Which luxury hotel would you book? Beijing/Chengdu

Question

I have an amex card that will give me a $200 credit on a hotel room booked through their program along with other hotel benefits. I'm trying to decide which property to use this at. I can use it for my night in Beijing at The Peninsula (alternative to this is grand hyatt on points). Or I can use it at the Temple House in Chengdu (the first three nights in Chengdu I would be staying at the grand hyatt but I can't get the room rate for the fourth night that I want so I thought I would consider other properties. Looking for which may be luxury and best bang for the dollar.

Answer

Both The Peninsula in Beijing and The Temple House in Chengdu are excellent luxury properties, but they offer quite different experiences, and your choice depends on your priorities for the stay.

The Peninsula Beijing: This is a flagship luxury hotel in China, located in the Wangfujing area. It offers world-class service, elegant rooms, and convenient access to Beijing’s key attractions like the Forbidden City and Tiananmen Square. If you value iconic luxury, impeccable service, and being in the heart of Beijing, using your AMEX credit here will provide strong value.

The Temple House Chengdu: This hotel has a more boutique, contemporary luxury vibe and is located in the city center close to Jinli Ancient Street and Wuhou Temple. It blends modern design with subtle traditional Chinese elements. The experience here is more intimate and relaxed compared to the grandeur of The Peninsula, and it could be especially enjoyable if you want a quieter, less crowded stay after a few nights at the Grand Hyatt.

Best for iconic luxury and central location: The Peninsula Beijing.
Best for boutique luxury and relaxing experience: The Temple House Chengdu.
Value of AMEX credit: The $200 credit may have higher perceived value at The Peninsula due to higher nightly rates.
Points vs cash considerations: Since you can use points at the Grand Hyatt in Beijing, the Peninsula is more compelling for cash/credit redemption.

Overall, if you are looking for a single-night indulgence in a globally recognized luxury hotel and want to maximize your AMEX credit, The Peninsula Beijing is likely the better choice. If you prefer a boutique-style, design-focused experience and want a quieter stay after three nights at another property, The Temple House Chengdu is an excellent option.

Consider proximity to sightseeing: Peninsula Beijing is very convenient for central Beijing attractions.
Consider hotel experience: Temple House offers a unique, contemporary luxury feel.
Consider use of AMEX benefits: Peninsula may provide stronger value for credit and perks.

In summary, The Peninsula Beijing is best for iconic luxury and maximizing your AMEX credit, while The Temple House Chengdu offers a more boutique, relaxing experience. Both are high-quality options, so either would be a satisfying choice depending on your priorities.

Which luxury hotel would you book? Beijing/Chengdu

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