VERY picture tells a story and The Waldorf Astoria Beijing (February 2014), is an eye-catching picture indeed, boldly encased in a bronze, Dali-esque frame that ignites as the evening sun catches it. The central location alone is enough to get suits interested with access to both multinationals and government offices - as well as the entertainment strip of Wangfujing, and the mysterious acres of the Forbidden City.

This luxury address weighs in as one of the top Beijing business hotels and with good reason. With just 171 rooms, it can afford the sort of bespoke service that immediately sets it apart. The 'story' here is achieving that fine blend of the needs of business travellers (crisp service and function spaces for corporate meetings for eight to 120), and the cognoscenti, who might linger at the Waldorf Spa (with its traditional Chinese wellness menus and oxygen treatment), the indoor heated pool, or marvel at the hotel's very own shale-roof ‘hutong’.

A 24-hour business centre is on hand for those unable to disconnect while fitness workouts are aplenty. Personal assistants will point guests in the right direction for a shopping trawl or a history binge. Waldorf classic, The Brasserie 1893 brings a New York cadence with its show kitchen while Zijin Mansion plates up with Cantonese.

Rooms stretch from 45sq m to 55sq m with marble and rich fabrics, 50-inch HDTV, complimentary WiFi, espresso machine, and a neck-coddling pillow menu. Also expect sumptuous darkwood floors, cream carpets, complimentary beverages, LCD TV in the bathroom, and a soaking tub. Suites are roomy while the unique Hutong residences provide private entrances and a generous dollop of intricately crafted old China. The 566sq m Waldorf Hutong Villa is a unique two-storey address with two bedrooms, a terrace, and a private courtyard. The hotel has several features for those with disabilities too. All in, expect something different at this mould breaking retreat.