NUO Hotel Beijing

Opened in 2015, this is the first property from NUO, a newer Chinese luxury hotel brand. Marble abounds in these swanky, polished interiors, which present a modern take on Ming dynasty glamour. The massive lobby, all sleek and gleaming surfaces, is peppered with giant vases on marble pedestals, tree sculptures, and artwork from contemporary Chinese artist Zeng Fanzhi. The hotel's dining options are equally impressive, such as the plush, tranquil-hued Jia with its frescoed walls and tea light-like chandeliers, or the elegant and cozy lobby lounge that combines marble and wood with chic chairs and velvet couches. Clientele are well-heeled tourists and business travelers -- many are Chinese -- though the out-of-the-way location might be a hindrance to some. 

The hotel is located in Lido, a residential area that's popular with expats. It's outside of the city center and a bit far from top attractions, but it makes for a pleasant, quiet stay. There are a couple of dining options in the area and a park across the street. There are busses that stop about a three-minute walk from the hotel, while the nearest subway station (Jiangtai) is a 12-minute walk away. The 798 Art District is about a 20-minute walk away, or an eight-minute drive. The Forbidden City is about a 30-minute drive away or over an hour by public transit. Other popular tourist destinations include Tiananmen Square (40-minute drive or a bit over an hour by public transit) and the Summer Palace (40-minute drive or an hour and 40 minutes by public transit). The nearest section of the Great Wall of China can be reached in about an hour and 20 minutes by car. Beijing's international airport is around a half-hour away by car or an hour-and-a-half by public transit.

Rooms feature handsome contemporary decor with lots of dark wood contrasted by delicate tree branch illustrations in pink and cream hues that are set into large headboards. Soft aquatic-hued accents like bed runners and chic seating add a dose of lightness to the dark woods. All rooms have flat-screen TVs, Bose speakers, Nespresso machines, well-stocked minibars, electronic safes, and free Wi-Fi. Walk-in closets feature irons and ironing boards. Luxurious marble bathrooms hold double sinks and separate vanity areas with large illuminated mirrors and magnifying mirrors. They're equipped with soaking tubs as well as separate walk-in rainfall showers. The hotel's own brand of organic toiletries is supplied, as are plush robes and slippers. Floor-to-ceiling windows let in plenty of natural light and offer views over the city.

Larger, higher-category rooms add more seating space, and most suites have separate living rooms and some have full kitchens. Club Rooms/Suites have access to the Executive Club Lounge, which offers a variety of added perks including free breakfast and drinks. The largest and most luxurious option is the 3229-square-foot (300-square-meter) Presidential Suite, which has a large living room, dining area with an attached kitchen and bar, a study, and a private gym. 

Feature are as luxurious as the rooms. The hotel has an array of dining options, including a large buffet restaurant that offers a variety of international cuisines and live cooking stations. Other options include a polished Chinese tea house, a fine-dining Cantonese restaurant, and a casual deli for grab-and-go items (seating is available for eating in as well). An inviting lobby bar is a cozy and elegant spot to in which to linger, and the swanky O'Bar has a lovely outdoor terrace with chic seating and views over the city.

Impressive wellness facilities include a luxurious spa that offers an array of treatments, a well equipped fitness center outfitted with modern cardio- and strength-training machines, and an attractive indoor pool. Other amenities include a business center and free Wi-Fi throughout the property. On-site parking is free.