The US$35-million renovation of The Peninsula Beijing has had the finishing touch applied with the completion of The Peninsula Suite, beautifully restored and refurbished around the concept of a traditional courtyard house in old Beijing yet with a distinctly contemporary approach.

The premier 10-room suite of The Peninsula Beijing has been completely re-designed and expanded to 660 square meters (approximately 7,100 square feet) by combining the former Presidential Suite and Wangfujing Suite. The cost of renovating the suite alone was RMB12 million (approximately US$1.5 million) and the first guest was France's President Jacques Chirac.

Designed by renowned Hong Kong based architects Chhada, Siembieda & Leung Co. Ltd, The Peninsula Suite artfully blends sophistication, technology, elegance and the cultural resonance of Beijing. The decor features a combination of grey brick walls, original stone framed windows, marble, state and pine wood flooring, with an impressive collection of antiques and carefully selected fabrics, carpets and linen, plus advanced multi-media technology, all enhanced by subtle lighting and illumination throughout the suite.

A large studded double door leads into the suite, giving directly onto a large "double happiness" stone wall sculpture. At the south end of the sutie is a large dining room, which can comfortably seat up to 18 persons. The raised ceilings are finished with wooden beams and antique roof tiles, while a selection of blue and white Chinese porcelain pieces add to the character and ambience of the suite. A full satellite kitchen with private entrance is connected to the dining room, enabling hotel chefs to unobtrusively prepare exclusive lunches and dinners a la minute, and guest's own chef to cook.

The formal living room is complemented by a host of Chinese antiques and artwork, marble floor and custom-designed wool rug, a baby grand piano and a traditional raised ceiling feature. Delicate antique wooden lattice screens, stretching the length of the living room, separe the living room from the hallway.

The dominant feature of The China Study is in the form of three traditional red lanterns hanging from the raised ceiling. Ideal for study and relaxation, there is also an antique four panel painting depicting birds with bamboo, chrysanthemums and plum blossoms, folding wood panels with stylish Chinese calligraphy on silk and a traditional Chinese GO chess set. The wooden furniture - tables, chairs and work desk, is made of hung hua li and follows classic Ming designs (1368 - 1644). Behind the traditional setting, however, a wide range of state-of-the-art equipment is available, including a 42 inch (116 cm) plasma television, DVD player, stereo system, weather station and an internet radio, which can tune into radio channels across the globe.

The master bedroom is another highlight of the suite. The increased space and the raised ceiling create an opulent air, enhanced by a five-panel golden silk screen along the wall and luxury Frette linens that add stylish touches and flair to the room.

Adjacent to the master bedroom is a large dressing area and a small private gymnasium, equipped with an elliptical cross trainer fitness machine, an LCD-display television, a choice of weights and a massage bed for in-suite massage treatments. The large marble bathroom, right next to the gymnasium, is complete with a whirlpool bathtub and a steam room. A traditional metal screen lattice adds an oriental touch to the bathroom.

The Peninsula Suite also includes a guest bedroom and bathroom, with a dressing room with walk-in closets, which can connect to an adjacent deluxe room, enabling the suite to become a three-bedroom suite. A private elevator inside the suite directly links the  hotel lobby to the suite.