Hip Hotels in China

This is the cover of the Chinese ELLE Decor magazine in May. It features an article about new Hip Hotels in China. Although I cannot read Chinese, I can look at the pictures and follow websites.

So, today, I post for you this list of newly opened Hip Hotels featured by ELLE Decor China, in case you plan to visit:

Hotel Kapok, Beijing
Newly opened stylish Boutique Hotel in the heart of Beijing with bamboo-Zen atrium. Just steps from the Forbidden City and the shopping area around Wangfujing. The calming suites have glass-walled bathrooms. Bicycles are available for rent to discover old Beijing. Website in Chinese and English. 89 rooms.
16 Donghuamen Dajie, Dongcheng, phone 6525 9988

Hotel Kapok Beijing

Lapis Casa, Shanghai
This new charming boutique hotel with 20 uniquely furnished rooms, makes a great getaway in the heart of trendy Xintiandi. If you want to replicate the look at home, the furnishing and accessories are for sale in the Lapis Casa shop.
18 rooms from 1500 - 2500 RMB.
68 Taicang Road, Shanghai, phone 5382-1600

Pier One - M Suites, Shanghai
In May 2006, Pier One, a new hospitality complex, opened its doors to the public. The stunning 1930's Art Deco Building (by architect L.E. Hudec), a former brewery, surrounded by gardens and Suzhou Creek and with its modern interior design gives customers a perfect setting for romantic dining or corporate events. Pier One is the home of four individual venues: Mimosa Supperclub, Monsoon Lounge Bar, Club Minx and since December 2006 the 'M SUITES', a 24-room boutique hotel. It has rooms overlooking the river, and a sleek, stylish design. 24 rooms, 980 - 2880 RMB.
88 Yi Chang Road, Suzhou Creek, Shanghai, China / phone (21) 5155 8318 / info@pierone.cn

House of Shambhala, Lasha, Thibet
House of Shambhala has opened in May 2006 and is located in a traditional Tibetan courtyard house, the type favored by nobility and high-ranking lamas in days gone by. Located in a quiet alley of the Barkor within the heart of old Lhasa, House of Shambhala is a realm of serenity for travelers to the “Land of Snows” on “The roof of the world”. It merges boutique hotel escape, yoga-spa center, fine dining and teahouse all linked through dedication to Tibetan ethnicity, architectural heritage preservation and culturally sustainable development. It is part of the Red Capital Group. 10 rooms from 1000 to 1320 RMB per night.

Shama Luxe at Xintiandi, Shanghai
100 design serviced apartments from 32000 RMB per month.
Block 18 Lakeville Regency, Lane 168 Shun Chang Road, Luwan District, Shanghai 200021, China, phone +86-21-6385 1818

Fortune Land International Hotel, Beijing
This Design Hotel offers 168 artistic rooms within Beijing’s Central Business District (CBD). 1088 - 2788 RMB.
38 Baiziwan Road, Beijing , 100022 China, phone +86 10 877 18866, fax +86 10 877 62556

La Faeux Casual Hotel, Shanghai
32 rooms, 258 - 1300 RMB
127 Fanyu Road, phone 5258 8585
www.lafaeux.com

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ELLE Decoration China mentioned as well the following 'older' Hip Hotels:

88 Xintiandi, Shanghai (since 2001)
Commune by the Great Wall, Beijing (since 2002)
Fuchun Resort, Hangzhou (since 2004)
Banyantree, Lijiang (since 2005)
No. 9
Jia Shanghai
PUDI
W Hotel

I would also add the Red Capital Residence and the Red Capital Ranch, both part of the Red Capital Group, Beijing.

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The descriptions of the hotels I got partly from Elle Decor (I can read room numbers, and rates and opening dates) partly from the hotel's website or other websites, partly from Luxe City Guide Beijing for Hotel Kapok.

Personally, I have seen Hotel Kapok, The Emperor and The Opposite House. I like them all. They are all in great locations. The two first just next to the Forbidden City and the latter in Sanlitun.

Area codes / prefix phone numbers in China:
+ 86 for China
+ 86 - 10 for Beijing / in China: 010-
+ 86 - 21 for Shanghai / in China: 021-

Exchange rate: 100 RMB = about 10 Euro = about 12 USD