Kempinski has been invited to manage one of the world s most avant-garde boutique hotels, The Commune by the Great Wall near Beijing, China, starting 15 August 2005.
Since October 2002, the eccentric boutique hotel cum architectural museum has been welcoming a select clientele to stay in one of 11 villas, which also enjoy the use of a Club House. Each exclusive retreat, as well as the Club House, has been designed in a contemporary style by one of 11 prominent Asian architects, who were invited by the Owners to be involved in the project. The stunning natural setting lends itself to interpretation by the architects, who have succeeded in creating breath-taking, simple structures which frame the views over the landscape and the Great Wall.
A total of 46 rooms are currently open and once the second phase of construction is completed, a total of 265 rooms will be available. Room service, private butler service, a Club House concierge and a dedicated Meetings concierge, will be provided to guests staying in the villas. The Club House offers a courtyard restaurant, lounge, swimming pool, gallery, private cinema and a library. A private path from the property gives direct access to the Great Wall.
The hotel is unlike any other hotel in the world and offers guests an architectural experience rather than a conventional hotel stay.
The Commune by the Great Wall has already garnered international recognition. In architecture, the project won a special prize at the 2002 Biennale di Venezia, establishing its importance as a showcase for contemporary Chinese and Asian architecture. Cond Nast Traveler named the hotel among the 100 Hot Hotels in the World in 2004 and Tatler Travel Guide ranked the hotel among the 10 best Boutique Hotels in 2005.
