Aman at Summer Palace, which opened in fall 2008, is located just outside the east gate of the palace, and meticulously designed to harmonize with the graceful architecture of the former retreat of China's emperors. A series of century-old guesthouses, built for guests awaiting an audience with Empress Dowager Cixi, have been transformed into a hotel with 18 rooms and 25 suites. With their trademark sensitivity to historic properties, Aman has decorated the interiors with period furniture and rich fabrics that evoke the grandeur of the palace itself. There are three restaurants: The Grill; The Chinese Restaurant, which has an elegant Ming Dynasty interior; and Naoki, helmed by chef Naoki Okamura and specializing in his trademark "French Kaiseki", which combines the best of French haute cuisine with Japanese artistry. Other amenities include a bar, a library, and the Aman Club — a spa and fitness-center complex including a large pool, located underground to preserve the harmonious aesthetic of the architecture. The Aman is a 45-minute drive from central Beijing and a 45-minute drive from Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK).

Why We Love This Hotel

History: Set in a series of historic pavilions that once housed guests of the Imperial Court, the Aman at Summer Palace evokes the former opulence of imperial China.

Intimacy: Like the other Aman resorts properties, the Aman at Summer Palace boasts an intimate, comfortable setting and fantastic, attentive service.

Location: The Aman at Summer Palace is an ideal location from which to explore the Great Wall – which lies some two hours away by car.

Convenience: The historic Summer Palace, the largest and best-preserved imperial park in China, is mere steps away from the Aman at Summer Palace.