel, which began in late 2015 and will be complete in early 2017, include redesigned public spaces, restaurants, rooms and suites. Changes in the first phase include the lobby, public areas, restaurants and an initial allocation of restyled rooms.
The relaunch of The Peninsula Beijing was conceived in 2013 by acclaimed Hong Kong designer Henry Leung of CAP Atelier, with the inspiration behind it a reflection of China’s historical beauty in its architecture, art and cultural traditions. Some of country’s most renowned artisans were also commissioned to redesign the hotel, using classic luxury materials that give guests an authentic sense of China as a destination. The overall renovations means it will be similar to its sister properties around the world, in terms of décor, technology and facilities.
The relaunch and renovations is also a sign of the remarkable transition of China into an economic superpower. With its convenient location to important areas in central Beijing like Tiananmen Square and the city’s historic cultural venues, The Peninsula Beijing has embraced the worldwide community.
Originally designed by architect K.Y. Cheung, the hotel was opened in 1989 as The Palace Hotel and rebranded as The Peninsula Beijing in 2006. It included The Peninsula Arcade, the first luxury shopping arcade in China, which included designer flagship China stores Louis Vuitton, Chanel and Hermes.
The RMB 890 million (US$123 million) renovation of The Peninsula Beijing aims to showcase China’s local heritage, culture and traditions, despite the nation’s top-speed modern development. It will combine imperial Chinese architecture, design and artisanal expertise with modern Chinese art and the hotel’s outstanding and service.
Key features of the renovation include:
- The original 525 rooms and suites have been reduced and reimagined to just 230. Starting at 60 square metres, the guestrooms are now the largest in Beijing and among the most spacious in China.
- Luxurious materials such as bronze, onyx (jade), white marble and rosewood (zi tan wood) which featured prominently in the ancient palaces and structures of the Ming and Qing Dynasties – including The Great Wall, The Forbidden City and The Summer Palace – have been extensively used throughout the hotel’s new design, thereby creating a sense of grandeur, elegance and timelessness.
- The Peninsula Beijing collaborated with Michael Suh, Executive Director at the Museum of Contemporary Art in Beijing, working in partnership with designer Henry Leung, to incorporate art as part of the new overall hotel design. Guests can enjoy a permanent museum-quality collection of notable art pieces throughout the hotel, including dramatic artwork by Qin Feng, a spectacular spirit wall by Belinda Chow, and Zhang Du’s two bronze sculptures of tea drinkers.
- The Peninsula Beijing offers a 24-hour check-in and check-out service to all of its guests.
Learn more about the renovation at the hotel’s official website.
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