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WALDORF MOMENTS A Taste of Waldorf Astoria - from the bustling streets of Beijing to the vibrant Shanghai skyline W o r d s E ly s i a A g n e w
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lanning a trip to China can be quite bewildering, albeit incredibly exciting. The difficulty is knowing where to begin. For me, the majestic capital city is a clear starting point; with its post-contemporary high-rise buildings and its ancient hideaways, it’s a study in contrasts and boasts treasures like the Forbidden City and Tiananmen Square. Next on the list is Shanghai, a buzzing metropolis gazing into the future. It’s a waterfront city taking China’s lightning-fast development to the next level with a jagged skyline on one side and charming Chinese heritage on the other. The contrast between these two sky scraping cities is remarkable. Shanghai, dubbed ‘the Paris of the East’ with its alluring skyline and ultra-luxe vibe, and Beijing with its rich heritage, Hutong lifestyle and electrifying pace. It’s among Beijing’s historic Hutongs where we begin our Waldorf journey. What was once the world’s most iconic hotel is now the most iconic portfolio of hotels. The Waldorf brand satisfies the luxe travellers of the world, offering a tailored service unique to each hotel and its location. The Waldorf Astoria first opened its doors in New York in 1893, reaching new heights in guest services. The original 13-storey Waldorf Hotel soon
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The CONTRAST between these TWO SKY SCRAPING cities is REMARKABLE became the go-to venue for the world’s wealthy and society’s elite. Four years later, the adjacent 17-storey Astoria Hotel was built and a marble corridor linked the two. This corridor became the enduring symbol of the combined Waldorf and Astoria Hotels. Today, that corridor is better known as Peacock Alley Ω a lobby bar found at the heart of each hotel. A true reflection of its location, the Waldorf Astoria Beijing is a grand, brass building standing boldly in a swish area of downtown Beijing. The hotel is a modern take on centuries of Chinese tradition with the perfect combination of artistic charm and modern architecture. Make the Waldorf your base and you’re moments away from the designer district and the historic streets of China’s capital city. It has everything you desire and more Ω location, elegance, style and perfection at every touch point. Checked into a suite 13 floors up above this
beautifully chaotic city, while the bustling sounds of the streets are just several stories beneath, I feel like I have been whisked away into another world where tranquility meets urban living. Not just a place to rest your head, the hotel offers a 600-piece art collection. Adorning every corridor, these galleryworthy pieces combine contemporary art with Chinese heritage. Orange, browns and bronze tones make up the core design of the hotel, reflecting a timeless elegance associated with the country. But the food here is the real draw; and is definitely something worth celebrating. The hotel’s staple restaurant, Brasserie 1893, is continental in terms of its cuisine, with
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