St. Regis Tianjin

The St. Regis Tianjin takes the shape of a hollowed cube, overlooking the Haihe River and emphasizing the "gate of Tianjin" concept. [Photo Provided to China Daily]

There are many elegant hotels in Tianjin, but only one has the advantage of a patio right on the banks of the Haihe River. 

More and more Beijing residents are fleeing the capital's smoggy streets for the more relaxed lifestyle in Tianjin where more and more international hotels are taking advantage of the weekly migrations to create a cornucopia of luxury living and food and beverage choices.

It is the perfect getaway, just a half-hour away by the high-speed trains that leave Beijing South station every 10 minutes. On the other end of the line, a different world awaits those looking for a retreat.

The St. Regis Tianjin is about a five-minute walk from the Tianjin Railway Station. Located on the south bank of the Haihe, the mother river, the 274-room hotel offers both leisure and business guests cutting-edge design, its famous St. Regis butler service, fabulous amenities and unique dining experiences.

Tianjin has another name, Jinmen, an ancient name which means "gateway to northern China".

When the port city was thrown open to foreign trade in 1860, Tianjin became a major attraction for the West, and many countries established concession areas in the city, a development that laid the foundations of the Self-Strengthening Movement, a campaign during the late Qing Dynasty (1644-1911) to modernize China's economic and military sectors.

The St. Regis Tianjin is part of another wave of development for modern Tianjin, and has proven its worth with such awards as the "2012 HA+D Award for Design Excellence" for Hotel Architecture. This annual award by the United States-based Hospitality Architecture and Design magazine is for innovation, excellence and sustainability in product and project designs.

The distinctive 18-floor building rises alongside the Haihe River in the shape of a hollowed cube, further emphasizing the Jinmen or "gate of Tianjin" concept and redefining the city's skyline with its bold design.

The lobby's centerpiece is a multi-dimensional mural, The Golden Times, created from 230 handmade ceramics depicting ripples, reflecting the riverine theme, and the waves of progress.

Tianjin's shipping history is similarly echoed in many of the hotel's public spaces. On each floor, mounted on the walls of the lift lobby are copperplate etchings that trace customs, cultural icons, old maps, significant events and historical spots.

What makes the St. Regis brand stand out are iconic in-house traditions that are about 100 years old. At the St. Regis Tianjin, at 6:30 pm each Thursday, the chief butler would revive the ceremonial champagne sabering to celebrate the transition from day to evening and celebrate the occasion with wine and canapes for guests.

Another tradition is the 24-hour St. Regis butler service which makes sure guests are pampered with beverage service, shoe shining, even packing and unpacking. St. Regis butlers, all trained in the English tradition of impeccable service, are always on call to attend to individual requests and ensure guests leave with the best memories, and return for more.

Another cherished tradition that comes to life at St. Regis hotels is the English afternoon tea, which originated from the best society teas.