Tianjin, ChinaXiaobailou
The Ritz-Carlton, Tianjin
Neoclassical brick estate
Xiaobailou Tianjin, China
Opened
2013
Price
$$$
Rated for
Design Luxe WellnessOutside the door
The house
MarriottNeoclassical brick estate
The hotel feels like a grand European manor in the city center, shaped by brick turrets and an interior courtyard.
What it’s good at
Notable
Pierre-Yves Rochon interiors blend crystal chandeliers with hand-painted Chinese imperial murals.
What they say
Michelin Selected
Michelin
Guests headed out from The Ritz-Carlton, Tianjin can request a Rolls-Royce or Bentley rather than a standard car, a detail that matches the neoclassical brick towers and turrets outside.
Right in the middle
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
The surrounding Xiaobailou district holds the tree-lined streets of the former British Concession, just steps from the Haihe River.
The rooms
Dark wood furnishings and blue-and-white porcelain give the bedrooms the quiet feel of a private country estate.
The pool
Bring a swimsuit.
Stone columns line the 20-meter heated lap pool, where swimmers listen to music through an underwater sound system.
The spa
Eight private treatment suites host Ayurvedic therapies and ESPA rituals. Thermal facilities include dry saunas and steam baths.
Restaurant
ZEST
Chefs prepare Chinese, Japanese, and Italian dishes in open show kitchens, flanked by crystal-lit private dining rooms.
Restaurant
Mellō Charcoal Grill
Steaks and seafood roast in a Josper charcoal oven, surrounded by brick-screen walls and a leather-lined bar.
At the table
Tian Tai Xuan serves Cantonese and regional specialties across two floors of dark-wood salons and private banquet rooms.
How it began
The property stands on the 1890 site of Gordon Hall, incorporating fragments of the former British municipal seat.
Tianjin
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Our shorthand
How we rate hotels.
The medals
Gold
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Silver
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
Bronze
They did this well. You’ll notice.
Listed
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Design
Built around a vision. Even the door handles have a designer.
Luxe
Cared for at every turn. The bath is drawn before you ask.
Local
It could only be here. You wake up knowing where you are.
Social
Where the city goes out. The bar is full and the night is young.
Heritage
A building with a story. Once a palace, a monastery, a station.
Wellness
You leave feeling new. Rest, sweat, soak and sleep like a stone.
Classic
The city grew up with it. Same rituals, same regulars, same bar.
Resort
A world of its own. Something to do from breakfast to nightcap.
The scene
Lively
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Central
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Quiet
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
Secluded
A place apart: the property is the destination.