Where to Stay in Beijing: Best Areas and Hotels for Every Type of Traveller
Kickstart your exploration of China from Beijing, the dynamic capital city. With a rich history and culture, the city is a mix of modern skyscrapers and hutong neighbourhoods. These refer to nostalgic traditional enclaves, which are a maze of alleys and inner courtyards. And yes, you’ll even be able to stay in one of these hutongs!
For your next trip to Beijing, bookmark these fantastic areas — plus hotels! — to stay at.
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1. Wangfujing
Photo credit: Nggsc on Wikimedia Commons
Wangfujing is the pulsating heart of Beijing, and is a stone’s throw away from major sights like the The Forbidden City and Tiananmen Square. The main shopping street stretches from Changan Avenue to the National Art Museum of China; with lots of restaurants, food stalls, and night markets added into the mix. Don’t miss out on Wangfujing Snack Street, which is packed with more than 500 food stalls — try lots of small bites including roasted scorpion, if you dare!
Sunworld Dynasty Hotel
Sporting a majestic interior that melds both modern and traditional elements, Sunworld Dynasty Hotel’s prime location can’t be beaten. Being a short walk from the Forbidden City and Tiananmen Square, the hotel is also near metro lines one, five, and six. There are two onsite restaurants: try classic Cantonese fare at Shenghua Chinese Restaurant, or go all out with an international buffet at Dynasty Square restaurant.
The best part? There’s even an indoor heated swimming pool! The hotel also has a well-equipped gym, basketball court, chess room, and beauty salon.
Address: 50 Wangfujing Avenue, 100006 Beijing
Legendale Hotel Beijing
Step into a world of old-school elegance at Legendale Hotel Beijing, which looks like it belongs in a grand fairytale. Be greeted by smartly clad doormen, before entering through a large ornately decorated door. An opulent marble lobby awaits, complete with a high ceiling, a grand staircase, and plenty of natural light. The rooms seem as if they’re designed for royalty: sink into the plush cloud-like bed, surrounded by gold-gilded furnishings.
P/S: The indoor pool is an absolute treat on a hot day, complete with inviting partially-submerged loungers and a jacuzzi.
#KlookTip: Love exploring on two wheels? Hop on a rental bike from the hotel, and get going!
Address: 90-92 Jinbao Street, 100005 Beijing
2. Houhai
Photo credit: Beijing Tourism
Travelling to Beijing with your other half? Get all cosy at Houhai, the city’s romantic quarter. Its lakeside setting adds a charming flair to the area, offering a peaceful sanctuary from the rest of town. Go boating in summer and, in winter, the lake freezes over for ice skating. Many residences along the lake have been converted into quaint restaurants, bars, and cafés too.
As dusk falls, head over to HouHai Bar Street. Popular bars include the travel-themed Pass By Bar; and Houhai no. 5, which has Chinese zither performances in the day.
Shichahai Sandalwood Boutique Hotel
With just ten rooms, Shichahai Sandalwood Boutique Hotel offers its guests an exclusive experience like no other. Housed in a gorgeous traditional building, it wows with lofty ceilings and stunning architectural details. There’s even a corner that looks like an art gallery, with intricate sculptures and vases on display.
Comfort is at the core of every stay here; in the rooms, you’ll find memory foam beds and down comforters. There are rainshowers in the toilets too! Plus, get around the city with ease with the Beihai North station just six minutes from the hotel on foot.
Address: 42 Xinghua Hutong, Xicheng, 100009 Beijing
Blossom House Houhai
Escape to another world altogether at Blossom House Houhai, where old and new collide. The property is housed in a traditional building, and is adorned by edgy art installations. The interior takes on a polished industrial aesthetic, surprising guests with unique tangram-like rooms. This look extends to the restaurants and common areas, making guests feel as if they’re inside an origami piece!
The star of the show is the outdoor terrace, which comes with sprawling lounge sofas, and a jacuzzi. We especially love how the hotel is surrounded by greenery, with a serene garden as the centrepiece.
Address: 9 Yangfang Hutong, Denei Street, Xicheng, 100009 Beijing
3. Gulou
Photo credit: Toadspike on Wikimedia Commons
Immerse yourself in the heart of old Beijing at Gulou, which means ‘drum tower’. The Drum Tower and Bell Tower are two of the area’s main attractions, with great views from the top of both. The area contains charming hutongs, which comprise Beijing’s old neighbourhoods. Take your time to appreciate the nostalgic architecture, pop in and out of small shops, or even go on a half-day hutong rickshaw tour.
