Ritz Carlton, Beijing

The madness of Beijing is tamed by the serene Old-World comfort of this 17-story hotel in China Central Place, a coveted shopping and residential development east of the city's business district.  Muted floral wallpaper and color schemes of mint, gold, and rose add a soothing feminine compliment to the stately Chippendale furniture in the 305 rooms. But behind the patrician façade lies a full suite of tech amenities from 15-inch LCDs in the marble bathroom to Cisco IP touch screen phones and electronic panels that control the lights, curtains, and air conditioning. The nearly 27,000 square-foot spa has a glowing 17th-floor pool, a fitness center, and ten treatment rooms where you can get treatments that marry ancient Chinese traditions with modern aromatherapy products. Locals mix with guests over the modern Cantonese and Sichuan fare at Yu, or over fritto misto and olive-crusted rack of lamb at the crimson-walled Barolo Italian restaurant.