A new scene unfolds in Beijing as W once again redefines the hospitality experience with cutting-edge design.

W Hotels Worldwide, part of Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, has announced the highly anticipated opening of W Beijing – Chang’an. With a sensory-rich contemporary design inspired by Beijing’s storied traditions, the hotel brings the W brand’s distinct interpretation of modern luxury, including its 24/7 vibrant energy, cutting edge design, and Whatever/Whenever service philosophy to China’s capital. Owned by COFCO Property Investment Co. Ltd., W Beijing – Chang’an marks the 45th W Hotel worldwide and the second W Hotel in mainland China after W Guangzhou.

“The opening of W Beijing – Chang’an is a milestone in the W brand’s dramatic growth around the globe,” said Paul James, Global Brand Leader, W Hotels, St. Regis and Luxury Collection. “Long on our shortlist of the world’s most dynamic destinations, we are proud to bring W to Beijing, and the hotel will no doubt ‘rock the empire’ as we set a new scene in the Capital for both our global jet-set guests and locals alike.”

W Beijing is situated on Chang’an Avenue, a major thoroughfare that houses many of Beijing’s most important monuments and buildings, including Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden City, and the headquarters of the Central Bank of China. It also affords easy access to central government buildings, as well as the National Museum of China, National Centre for the Performing Arts, Silk Market, Beijing Concert Hall, and prestigious Diplomat District.

In the midst of this bustling commercial and administrative district, adjacent to some of China’s most celebrated cultural treasures, W Beijing – Chang’an lights up the area with a distinctive metropolitan vibe. True to its roots, the hotel provides the ultimate in insider access, offering a unique mix of high design and programming around fashion, music, and entertainment – against the backdrop of Beijing’s exhilarating history. Award-winning global architecture practice RTKL and Hong Kong-based interior design firm AB Concepts have brought W Beijing – Chang’an’s distinct design to life.

W Beijing – Chang’an consists of 349 stylish and spacious guestrooms and suites, featuring state-of-the art fittings such as a digital tablet that manipulates the room’s lighting and mood, 48” LED TV, and Bluetooth sound system. Suites sport a JBL home theatre system and Bose portable speakers. Additionally, all guestrooms include the signature W bed; sumptuous Bliss bath amenities; well-equipped Mix Bar (the W brand’s reinterpretation of the mini bar); and a round bathtub in king bed rooms and suites.

In addition, an Extreme WOW Suite, W Hotels’ take on the traditional Presidential Suite, exemplifies unparalleled living, with a total size of 345m², including a living room and 90m² of space for parties; 76” Samsung TV in the living room; 2-metre wide circular bed; and Jacuzzi by a ceiling-to-floor window. In addition, the E-WOW Suite, when combined with three Wonderful rooms, can be cordoned off to become one exclusive and private space.

For mixing and mingling, the Living Room at W Beijing – Chang’an features a LED-lit catwalk in the middle of the room that leads to a circular bar counter, and a whimsical golden globe DJ booth hanging from the ceiling. A secret space is tucked away behind the bar, while the other side of the room houses a light-filled venue inspired by Beijing’s iconic Water Cube aquatics centre. X25, an exclusive lounge at the top of the hotel, offers a chilled out atmosphere, where renowned DJs mix original beats and W Mixologists create handcrafted cocktails.

Additionally, the hotel’s Chinese restaurant YEN treats guests to the legendary food culture of northern China’s Canton province, while the Kitchen Table serves casual, home-style fare in a communal table setting.

“We are excited to bring the W brand’s trendsetting design and innovative programming to the heart of Beijing,” said Greg Findlay, General Manager at W Beijing – Chang’an. “W Beijing – Chang’an offers a lifestyle experience that draws upon W Hotels’ New York roots, with the local flavour and design influences of Beijing. We will be offering insider access, contemporary dining experiences, local and international DJs, fashion events featuring local designers every night in W Lounge, and so much more! ”

As for high-energy meetings and spectacular events, the hotel offers nearly 1,500m² of versatile, well-equipped space, including The Great Room of 518m² with a ceiling height of 7 metres. For relaxing moments, the Away Spa, embodying a beehive design, presents a fun-filled escape where guests can enjoy exceptional spa experiences featuring honey-based treatments, among other restorative regimens. Guests can also work out in the FIT state-of-the-art fitness centre or have a dip in the WET heated indoor pool.

To top it off, the W brand’s signature Whatever/Whenever service philosophy provides guests with whatever they want, whenever they want it. W Beijing – Chang’an also boasts a full calendar of exclusive W Happenings that showcase what’s new and next in design, fashion, and music to guests and local trendsetters alike.

W Beijing – Chang’an is the latest addition to Starwood’s growing portfolio of nearly 140 operating hotels in Greater China, with a strong pipeline of more than 130 hotels to come. W is on track to open seven W Hotels within the next five years in China, across major cities, including Changsha, Chengdu, Shanghai, Suzhou, Sanya, and Shenyang.

China continues to fuel the growth of W Hotels in Asia Pacific, which will soon see W Hotels opening in Brisbane, Australia; Jakarta, Indonesia; Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia; Gurgaon, Noida, India and Phuket, Thailand.

“Starwood’s growth in China has been nothing short of tremendous. In 1985, Starwood’s legendary Sheraton brand first debuted in Beijing, kicking off the growth trajectory,” said Qian Jin, President, Greater China, Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide. “Today, we’re excited to offer a cutting edge hotel brand to this vibrant market, and we are confident that W Beijing will raise the bar on stylish luxury accommodations in the heart of the city.”