#KlookTip: Not sure where to start exploring the hutongs? Make the part between Lama Temple and Bell Tower your first stop.
The Orchid Hotel
Back in 2010, a pair of friends had the dream of providing travellers with a real China experience that went beyond the usual touristy sights. The Orchid Hotel was thus born, offering a variety of rooms and fully-equipped apartments. Larger groups or families will love the Orchid Suites or residences, some of which even come with features like private roof terraces, lofts, and kitchenettes. Designed to act as a proper home theatre with all the fixings, the Orchid Cinema Studio is a real stunner.
The hotel’s dining establishments look like they came out of a Kinfolk magazine as well: tuck into Mediterranean tapas at Toast restaurant, dimsum at Furongji, brunch at The Bake Shop Café, and have a nightcap at Baojian cocktail and whiskey bar.
Address: 65 Baochao Hutong, Gulou East Street, 100009 Beijing
Beijing Downtown Travelotel
With just nine rooms, Beijing Downtown Travelotel is a fuss-free accommodation that’s easy on your pocket. Found in a traditional hutong, the hotel is located along a busy street — but you’ll be surprised how quiet it is inside thanks to soundproof windows. Here, you’ll get more for less, with comfortable beds and amenities in the rooms. The staff here welcome guests with open arms, and go the extra mile to help with any bookings or help you need.
Start the day with a lavish breakfast; or, if you have an early start, the staff will be more than happy to pack it for you to enjoy on the go.
Address: 85 Nan Luo Gu Xiang, 100009 Beijing
4. Nanluoguxiang
Photo credit: Ricardo Ramirez Gisbert on Flickr Creative Commons
Another historic neighbourhood is Nanluoguxiang, one of Beijing’s hotongs that allow visitors to travel back in time. Take a stroll down serene tree-lined avenues, and gain insight into local life. This is where you’ll see the authentic side of Beijing, rounded off with a maze of alleys and lovely traditional courtyards.
After dark, indulge in some supper at the curiously named Ghost Street, which is lined with more than 100 restaurants (with many open round the clock!).
CitiGO Hotel Beijing Nanluoguxiang
CitiGO Hotel Beijing Nanluoguxiang offers the best of both worlds: stay in the middle of a nostalgic hutong, whilst remaining a mere one-minute walk to Nanluoguxiang metro station. The hotel’s concept was the brainchild of a renowned designer, and the result? Brightly lit space-maximising rooms, with decorative murals adorning the walls. The rooms come with a cool smart system too, where you can control the air conditioning, curtains, and lighting with your mobile phone.
#KlookTip: If you’re a sleep-in kind of traveller, you’ll be glad to know that the hotel offers extended breakfast hours from 7am all the way till noon.
There’s a common reading room on the second level, as well as a shared lounge on the first floor. What better way to meet, and share stories with, other travellers from all over the world?
Address: 89 Dong Street, Di’anmen, 100009 Beijing
Peking International Youth Hostel
Are you on a long-awaited #solotrip? We recommend staying in a hostel, especially if it’s your first solo adventure! Staying in shared dormitories means that you won’t have to grapple with the daunting thought of sleeping alone, and you’ll have the chance to make lots of new friends (or even travel companions) whilst you’re at it. If you’re not keen on sharing the room with other people, you can always opt for a private room and hang out with others in the common spaces.
Peking International Youth Hostel has both dormitories and private rooms, and even a family suite room for larger groups. There’s also a lovely roof garden filled with seasonal flowers. Getting here is a breeze: simply reach out to the reception staff (who speak fluent English!) to arrange an airport transfer before your flight.
Address: 113-2 Nan Luo Gu Xiang Street, 100009
5. Guomao Central Business District
Photo credit: Jens Schott Knudsen on Flickr Creative Commons
The Guomao Central Business District is the city’s financial centre; however, don’t discount what you can see and do here! Enjoy the finer things in life at one of the many luxury hotels, or pamper your tastebuds at a whole line-up of Michelin-starred restaurants. Plus, get your retail therapy fix at various upmarket shopping malls, such as China World Trade Center Mall and Shin Kong Place.
China World Hotel Beijing
Directly connected to the China World Trade Center Mall, China World Hotel Beijing also links to the Guomao station (for metro lines one and 10). We guarantee that you’ll have a wonderful stay here — if anything, the hotel’s awards speak for themselves! They’ve clinched accolades such as best hotel manager, best selected luxury hotel, and best landmark hotel.
