By Ben Davey (Beijing Weeekend)
Updated: 2007-08-15 09:43

The Kerry Centre

 

Many rock up to the Kerry Centre to enjoy a snifter at Centro, one of Beijing's more upmarket bars where they serve a mind-boggling array of alcoholic delights but charge like a wounded bull. To the right of the high-flyers' bar is the reception desk and from there we were taken to the mirrored lifts - in fact there are many reflective surfaces in the Kerry Centre, which is tops for vain guests but a trial for the more self-conscious. Our Horizon Club Suite was comparable in size to the suite at Raffles although there were no walls separating the lounging area from the football-field sized bed; it was just one hellava big room.

 

The bathroom, while generous in size, did not feature any oversized fittings like The Regent but it was all tastefully decorated with marble swirls and as for the cupboard space, it was more than ample. In fact, I could have quite easily fit every item of clothing I own in there and still had room for a vacuum cleaner. Also impressive was the inclusion of an iron and ironing board, items that you normally have to ask to be brought to the room. A range of cable channels were on offer, including HBO Movies, and the mini bar was stacked with enough cool beverages to quench the most oppressive of thirsts.

 

After a few flutes of Moet at Centro during Happy Hour (7pm to 8pm for those looking to spend conservatively) we adjourned to the Kerry Centre's, Coffee Garden restaurant. Gaudy dcor aside, the menu offered honest bistro fare and an ample wine list. A bottle of D'Arenberg red blend Stump Jump proved a nice drop while the mains, the Grilled Australian Beef Rib Eye (280 yuan) and Spinach and Ricotta Cheese Ravioli (105 yuan) were solid without being remarkable. Still, both servings were generous, leaving little room for the desserts selection, which includes a White Chocolate Creme Brulee (49 yuan). Those in search of midnight, or even 5am snacks, will be happy to know that room service is 24 hours. We can recommend the beef burger - it's a gastronomical challenge that's almost as large as the showerhead at The Regent.

 

With an extended checkout till 2pm, we sauntered down to the Horizon Club buffet (complimentary with the 2,588-yuan per night Horizon Club Suite Package) on the level below. Among the treats on offer were the usual suspects like bacon, eggs cooked on demand, hash browns, cereals as well as pastries, fruits, juices and endless coffees from a self-serve machine. If you're up for some rigorous physical activity to work off the piles of bacon you've just gorged, the Kerry Centre's sports wing offers a full-sized tennis court, basketball facilities and a swimming pool. Should you put something out of joint stretching for a volley you can get a massage within the same complex.

 

The Kerry Centre
Location: 1 Guanghua Road, Chaoyang District.

Tel: 010-6561-8833

 

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