2008 Oct 31 View from the Top: Beijing's Highest Bar
Last week we mentioned the star-studded opening of the Yintai Center - three huge new towers located on the southwest corner of the Guomao intersection. The arrival of this new landmark means that the ugly blue fencing along the south side of Jianguomen Waidajie has come down and the whole area is starting to look and feel a lot more pedestrian friendly. At the very top of the tallest of Yintai’s three towers, surrounded by a red glow at night, you can find Beijing’s highest bar and restaurant, the Park Hyatt hotel’s China Bar (65/F) and the high-class China Grill restaurant (66/F). Today is the perfect opportunity to head up and admire the views from the top of the 249m tower, as not only will you be able to peer down on the nearly-completed CCTV Headquarters, but you’ll also be able to catch sight of the mountains to the north and west of Beijing, and just maybe, the Bird’s Nest off to the north.
Two weeks ago, PR staff from the Park Hyatt were kind enough to give us a short tour of the new venues, and although not the clearest of days, it was obvious, that on a day like today, you would be able to see for miles. In terms of prices, cocktails start at around RMB 70 and beers from around RMB 60 both are served with tasty complimentary snacks and come with a 15% surcharge added to the tab.
Head up one more flight of stairs for even more stunning views from the China Grill restaurant. The restaurant features a comprehensive menu but we've heard that both their five-star reworkings of classic homestyle Chinese dishes and their quality steaks come highly recommended.
Park Hyatt’s China Bar and China Grill
65/F, Park Hyatt, 2 Jianguomenwai Dajie (best to enter from the south side of the building), Chaoyang District. (8567 1234)
朝阳区建国门外大街2号
You might also be interested in :
Last Orders: Billy Kawaja of Switch Grill and Culinary Capers
“Last Orders” is a regular magazine column in which we ask noteworthy Beijingers to imagine their final meal before leaving the city for good. This month’s host is Billy Kawaja, the owner and executive chef of Switch Grill and Culinary Capers.
The venue
I fell in love with my wife at Hooters over a bottle of Dom Pérignon and chicken wings, so we’d have to start the night there with a toast to our friends.Mall Walking: Food Court Discoveries
Keeping up with dining developments in Beijing's many shopping malls is almost a Sisyphean task, but we remain committed to it. Here are a handful of food court finds we're excited about.
Gao Gao Spicy Hot Pot: Cook-It-Yourself With a Taiwanese Twist
Beijing isn’t lacking for hot pot spots, so when a new one appears, even enthusiasts might ask “Why bother?” Gao Gao answers that question with high-quality ingredients and a commitment to recreating the freshest Taipei hot pot.
Seven Days of Deals: Beijing's Best Dining Discounts
We've compiled a list of some of the best weekly discounts on food in Beijing so that you can save money every day of the week. Not all days are created equal, but there's at least something for you every night.
Fit For a King: Feast Offers a New All-You-Can-Eat Option
The first thing that strikes you about Feast is that it’s a fine-looking restaurant. Of course, nobody really comes to a place like this to enjoy the design, so it’s just as well that the all-you-can-eat offerings deliver. Mix up your own salad to ease yourself in, and try not to overindulge in the bread and cheese selection – you’re going to need every inch your stomach allows.
Poeloq
Re: View from the Top: Beijing's Highest Bar
Even if it's going to be an expensive night out - I am just going to have to try this place.
Fanolito
Re: View from the Top: Beijing's Highest Bar
wow!!!
definately will make a tour over there!!!
thanks
coeurdelion
Re: View from the Top: Beijing's Highest Bar
Definitely worth checking out! We were there during the Olympics when they had a week of soft opening, had a very nice bottle of wine (not so expensive - around 350 RMB!), and just the mere idea of looking down onto the CCTV tower gives you goosebumps!
FXZL - Up-to-date visa Information for China
fxzl.blogspot.com
inessa
Re: View from the Top: Beijing's Highest Bar
You have to try Australian beef steak there, it's crazy tasty!!!
Oh, and yes, the view is just amazing
Guys, I'm married, but thanks for your attention;)))
croozn
Re: View from the Top: Beijing's Highest Bar
Had lunch there with 4 people the other day. Great steaks, great service and an absolutely awesome view of the city (it was a very clear day). Appetizers, salad, steaks, sides and drinks (non-alchy), etc came to 2,400 including their 15% service charge. I thought it was worth it.
The Wagyu is 480 kuai for 280g and we did not have that, but the ribeye was excellent.
NativeBJ
Re: View from the Top: Beijing's Highest Bar
looks great!
Come to see, then you know more about....Beijing!
lmao
Re: View from the Top: Beijing's Highest Bar
Where am I supposed to put the review?
Oh Wind, if Winter cometh, can Spring be far behind?
marjsyd
Re: View from the Top: Beijing's Highest Bar
Its time to get real with a review of this bar and restaurant!
If you been the Park Hyatt in Tokyo this bar does not even get past first base!
The interior design works against the view and to have a seat with a partial view (complete with a 2-3m void that keeps you well away from the glass) will cost you a minimum spend of CNY Y1200-1500. The bar and band are illogically located on the view side in areas that should be given back to paying guests to enjoy the view.
If your not happy to pay the minimum cover of CNY Y1200-1500 for a "partial" view seat (btw you do see a bit more standing) you can sit in a corrall lounge area which faces inboard and has a 1.5m screen behinded it to totally stop you seeing out.
The drinks are expensive compared to other places like centro or suzie wongs for example. I went to this bar on a Thursday night from 8-9.30pm and it was close to empty with absolutely no vibe or feeling. Even being half empty service was poor and after buying two bottles of wine to sit in one of the "better" seats I ended up topping-up my own drinks because waiting staff were slow and appeared to simply not be bothered. This is despite there beng an over supply of staff standing around doing nothing.
After the bar I had dinner in the restaurant which is just as bad. The interior has hard finishes and "old school" uncomfortable fixed seating booths in areas. The much more comfortable and more appropriate for a high end restaurant loose seating is limited so if you want to eat their request your seating in advance.
The service was very average with waiting staff collecting dishes before we had finished eating, and my live oysters had broken shell throughout and the main course portions are small (side orders are more generous).
The view is better from the restaurant but the 2-3m void again works against seeing out. If fact this 2-3m void is one of the most ridiculous design responses I have seen and totally compromises any opportunity for an amazing and impressionable view and what could have been a great restaurant / bar combo. Now all you can do is pear across this void and try and peer around some very heavy an meaningless external architectural elements.
I spoke to the Assistant F&B Director who took over 45 minutes an more than seven requests to come to the table.
Overall review - definately not what you would expect from the Park Hyatt, or even Grand Hyatt brand. Shanghai Grand Hyatt is much better resolved than this place at every level, and dont even think Park Hyatt Tokyo. Go for a look, but dont expect too much. 2 out of 10.