Top business hotel: Niccolo Chongqing

Upon checking in at the Niccolo Chongqing , one of the first things you’ll notice is a large painting of a young woman’s face, her features bright and exaggerated. It’s a luring statement piece, its artiness and style setting the tone for the hotel, which has fast become a top address in the sprawling southwestern Chinese city’s urban centre.

Location

The hotel occupies the 52nd to 62nd floors of the tallest tower of Chongqing IFS , a large, mixed-use development in Jiangbeizui, the city’s new central business district. Opt for the subway to get around: there’s a station connected to the luxury mall downstairs. But if you enjoy walking, prime shopping and entertainment areas such as Hongya Cave are half an hour on foot, on the other side of Jialing River.

The rooms

The highlight of the rooms is the sky-high views, many of which feature the confluence of the Jialing and Yangtze rivers, as well as the office towers clustered between the waterways. Opt for the stunning duplex Sky Suite for seven-metre-tall windows. Amid the minimalist, neutral-hued furnishings, business travellers will appreciate the no-frills work desks and the dining tables in the suites.

Facilities

Numerous function rooms can be arranged for theatre-style talks, cocktail parties or banquets. The Conservatory, with its double-height ceilings, is a dramatic backdrop for wedding ceremonies and other events calling for a bit of grandeur. An indoor pool, a gym and a spa help you stay healthy on the road. But if drinks are more your idea of relaxation, head to Bar 62, a laid-back, moody night spot.