St. Regis hotel opens ballroom like no other in the heart of Beijing

Tian'anmen Gate on Chang'an Avenue is at the heart of downtown Beijing and has played host to historic events including the celebration of the 70th anniversary of the People's Republic of China.

Located in the central part of the avenue, St. Regis Beijing was the first St. Regis branded hotel in the Asia-Pacific region. It has been the first choice for foreign dignitaries and every president of the United States has stayed there when visiting Beijing.

With upgraded facilities, a culture of enriched service, a design concept integrating East and West, the hotel recently unveiled its Astor Ballroom, a high-end venue for gatherings in the capital, executives said.

Inspired by the landscape design of Chinese courtyards, the ballroom features a binary compound surrounded by two corridors, which showcases views from a small spot to expanding sceneries in a combination of artistic Eastern and Western concepts.

As a luxury hotel brand, St. Regis provides considerate services and entertainment with a sense of ritual, according to the hotel.

Upon arrival, the first thing visitors see are the wall lamps designed to represent St. Regis. The contrast between graceful screens at the entrance and the surrounding lights brings a dreamy yet earthy effect.

Along the entrance, natural marble and soft lighting create a feeling of space - "an oasis for our guests to retreat and revive from their bustling lives," according to the hotel's statement.

In the foyer, the ceiling is inspired by the decorative crowns Peking Opera artists wear. It is a glass art installation, which reflects an imaginary figure born in a family of opera artists, who travels overseas and comes back to promote a combination of "East meets West" culture, the hotel said.

Three chandeliers are hung in harmony with the shape and height of the ceiling, which is derived from traditional Chinese architecture to enhance iconic elements of the St. Regis brand: timeless elegance, consistency of tradition and bespoke service, according to the hotel.

The VIP room, an indispensable part of the Astor Ballroom, is equipped with a huge glass wall featuring a picture of a traditional pavilion, representing historic Beijing. Against the glass wall sit two armchairs for honored guests and hosts, surrounded by seats for other attendees. Wooden walls, a chandelier and the floor-to-ceiling glass picture, paired with an array of Chinese-style sofas and a modern carpet, create an air of elegance and simplicity.

The bridal room in the ballroom features a leather-covered wall with embossed flower patterns. The use of warm-colored wall decor contributes to making the room a light yet cozy space for new couples. Graceful floral arrangements, a leather-trimmed dresser and luxurious wall lamp create a peaceful and relaxing atmosphere in the room. A three-dimensional mirror is perfect for wedding gown fitting experiences.