InterContinental Hefei

We’ve long said that the future of luxury hospitality is already on display in China, if for no other reason than the fact that even the 26th-largest city is in need of truly world-class luxury hotels like the InterContinental Hefei. This 405-room tower benefits from an unusually pastoral view thanks to its location alongside Swan Lake, which also places it within walking distance of the Hefei Grand Theater opera house.

Its rooms and suites are elegant in a way that leans more classic than contemporary, right down to the richly figured marble in the lavish, spa-like bathrooms. The views are far-ranging, especially those in the rooms that face the lake, and while the atmosphere may strive for timelessness, the in-room technology is entirely up to date.

Also state-of-the-art are the Spa InterContinental and the associated fitness center and indoor pool; outside is a private garden that enjoys the same verdant tranquility you’ll find across the road at Swan Lake. And the restaurants and bars, naturally, go all out, from the Cantonese and Sichuan Cai Feng Lou to the all-day international Commune and Tsingtao 1903, which serves Western-style barbecue along with Qingdao beers.