Hotel check: Hotel Éclat

BACKGROUND Opened in spring this year, this property is part of the commercial complex of Parkview Green developed by Hong Kong Parkview Group. There is another hotel under the Éclat brand in Taipei. WHAT’S IT LIKE? One of the most amusing hotels I have ever stayed in, Hotel Éclat Beijing is like a museum that happens to have rooms in it. Starting from the lobby, there are pieces by Salvador Dalí and Andy Warhol and renowned contemporary Chinese artists such as Zeng Fanzhi and Chen Wenling. The guestrooms and suites are located on levels 16-20, and every floor has in a different theme. The 16^th floor is in ancient Chinese style with red lanterns at each door, and from there upward, you have a London floor, a modern art floor, one with a wood-heavy décor and another decked out in white and steel. Other than the deluxe rooms, some with their own terraces, there are suites with themes ranging from Harry Potter to [Japanese clothing and lifestyle brand] A Bathing Ape. There isn’t a public pool but the Deluxe Pool Suite and Eclat Pool Suites have their own private jet pools located on their own personal terrace, which feels like outdoors but is actually located inside Parkview Green’s triangular glass structure. Front desk WHERE IS IT? It’s located in the middle of Chaoyang District, the primary commercial precinct of Beijing. The area is home to many foreign embassies, and the famous entertainment area of Sanlitun is within walking distance. The airport is about 45 minutes away, depending on traffic. ROOM FACILITIES I stayed at one of the 35 sqm deluxe rooms with an open view of the city through the full-length window. There is a king-sized bed with six pillows and goose-down duvet, a reasonably spacious work desk with a Philippe Starck-designed chair at one of the corners near the window, a 46-inch 3D television and a Bang & Olufsen sound system. On the right-hand side of the bed is a massage chair. The bathroom features a very deep sink, a rain shower area next to the bathtub and a washlet. There are switches on both sides of the bed to control the lighting, and remote controls to adjust the TV and curtains. On one of the nightstands is a whimsical lamp that can you can “shoot down” with the infrared gun. A row of power sockets is conveniently located above the desk, but none of them fitted the three-pin plug that I have. Fortunately, I had an adaptor. I did, however, forget to bring my iPhone charging cable, and there was no iPhone/iPod dock in the room – but the butler managed to find me a charger. The minibar is free and stocked with soft drinks, mineral water and snacks including potato chips. There is also a fancy coffee machine that made me feel like a barista whenever I used it, but it comes with complimentary Illy capsules so it’s not difficult to use. RESTAURANTS AND BARS As the hotel is linked to a mall that offers many dining options, food and beverage offerings are kept very simple. The Lobby Lounge offers all-day international dining while staying guests get their breakfast and evening cocktails at Éclat Lounge on the 16^th floor. There is also 24-hour in-room dining. BUSINESS AND MEETING FACILITIES There is one function space on the 21^st floor called The Cocoon, which has held fashion shows as its long shape makes it ideal for that purpose. This facility also includes an “outdoor garden” with hut-shaped cabanas and it is linked to one of the suites on the 20^th floor, so it would serve well as a bridal room or dressing room.  According to the hotel, the Miami-themed suite is often booked as a meeting venue. LEISURE FACILITIES There is a gym on the 16^th floor that’s open 24 hours. While compact, it nevertheless features all you need for a decent workout. Part of the 17^th floor hallway has also been set up as The Library. VERDICT The whimsical quality aside, this property offers warm and professional service and well fitted- out rooms.