PLACES TO STAY
Luxury and Boutique Hotels
Brickyard
Beigou Village, near Mutianyu, Great Wall, Huairou • 6162 6506 • brickyardatmutianyu.com • ¥¥
Beijing expats’ first choice for romantic getaways, girls’ weekends, and even weddings, the Brickyard features some impressive floor-to-ceiling windows, utterly breathtaking views, and beautiful gardens. Enjoy excellent meals made from locally sourced ingredients, and bring your swimsuit to take full advantage of the popular outdoor Jacuzzi.
New World Beijing
8 Qinian Jie • 5960 8888 • Subway: Chongwenmen • beijing.newworldhotels.com • ¥¥
Well-located between the Temple of Heaven and Wangfujing, this hotel offers comfortable and smart rooms, a Jacuzzi and a swimming pool. It also has two Chinese restaurants, a tearoom, and a rooftop bar.
Red Wall Garden Hotel
41 Shijia Hutong, Dongcheng District • 5169 2222 • www.redwallgardenhotel.com • ¥¥
Sometimes one must sacrifice comfort for tradition. Not so with Red Wall Garden, a luxury boutique hotel that gives you all the romance of the traditional Beijing hutongs and their pretty courtyards without the hard mattresses, and with soundproofed rooms.
Shadow Art Puppet Hotel
24 Songshu Street, Xicheng District • 8328 7847 • www.shadowartboutique.com • ¥¥
In addition to three weekly puppet shows, this themed hotel in historic Shichaihai also offers some free calligraphy, puppet-painting and dumpling-making classes, plus free access to bikes. Hou Hai is only minutes away.
Aman at the Summer Palace
1 Gong Men Qian Jie • 5987 9999 • www.amanresorts.com • ¥¥¥
Guests at this stunning hotel 6 miles (10 km) northwest of the city center enjoy private access to the Summer Palace, as well as a cinema, stylish spa, and subterranean swimming pool.
China World Summit Wing
1 Jianguo Men Wai Dajie • 6505 2299 • Subway: Guomao • www.shangri-la.com/beijing • ¥¥¥
This hotel in Beijing’s second-tallest tower affords stunning city views from its swish Atmosphere bar on the 80th floor. There are also four restaurants, a spa, and an infinity pool.
Eclat Beijing
9 Dongdaqiao Lu, Chaoyang District • 8561 2888 • www.eclathotels.com/beijing • ¥¥¥
A stylishly designed boutique hotel with an impressive art collection in the public spaces, Eclat Beijing also has the capital’s first pool suites. It offers a 24-hour food lounge, plus other facilities such as a personal butler service.
Hotel Côte Cour
70 Yanyue Hutong • 6523 9598 • Subway: Dongsi • www.hotelcotecourbj.com • ¥¥¥
Hidden away amid a maze of local hutongs, this comfortable boutique hotel presents a modern take on a traditional siheyuan courtyard house. It has stylish fittings and underfloor heating that is very welcome in winter.
NUO Hotel
2 Jiangtai Road, Chaoyang District • 5926 8888 • www.nuohotel.com • ¥¥¥
China’s groundbreaking foray into the luxury market, NUO is the first among a planned group of 15 hotels in various global capitals. Contemporary art superstar Zeng Fanzhi, who served as a consultant, installed his own original art, building a theme for the hotel’s 798 Art District location.
The Opposite House
11 Sanlitun Road • 6417 6688 • Subway: Tuanjiehu • www.theoppositehouse.com • ¥¥¥
Designed by renowned Japanese architect Kengo Kuma, The Opposite House is part of Taikoo Li Sanlitun. The 99 spacious rooms, all with natural wooden floors and deep oak soaking tubs, are a design experience, as is the stainless-steel pool.
Park Hyatt Beijing
2 Jianguo Men Dajie • 8567 1234 • Subway: Guomao • www.hyatt.com • ¥¥¥
High-end service and style are the watchwords at the Park Hyatt hotel. Chic, contemporary accommodations, coupled with stylish bars and restaurants, draw the most discerning of local and international clients.
The Peninsula Beijing
8 Jinyu Hutong • 8516 2888 • Subway: Dengshikou • www.peninsula.com • ¥¥¥
The luxurious rooms here have plasma TVs; even the marble bathrooms have a small screen. Two terrific restaurants (Huang Ting and Jing), a recent restyling, excellent service, and a central location make this one of the city’s best accommodation choices.
Waldorf
5-15 Jinyu Hutong, off Wangfujing Street, Dongcheng District • 8520 8989 • www.waldorfastoria3.hilton.com • ¥¥¥
This is the jewel of downtown Beijing. Guests rave about the creative design, contemporary art display, prime location, and excellent service. For an ultra luxurious China experience, book the premium Hutong Villa, which boasts a private swimming pool.
