Fodor's Expert Review Du Ge

One step beyond the striking Moon Gate doorway of this 18th-century hutong home—once owned by the Minister of the Imperial Household to Emperor Xianfeng (1860)—and you're transported, thanks to swaying bamboos, flickering lanterns, blazing red walls, and a chic lobby, to a nobleman's courtyard house. Each of the six guest rooms has its own unique look, from the ancient Chinese four-poster beds and tints of gold in "The Imperial," to the rich red, old-Shanghai feel of "The Peony Pavilion," to the sheer drama of the "Golden Lotus," with black-glass chandeliers and shimmering lotus mural. The emphasis on design means that much of the furniture and decorative pieces at Du Ge were custom-made (and can be bought from them). The availability of French wine and Cuban cigars, along with the small bar in the courtyard, add to the contemporary feel. The room rate includes an airport pickup service, refreshments, and bicycles.