Shangri La Hotel China World, Beijing

The generally fine dining includes Cantonese fare in the Summer Palace and several international cooking stations at the Scene A Cafe. An Australian chef dishes up seafood at Aria. The hotel dining also boasts Nadaman, the Chinese debut of this famous Japanese restaurant. The tables here are fitted with built-in heat induction plates so dishes can be cooked at the tables.

Guests have access to leisure amenities unmatched in Beijing. The fitness center is as good as most U.S. health clubs, with superb exercise equipment, an aerobics studio, squash court, large indoor pool, whirlpool, sauna, massage services and even an oxygen room - the only one in Beijing. A separate facility adds a golf simulator, putting green and three indoor tennis courts.

Meeting space includes an 800-person ballroom and access to the conference hall, which can handle groups of 2,000 people. All this function space is matched by the largest, most fully equipped business center around.