Courtyard Hotels
Red Lantern House
5 Zheng Jue Hutong, Xinjiekou Nan Dajie, Xicheng • 8328 3935 • Subway: Jishuitan • www.redlanternhouse.com • ¥
The family-owned Red Lantern House occupies a main building and two pretty courtyards. It is only a stone’s throw away from the lively bars of Hou Hai.
Bamboo Garden Hotel
24 Xiao Shi Qiao Hutong • 5852 0088 • Subway: Gulou Dajie • www.bbgh.com.cn • ¥¥
Close to Hou Hai lake, this is the oldest of Beijing’s traditional hotels, with the largest and probably most elaborate courtyards, plus beautiful rockeries and covered pathways.
Double Happiness
37 Dongsisitiao, Dongcheng District • 6400 7762 • Subway: Dongsi • www.doublehappinesscourtyardhotel.com • ¥¥
A hotel with a great ambience, Double Happiness has small rooms with traditional decor but modern bathrooms. There are lovely little courtyards outside the rooms along with a pleasant patio.
Duge Courtyard Hotel
26 Qianyuanensi Hutong, Nan Luogu Xiang • 6445 7463 • Subway: Anding Men • www.dugehotel.com • ¥¥
The Duge Courtyard’s 7 individually decorated suites are designed in a dramatic and decadent fashion, and hidden away behind two imposing doors. The Peony Pavilion room is pretty and classic, while other rooms have a more contemporary vibe. All are centered on one of several small courtyards.
Fly by Knight Courtyard
6 Dengcao Hutong, Dongcheng • 6559 7966 • www.flybyknightbeijing.com • ¥¥
One of the best-value hutong guesthouses, this friendly, clean and well run ex-hostel has spacious and comfortable traditional rooms, as well as an excellent English-speaking staff. The kung fu classes organized in the hotel courtyard add to the authentic atmosphere.
Kelly’s Courtyard
25 Xiaoyuan Hutong, off Bingmasi Hutong, Xisi South Street • 6611 8515 • Subway: Xisi • Bus: 47, 105, 690, or 808 • www.kellyscourtyard.com • ¥¥
A stylish and modernized hideaway in a historic hutong near Xidan and the financial district, this hostel is owned by a travel-loving Chinese fashion designer.
The Orchid
65 Baochao Hutong, Dongcheng District • 8565 9295 • ¥¥
Tucked away down a quiet hutong in the hippest, chicest part of Beijing’s Old City, The Orchid features whitewashed, airy rooms with polished hardwood floors, plus an excellent breakfast. The atmospheric terrace restaurant offers a range of Chinese, South Asian, as well as Middle Eastern meals, and serves sundowners all day long.
Business Hotels
East
22 Jiuxianqiao Rd, Chaoyang • 8426 0888 • www.east-beijing.com • ¥¥
Set amid parkland in the INDIGO business district, this contemporary hotel caters to the high-end business traveler. All 369 rooms and 23 executive suites have amenities including an LCD TV, free Wi-Fi, Bose audio system and rainfall showers in the bathroom. The hotel also has two good restaurants, a swimming pool, and gym facilities.
Park Plaza Hotel
97 Jinbao Jie • 8522 1999 • Subway: Wangfujing • www.parkplaza.com/beijingcn • ¥¥
The stylish Park Plaza is a peaceful oasis in one of the city’s fastest-developing precincts. Guest rooms feature stylish designer touches, and the hotel is conveniently located for both the Forbidden City and Wangfujing Dajie.
Four Seasons Beijing
48 Liang Ma Qiao Lu • 5695 8888 • www.fourseasons.com/beijing • ¥¥¥
Exemplary service and premium amenities await business and leisure travelers who stay at this impressive modern hotel. The interiors are artistic, and the hotel also has two signature restaurants, a deluxe spa, and a popular lounge bar.
Hilton Beijing Wangfujing
8 Wangfujing Dong Dajie • 5812 8888 • Subway: Wangfujing • www.hilton.com • ¥¥¥
Spacious, open-plan rooms, warm service, and a large swimming pool are just some of the draws at this hotel. A central location within walking distance of Tian’an Men Square and the Forbidden City is another key feature.
Kerry Center Hotel
1 Guanghua Lu • 6561 8833 • Subway: Guomao • www.shangri-la.com • ¥¥¥
The Kerry Center Hotel combines the Shangri-La group’s high service standards with bright, modern room design. The Kerry is also home to the Centro cocktail bar and extensive health facilities.
Langham Place
1 Yi Jing Rd, opposite Terminal 3 • 6457 5555 • Subway: Beijing International Airport • www.langhamhotels.com • ¥¥¥
Located near Beijing Capital Airport, Langham Place offers luxury rooms and suites, as well as several modern restaurants and bars, a club lounge, gym, free Wi-Fi and an art gallery. There is also a free airport shuttle bus service.
