Description
One of the newest members of the exclusive Aman group, the The Aman at the Summer Palace is located in a series of pavilions, the original dwellings used by guests of the Summer Palace who were awaiting an audience with the Empress. Built in 1750, the Summer Palace is a garden estate dotted with palaces around a lake, formerly used to escape the heat of the Forbidden City.
The Aman's rooms and suites reflect traditional Chinese architecture with a regal ambience. The property has been sympathetically designed to acknowledge the history and cultural importance of its location and the bedrooms reflect this; whether you are staying in a Room or a Suite, the history and culture surrounding the hotel strongly influence the decor and atmosphere.
Many exquisite dining options are available at The Aman at The Summer Palace including French Kaiseki, Western and Chinese, all in stunning, unique settings. Interesting touches include the cigar room at the bar and the music pavilion where musicians perform in the afternoons and evenings on warm days. Following a day exploring Beijing’s sights unwind with a treatment in the indulgent spa with a massage, facial or holistic body treatment or a swim in the hotel's indoor lap pool.
Accommodation
The 44 Rooms and Suites at The Aman at The Summer Palace feature authentically designed Ming Dynasty style furniture, Jin clay tiles, wooden screens and bamboo blinds crafted from traditional materials. There are 8 Guest Rooms, 10 Courtyard Guest rooms with king size 4 poster beds and 25 spacious Suites. The 17 Deluxe Suites vary - some have a combined bedroom and sitting room while in others they are separate - all feature king size beds, day beds, reading chairs and writing desks. The 7 Courtyard Suites are even more spacious. The voluminous Imperial Suite has 3 separate dwellings and includes a lounge area, dining area and private courtyard.
Childcare
Children are welcome at The Aman at The Summer Palace but there are no specific facilities except for babysitting which can be arranged on request.
Facilities
The Aman has three restaurants serving a wide range of cuisines in beautiful settings; Naoki serves French Kaiseki fare which combines French and Japanese techniques and is served at an open kitchen with guests seated at a Japanese counter. The Chinese Restaurant serves traditional Cantonese and Peking specialities and in the main building the Lobby and Courtyard restaurants serve a variety of cuisines in elegant settings, each room specialising in a different cuisine. There is a cigar room and music pavilion where musicians perform in the afternoons and evenings. The fabulous spa has 9 treatment rooms and offers a huge range of holistic treatments as well as yoga, pilates, a beauty salon, 25 metre indoor lap pool, gym, squash courts and personal trainers. There is also a well stocked library and the hotel's theatre has 37 leather recliner seats for films and television broadcasts.
Activities
Just a few steps from the East gate of the Summer Palace, enjoying this beautiful historical site is wonderfully convenient from The Aman. The Forbidden City is 15km away and attractions such as The Temple of Heaven and The Great Wall are also easily reached. Beijing's hutongs, markets, restaurants and shops are all well worth a visit and for something different, visits to home studios of local artists and the Chinese Dance Academy can be arranged.
When to travel
Most pleasant times to visit are Mar to May and Sep to Nov although year round visits are possible.
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Best time to visit
Good time to visit
Average time to visit
Not applicable
Location and directions
Beijing
Adjacent to the East gate of the Summer Palace, 15km from central Beijing
How to get there
10hr International flight