Stay in a wide range of rooms; for an extended family staycation, you can even opt to have two inter-connecting rooms — or even take it up a notch with a deluxe room connected to the executive suite. If you’re after more space without upgrading to a suite, the horizon premier room is just the thing. It even sweetens the deal with lounge access.
#KlookTip: Parents, this is for you! If you need a breather, check out the hotel’s childcare services.
Address: 1 Jianguomenwai Avenue, 100004 Beijing
JEN Beijing by Shangri-La
JEN Beijing by Shangri-La offers all the modern perks you can think of, but somehow still manages to feel like home. The rooms are spacious and brightly lit; choose from Jen 40, Jen 75, or Jen 150 rooms where, you guessed it, the size increases with each number. The Jen skyline rooms are a showstopper, with floor-to-ceiling windows to show off the marvellous view.
Going beyond mere accommodation, the hotel spares no expense in bringing travellers together. Settle your work at the Prototype co-working lounge, attend a line-up of events, and keep your fitness in check at the 24-hour Trainyard Gym! Open round the clock, the two-level Trainyard has a pool, hosts fitness classes, and has a state-of-the-art bodybuilding/boxing zone.
Address: 1 Jianguomenwai Avenue, 100004 Beijing
6. Qianmen
Photo credit: AsAuSo on Wikimedia Commons
Located off the city centre, Qianmen offers value-for-money accommodation without scrimping on convenience. Qianmen Street dates back to the Ming and Qing dynasties, and is a classic blend of old and new.
A must-do is having a meal at Quanjude Roast Duck, Beijing’s oldest duck restaurant which was established back in 1864! Round off the experience with a joyride on the sightseeing tram.
Qianmen Courtyard Hotel
Be transported to olden China at Qianmen Courtyard Hotel which, true to its name, surrounds a lovely courtyard. Decked out in traditional Chinese decor, the rooms are admittedly on the smaller side.
Due to its location in the hutong, taxis won’t be able to drop you off at the front door; however, it’s only a short walk from the bustling main street! This also means that you’ll be surrounded by plenty of restaurants, cafés, and bars.
#KlookTip: If you have a late flight, the hotel offers a handy 24-hour check-in process so you can get your room anytime!
Address: 4 Shijia Hutong, Qianmen Avenue, 100054 Beijing
The Emperor Tiananmen Beijing
A stone’s throw away from Qianmen street, the Emperor Tiananmen Beijing is also a short ten-minute walk from Tiananmen Square. The highlight of the hotel has got to be the inviting rooftop pool, on top of an elegant roof terrace with views for days. Settle into a quiet hideaway, and take your pick from various room styles. Some rooms even come with an in-room round bathtub!
The corridors set the mood with mood lighting, rocking a slightly grungy industrial aesthetic. Don’t forget to look up whilst in the lobby, and check out the strings of hanging lights.
Address: 87 Qianyukou street, 100051 Beijing
7. Sanlitun
Photo credit: Morio on Wikimedia Commons
Watch Beijing come alive at Sanlitun, an electric nightlife hotspot that doubles up as a shopping paradise. Trawl nightclubs, craft beer bars, cocktail lounges, and beer gardens — before loading up on some grub at plenty of street food stalls and hole-in-the-wall eateries.
In the day, the area is somewhat of a bohemian cluster as well, with indie film screenings and hidden coffee joints.
CHAO Sanlitun Beijing
Photo credit: CHAO Hotel
Calling itself a hotel that makes travel meaningful, CHAO Hotel is all about creating moments for its travellers. From an array of healthy refreshments in the room to events like art exhibitions and film screenings, each stay is refreshing and different. There’s even a nifty sneaker and shoe care service available!
Choose from a variety of rooms and, depending on room type, say hello to features like black-out curtains, walk-in closets, free mini-bars, as well as specially designed mirror and storage one-piece dressers. As part of the hotel’s sustainability practices, you won’t find any one-use plastics in the room either.
Address: 4 Workers’ Stadium East Road, 100027 Beijing
base-Sanlitun Serviced Apartment
Find your second home at base-Sanlitun Serviced Apartment, which wholeheartedly welcomes travellers right from the get-go. The apartments are immaculately furnished, with fully-equipped kitchenettes and washing machines for added convenience. And yes, there’s daily housekeeping too!
Have a cosy night in, work out at the gym, relax at the lounge with a drink in hand, or challenge your friends (both old and new) to a game of billiards.
Address: 2 Alley 10, Xing Fu Yi Chun, Gongti North Road, 100027 Beijing
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