The Ritz-Carlton, Beijing
83A Jianguo Lu, China Central Place, Chaoyang District • 5908 8888 • Subway: Dawanglu • www.ritzcarlton.com • ¥¥¥
A perfect retreat for both business and leisure travelers, this 305-room deluxe hotel offers fine dining, excellent facilities for meetings and events, and a high-end spa.
The Westin Beijing Chaoyang
Bei San Huan Dajie • 5922 8888 • Subway: Liangma Qiao • www.marriott.com • ¥¥¥
Outstanding service is complemented by stylish decor here. Being set on a ring road is not ideal, but the main sights and shopping areas are only a short taxi ride away.
Mid-Range Hotels
Red Hotel
10 Taiping Zhuang Chunxiu Lu • 6417 1066 • Subway: Dong Zhi Men • www.red-hotel.com • ¥
Staying true to its name, the former Red House Hotel stands out with its vibrant facade. This establishment offers clean, cheerful rooms, which are good value for money. There’s a popular soccer bar on the premises, and it’s a short walk to more bars in the Sanlitun District.
Crystal Orange
25 Yonganli Zhong Jie, Chaoyang • 6566 1515 • Subway: Yonganli • ¥¥
This good-value hotel is furnished in bold colors, with Andy Warhol prints adorning the walls of the lobby. Comfortable rooms have spacious bathrooms and feature all modern conveniences, including Wi-Fi and iPod docks.
Hade Men Hotel
2A Chongwen Men Wai Dajie • 400 838 1766 • Subway: Chongwen Men • ¥¥
The Hade Men is among the older hotels in Beijing, but it’s been renovated to a good standard for this price range. Rooms are comfortable, if a bit gaudy, with pleasant views from the upper floors. It is around the corner from the railway station.
Holiday Inn Express Dong Zhi Men
1 Chunxiu Lu, Dongcheng • 6416 9999 • Subway: Dong Zhi Men • www.hiexpress.com • ¥¥
Centrally located between Dong Zhi Men and Gongti Bei Lu, with easy access to the city’s main attractions, this hotel offers rooms at affordable prices. A good breakfast is included in the room rate, as is Wi-Fi.
Motel 268
19 Jin Yu Hutong • 5167 1666 • Subway: Dengshikou • ¥¥
Because of its prime location, this branch of China’s economy hotel chain Motel 168 has been branded Motel 268. The 156-room property offers doubles and family rooms, all with Wi-Fi, air-conditioning, and a television. Be sure to ask for a room with a window.
Penta Beijing
3–18 Chongwen Men Wai Daije, Dongcheng • 6708 1188 • Subway: Beijing Railway Station • www.pentahotels.com • ¥¥
Located close to Tian’an Men Square and the Temple of Heaven, this stylish hotel is suited to those traveling for business and leisure. As well as good and modern in-room facilities, it offers a lounge, gym, games area, and free Wi-Fi.
Budget Hotels
Downtown Backpackers
85 Nan Luo Gu Xiang • 8400 2429 • Subway: Nan Luogu Xiang • www.backpackingchina.com • ¥
A good-value option in the heart of one of Beijing’s most vibrant hutongs. This hostel is also minutes from the lakes as well as myriad restaurants and bars. It offers clean single rooms, doubles with attached bath, and 6–8 bed dorms.
Leo Hostel
52 Dazhalan Xijie • 6303 0879 • Subway: Qian Men • www.leohostel.com • ¥
Leo Hostel benefits from an excellent location south of Tian’an Men Square, in among old lanes. Rooms range from four to ten-bed dorms to doubles. Facilities include free Wi-Fi, computer with internet connection, a pool table and a second-hand book exchange.
Saga International Youth Hostel
9 Shijia Hutong • 6527 2773 • Subway: Dengshikou • www.sagayouthhostelbeijing.cn • ¥
Featuring spotless doubles, triples, and dorm rooms, plus a communal kitchen and café and a shaded courtyard, this hostel has helpful English-speaking staff who will organize ticket bookings and tours.
Templeside Deluxe Hutong House Hostel
2 An Ping Xiang, Zhao Deng Yu Lu • 6617 2571 • Subway: Fucheng Men • www.templeside.com • ¥
This courtyard hostel gives budget travelers a glimpse into traditional Beijing life. It has spacious single, double and family-friendly bunk bedrooms, and a pleasant courtyard garden. Breakfast is served upon request.
The Peking International Youth Hostel
113-2 Nan Luogu Xiang, Dongcheng District • 6401 3961/8403 9098 • ¥¥
Owned by a local flower designer, this popular hostel exudes shabby-chic decor and has an outdoor courtyard – the latter, a rare budget treat. The restaurant, while comparatively pricey, rates high, and helpful staff will arrange show tickets and day trips for you. The bustling local neighborhood is a favorite with Beijingers.
PRICE CATEGORIES
Prices are based on a double room per night (with breakfast if included), with taxes and extra charges.
¥ under ¥400, ¥¥ ¥400–¥1,400, ¥¥¥ over ¥1,400