By William Stolerman 

The top accolade in Andrew Harper's highly respected travel guide has been awarded to the Aman at Summer Palace, Beijing. It is the first time in history that a hotel has scooped 99 points from the notoriously tough-to-please critic. 

According to 'Andrew Harper's Hideaway Report 2010' in which the Aman at Summer Palace was awarded the 'Hideaway of the Year' gong, the 51 rooms are all delicately appointed. There is also no shortage of places to eat. The resort contains 4 restaurants including one which serves scrumptious Cantonese food and another called Naoki which offers heavenly French-inspired Japanese cuisine.

Musical performances illuminate the hotel's cultural room in which masters present eye popping demonstrations of paper-cutting, calligraphy and other Chinese art forms.

However the most startling part of a stay is access to the Summer Palace itself. After being led through a labyrinth of courtyards and corridors, you come to a stone wall framing a blank red door. You are ushered through and allowed to explore at your leisure.

In summation, the anonymous critic said:"After our experience, we can only say that the opportunity to stay in this unique location is both a treat and a privilege."  

And if it's good enough for Andrew Harper...

www.amanresorts.com

www.andrewharper.com