In Beijing! Stayed at a "viral" hotel with my boyfriend—so amazing we didn't want to check out!

Mandarin Oriental Qianmen, Beijing This trip to Beijing was all about experiencing "luxury at the foot of the Imperial City"! Staying at Mandarin Oriental Qianmen completely won me over with its perfect blend of old Beijing charm and modern aesthetics—I just have to share! 📍Prime location by the Imperial City Nestled on Meishi Street near Qianmen Avenue, the hotel is steps away from bustling Dashilanr—super convenient for visiting Tongrentang Pharmacy or dining at Quanjude Roast Duck. A short 15-minute stroll north takes you to Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City. At night, you can even see Tiananmen's lights from the hotel terrace—the location is unbeatable! Waking up early for the Forbidden City? While others squeeze onto subways, I leisurely walked there, saving so much time. 🏯Instant immersion in Oriental aesthetics The moment you enter, traditional siheyuan elements collide with minimalist modernity. The gray-brick exterior resembles a classic courtyard, but the lobby stuns with artistic installations—giant ink-wash screens, lantern-inspired chandeliers casting mesmerizing shadows, even elevator buttons shaped like ancient coins. Detail lovers will be head over heels! 🌆A siheyuan in the sky Our Deluxe Terrace Room was worth every penny! Featuring wood tones and Chinese lattice windows, it came with a vintage tea set by the bed. Sipping tea by floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking endless hutong rooftops felt like time-traveling to old Beijing. The terrace was the highlight—wrapped in the hotel's cashmere blanket, enjoying night breezes with cocktails as CBD skyscrapers and siheyuan courtyards created magical contrast. 🍵Beijing flavors meet romance Breakfast at The Mandarin Grill + Bar surprised us with authentic local specialties alongside Western options—fresh douzhir (fermented bean drink) with jiaoquan (fried dough), sesame paste noodles paired perfectly with bacon and eggs. Before leaving, we grabbed imperial desserts from Zi Shen Xuan—their pea-flour cakes rivaled time-honored brands. 🏋️‍♂️Compact but premium wellness haven Don't let the hutong location fool you—their facilities impress! Imported gym equipment faces hutong views (spotting locals walking birds while running!), while the 24-hour heated pool with Chinese screens is divine. Post-swim lounging on daybeds with complimentary sour plum juice? Pure bliss. 💆‍♀️Heavenly spa experience The "Oriental Qi" treatment was unforgettable—custom jasmine oil massages in eaglewood-scented rooms. I fell asleep during the shoulder treatment and woke up feeling pounds lighter, effortlessly conquering the Great Wall the next day! 💡Pro tips: • Book terrace rooms for breathtaking Forbidden City sunset shots • Reserve the complimentary rickshaw tour in advance • Arrive before 7pm for rooftop bar's best seats Among all Beijing hotels I've stayed at, Mandarin Oriental Qianmen is the only one I'd revisit instantly—next time with parents to share this hutong luxury!