Aman Summer Palace, Beijing

That the name of the Aman Summer Palace points to one of the most revered historical sites in Beijing is not a mere attempt at linking the hotel to a nearby tourist attraction. This Aman property is basically part of the Palace, both by the virtue of its physical location and by the well-crafted cultural immersion.

When we entered through the hotel’s spectacular portico and walked into the grand lobby we had the sense of a spell being cast. We felt embraced by the atmosphere of the old China and seized by the weight of hundreds of years of deep history.

The spectacular welcome area, the subdued, moody light, the smells, the quiet sounds of traditional Chinese instruments, these are the elements that work towards making this powerful first impression.

By the Palace

Everything around the Aman Summer Palace hotel is designed to provide an experience of a serene retreat, steeped in ancient heritage. You would be forgiven to think this is quite a trick to pull off in the midst of the daily cacophony of Beijing, but Aman does it effortlessly.

Much of it is down to the composition of the houses and buildings around the resort. The guest suites and pavilions are arranged around the very peaceful internal courtyards, every single one with its own character and unique details. The architecture very much embraces the traditional Chinese style and local design practices.

It also helps that the hotel hugs one of the walls in the quiet corner of the Summer Palace, only steps from the East Gate — and the guests of Aman have private access to the Imperial complex through a secret door. Moreover, the resort is partly composed of the original, historical houses that were used by the royal guests awaiting an audience with the Empress Dowager Cixi at the turn of the 20th century.

Consistent with the overall concept, also the interiors pay homage to the Imperial heritage. The rooms utilize classic layouts and are decorated using sophisticated materials and fabrics. A big part of the overall style are the bamboo blinds and the exquisitely-crafted traditional wooden screens. The spaces are peppered with Ming Dynasty-style arms and artworks.

Experiences, not things

The resort has plenty of moody spaces to explore. One of them is the delightful hotel library. Rummaging through its stock of books and albums was a rare highlight for us. They have a range of titles in several languages, including books on the Summer Palace. The Library has also a section devoted to Chinese calligraphy and regularly hosts a skilled master, who is eager to demonstrate his craft.

There’s is also the beautifully-designed, Ming-era Music Pavilion, where the afternoon tea is served. We’d organize our days just so we wouldn’t miss it. It’s a daily event orchestrated to emphasize the Chinese tea culture. Our favorite spot was on the pavilion’s patio overlooking a picturesque pond.

Of course, not everything is about heritage. Aman Summer Palace is well equipped to deal with modern life demands and pleasures. We made sure to include in one of the evenings a visit to the private cinema at the resort. It’s a real cinematic experience, with 37 reclining leather seats and a 21-square meter screen. The selection of films is also great — and we had the entire cinema to ourselves.

But the most important attraction — and for many, the main reason to stay at this Aman property — is the sightseeing at the Summer Palace. This hotel really is the best place from which to explore one of the most important historical monuments of Beijing — especially considering that secret entrance, exclusive for the guests of the hotel.

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in our opinion

Enter the gates of this hotel and get transported instantly from the frantic pace of Beijing street to the unhurried, enchanting, bygone days of Imperial China. Rarely we visit hotels rooted as deeply in the authentic historical site as Aman Summer Palace.

What we love

• Truly unique location, as the hotel is virtually part of the Summer Palace grounds. The ability to enter the palace through a secret door at the back of the hotel adds a sense of adventure — and exclusivity, as it is possible to access the place after hours.
• Afternoon tea with a view over a very picturesque pond. These were some of the nicest moments, as we would have tea while listening to live traditional music and basking in the sun shimmering through the low-hanging tree branches.
• We'd heard that the Peking Duck at Naoki, one of three restaurants at the hotel, is regarded as the best in Beijing. Our ability to compare is limited, but certainly, that particular dish at Aman Summer Palace was heavenly.
• We never assume much but, of course, we did hope for the classic Aman treatment, with their hallmark attention to small details. The Aman Summer Palace does not disappoint. The staff excelled at making us feel simultaneously like a family and like royalty. Quite a feat.
• Daily sweet treats and small turndown gifts, left on our bed. Everybody loves unexpected gifts.
• Beautiful guest pavilions, built around small courtyards, and impeccably designed or restored with the use of old teak, bamboo and artful creations of master craftsmen.
• Aman Summer Palace really feels like an escape from the city life, right in the heart of a humungous metropolis.

What you should know

• Other than the Palace, the convenient location of this Aman resort allows exploration of other UNESCO World Heritage Sites and other historical monuments in the area. The Forbidden City & Tiananmen Square is only some thirty minutes away (a mere dozen kilometers or so), and so is the Temple of Heaven, while the Great Wall of China at Mutianyu (one of the Wall's most scenic sections—well worth a trip) is just one hour drive.
• There is complimentary WiFi throughout the resort, but this being China, access to several online services that are ubiquitous in the West is blocked. Even if never guaranteed to work, subscribing to a good VPN is a good idea.
• The resort has subterranean levels, which is where the fantastic private cinema is located. The main attraction underground is a big spa and fitness facility accompanied by a health-focused juice bar. Apart from the 25-meter swimming pool, there are two squash courts and a sky-lit gym and yoga studio.
• Why not combine Aman Summer Palace with a stay at its sister property Amandayan in Lijiang? Don't miss our Amandayan review.