Aman Summer Palace

The private Forbidden City and Great Wall excursion cost 7,500 CNY. Our guide was excellent, but the trip felt like ordinary mass tourism, with queues and no added value for the price. Breakfast was also far below what we expected. We’ve stayed at Amanpulo and Amanoi, and those experiences are why we respect the brand. I don’t usually complain, especially about a name I value, but our stay at Aman Summer Palace in Beijing fell well short of what we associate with Aman. On arrival, the airport transfer was disorganized, we waited a long time, and nobody helped with our luggage. Even with an upgrade, the room felt cold and dated, without the warmth and calm we’ve found at other Aman properties. Several practical details surprised us. Breakfast began at 7:30 AM, late for international guests dealing with jet lag. There was no coffee machine, the radiators were old, the paintwork was damaged, and the television was very old and not positioned facing the bed. The gym opened at 8:00 AM; it was opened earlier when we asked, but there was no lighting. The sauna wasn’t available until 1:00 PM, so we couldn’t use it after a morning workout. We were also repeatedly asked to sign bills, which felt out of step with the seamless service we’ve experienced elsewhere. I regret having to write this, but the difference between Aman’s global reputation and our stay was too significant to leave unmentioned. I’m sharing this constructively, in the hope it helps maintain consistency across the brand.

From 06:30, hotel guests can enter the imperial garden through a secret door, so we could enjoy the Summer Palace, or Garden of Clear Ripples, and the Long Corridor before tour groups arrived. The hotel is near this UNESCO World Heritage Site. Our suite was quiet, comfortable, and a good size, though the bare shower area could use a dressing screen. Service was friendly and enthusiastic. The Chinese restaurant was alright, and breakfast was decent.

The Summer Palace access is still available. Staff told us they’re the same team as before, even though Aman no longer manages the hotel. The front desk staff can speak English, but English is limited among other staff, including those in the breakfast restaurant.

The spa was a lovely way to unwind after a day of travel and a visit to the Summer Palace. The hotel is right beside the palace, and its Chinese touches made me feel as if the old traditions had taken me back to ancient times. A wonderful place to stay.