Description:
Commune is an experience more than simply a place to go. It is self-described as a boutique hotel and a semi-architectural museum. Set among the Badaling mountains north of Beijing, the Commune collection of villas is contained within a private compound that sits just below the Shuiguan Great Wall. You can go for the day or spend a week, it’s up to you (and our budget). But it’s recommendable, especially if you’re traveling with kids who need a break. You don’t have to spend a day at a Beijing amusement park. Drop them off in Commune’s Kids’ Club and then enjoy a nice lunch with your partner and then a treatment at the Anantara Spa. A visit to Commune gets you out of the city for a little rest without taking you away from China’s scenic destinations.Location:
Commune is just over an hour northwest of then center of Beijing. It’s just off the Badaling Highway before you get to the Badaling Section of the Great Wall.The compound sits on eight square kilometers of private land and commands view of the Great Wall.
Contact Details
- Address: Shuiguan Great Wall Exit, Badaling Highway, Beijing
- Tel: +86 10 5878 8205 (from within China 010 5878 8205)
- Fax: +86 10 6567 8383
- Email: reservations.thegreatwall@kempinski.com or reservation@commune.com.cn
- Website: www.communebythegreatwall.com
Architecture & Design:
Architects that did the designs for the villas at Commune by the Great Wall include Gary Chang (Hong Kong), Shigeru Ban (Japan), Cui Kai (China), Rocco Yim (Hong Kong), Chien Hsueh-Yi (Taiwain), Antonio Ochoa (China), Kengo Kuma (Japan), Kanika R’kul (Thailand), Kay Ngee Tan (Singapore), Nobuaki Furuya (Japan), Yung Ho Chang (China) and Seung H-Sang (South Korea).Interior décor pieces from world-renowned designers including Serge Mouille, Thierry Hoppe, Von Robinson, Philippe Starck, Alex Strub, Claudio Colucci, Ross Menuez, Kaname Okajima, Jonas Damon, Karim Rashid, Matthew Hilton, Marc Newson and Michael Young.
Accommodation:
Rooms are booked inside one of the 42 villas within two valleys: Walnut Valley, which contains 46 rooms in 11 villas; and Rock Valley, with 190 rooms within 31 villas. The spaces available are ideal for corporate entertaining and meetings as well as family leisure travel. Villas have common living and dining rooms as well ask usable kitchens.Price:
Commune certainly falls under boutique hotel pricing, meaning expensive. A recent check garnered a room for 2 adults, 2 children for three nights at 2,800rmb + tax. Check with the hotel for availability and rates.Features & Facilities:
- Presidential suites come with 24-hour butler service
- Private path to a non-restored part of the Great Wall
- Breathtaking view of the Badaling mountains and the Great Wall
- Fitness center
- Boutique
- Private cinema for up to 40 people
- Free wireless internet connection in all villas & clubhouse
- Business center open 24/7
- Translation services
- Anantara Spa
Dining & Drinking:
On-site restaurants include the Terrace Lounge and the Courtyard Restaurant serving Beijing, Sichuan, Cantonese and Western dishes. Drinks are available at the Terrace, Pink Bar or the Gallery.
For Kids
Commune is managed by Kempinski Hotels and their kids’ policy is one of the best I’ve ever seen. From their website: Kempinski welcomes guests of all ages and the new “Kempinski for Kids” is making travelling with children even more enjoyable for the whole family. A variety of amenities and services await younger guests:
- Welcome gift for children up to 12 years
- Complimentary children toiletries
- Complimentary bedtime milk
- Child-sized robes and slippers to use while at the hotel
- Destination information with family-orientated activities
- Children’s menus and snacks available in restaurants
- Babysitting services can be arranged by the Concierge
When staying with children at any Kempinski hotel world-wide you may benefit from:
- Children up to 12 years may share their parent’s room at no extra charge
- Baby cots or extra beds for children are provided at no extra charge
- Breakfast is complimentary for children under 5 years
- Children from 6-12 years receive a 50% discount on breakfast, unless already included in the room rate
Commune offers a one-of-a-kind kids’ club for children aged 2-12. Housed within its own villa, all of the furniture is designed for little people in bright colors and patterns. Trained staff look after children and for a small fee you can drop them for the morning or afternoon. Activities include hiking, gardening, cooking class (in a kitchen designed for kids), arts & crafts, star gazing, swimming and camping. Aptly named Commune of the Children also features a kid-sized restaurant perfect for your children’s lunch.
