



the castle hotel
dalian
The Mood - Very few hotels can conjure a vision of the distant past, like say a medieval castle, and successfully veer it away from the tacky excesses that are more Disney than luxury. The Castle Hotel, a beautiful coastal retreat in Dalian managed by The Luxury Collection, is such a rarity within the genre. Raised in a classical mould that featured roman columns, ornate railings, oil paintings, elaborate draperies and sparkling chandeliers balanced with sensible modern accents across its entire space, there is a genuine classicalism emanating from the property that makes it a dreamy confection when so much could have gone wrong and delegated it to the stuff of nightmares. This dramatic building perched on the cliff is quite a veritable landmark of Dalian.
The Gourmet Index - A castle may conjure medieval feastings with an exotic fowl roasting by the roaring spit-fire but the culinary options at The Castle Hotel are decidedly more modern and subtle. Boasting an on-site micro-brewery, Royal Cellar unites classically inspired contemporary décor and an ocean-view terrace with heritage beer, hearty cuisine and live music while Zhen Bao serves an epicurean trove of Dalian's fresh-caught seafood and traditional Cantonese specialties in a lavish setting that reflects a Chinese treasury.
The Service - Attentive and expedient, the service team here strives to be 2-steps ahead of one's keenest anticipations, which is quite a rare attainment this end of China.