“Neat Hutong neighborhood = Great staff”

Although young, the hotel staff went out of their way to help us with directions, tours, tickets and were always pleasant and cordial. The breakfasts were okay if you like Chinese dishes for breakfast. However, you could order eggs, make toast and there was fruit. Coffee was not that great, but tea was wonderful. The best way to get to sites was by the subway or bus and the hotel staff were able to give directions and write down information in Chinese and English for you. People on the bus were friendly and helpful. Subway maps at the stations were easy to read. Taxis were not an option as they most of the time would not stop for foreigners or would not go to the destination we wanted as they were not part of their route in our Hutong neighborhood. We had no problem with the bus and subway which were convenient and accessible to the hotel.

“Great place to live like the locals”

If you want to feel like you are living where the locals are, and not like a Westernized tourist, stay here. This place makes you feel like you live here. The staff is nice and friendly, and gives you everything you need for a great vacation. However, if you want to stay somewhere less authenticate and feel just like you are in US, I wouldn't stay here. You are smack in the middle of a neighborhood where the people actually live. No other hotel is around you. Walk out the front door, and locals are playing cards and doing their laundry. For me, this was exactly what I wanted.

“don't stay here”

The Courtyard hotel in Beijing was very atmospheric as an old-fashioned hutong hotel accompanied by old-fashioned (ie non-existent) customer service. We had booked for 4 people through Expedia and the room we were given only had 3 beds. When I took my Expedia booking form to the front desk, they claimed that the booking was for a room only and they did not pay any attention to the number of guests staying. They wanted to charge an extortionate fee for adding an extra bed. As it was late, I had 2 small tired children and we only stayed 3 nights, we put up with it, but it meant we had to squeeze together and got no sleep. Even after pointing out that there were 4 of us, the hotel only ever put out 3 towels, etc. This is pretty fundamental customer service. I know Beijing pretty well, and standards have been improving elsewhere over the last 10 years, so my advice is not to stay here - just not worth it. There are plenty of other nice hutong hotels, even further along the same alley. There were other minor irritations - half of the lights in the room did not work, the advertised "HBO" TV channel did not exist, and the much-advertised free internet is of limited value to many travellers due to the restrictions imposed on the Chinese internet (no Facebook etc). The hotel charges for bottled water. The English spoken at the front desk was very limited (I had to speak Mandarin). Overall, this is run like a hostel than a hotel, but it charges hotel prices, so go elsewhere.

“Wouldn't go back to this hotel.”

Having booked this hotel for 4 people, two adults and two children we were surprised to arrive and find there weren't enough beds for us all, but we could have an extra bed for an extra cost... Also, the hotel was in a state of untidiness and disrepair, needed some tlc and maintenance. Room was clean. Breakfast was a let down, not much food provided and if it was gone before you got to the dining room the staff weren't too happy about providing more. Also, if you request the shuttle bus or taxi to the airport make sure the staff actually arrange it for you and that when they call a taxi they get one that doesn't have a half full boot already so that you can't get your luggage in there. Also, taxi drivers are not too keen to take a taxi fare into the Hutongs. Quaint but not practical.

“Expereince China for real, rather than a bland Western style hotel”

Yes, the hutongs are the back street of Beijing but thats exactly where the locals live, and if you want to experience the real Beijing this is the place. I'd advice you getting the hotel to collect you from the airport (its dead chaep, I think we paid £7 for a car) as you'll struggle to find it as it is tucked away. As you walk off the street/alleyway into the hotel you enter a haven of calm. It is a courtyard and made us feel we really were in China. The staff are lovely, the breakfast was great, the rooms large and confortable. We spent all our time at the hotel sitting in the courtyard. If you want all the luxury, reassurance and services of a Western chain hotel then this is not for you. If you want to see how people live, look at the street vendors, see Beijing proper then this is the place for you.

“Nice Hutong, if you don't expect too much luxury”

Great location, NIce personnel, good local breakfast, clean and modern bathroom small rooms, only warm water for 10 min at a time

“A real taste of old Beijing”

I was really pleased with this quiet, intimate hotel in the heart of the few remaining hutongs. It feels like you have travelled back in time as you approach the hotel, passing street hawkers, tiny little restaurants and little groups of old ladies deeply engaged in gossip. The location is good, with plentiful small boutiques around the corner on Dong Si Nan Da Jie and pedestrianised Wangfujing 10-15 minutes' walk away. It is a short walk to two underground stations and is conveniently placed to get by taxi (which is cheap) to most of the main tourist sights, as well as the business district around Jianguomen. The room had everything I needed, including reliable wired internet access and tea-making facilities. Breakfast is in an intimate little room, which can be a little draughty but with a nice atmosphere which allows you to chat easily with other guests, if you like, but you don't have to. There is a small buffet of slightly sweet breads and basic cereal and you can have eggs cooked to order. If you like high fibre muesli, take your own (you can buy it in the international supermarkets). There is a kettle which you can boil yourself, meaning that the water is hot enough for the British to get a decent cup of tea. The staff were, without exception, charming and helpful and I felt very welcome. The hotel cat was also very friendly. The whole experience was delightful and I would highly recommend it if something with charm and character is what you are looking for.

“Our Beijing Retreat”

The courtyard style of this hotel makes for a very personal & relaxing stay. Beijing is big & bustling & the hotel provided a welcome retreat after a day sightseeing. A bottle of wine (not often available in eateries) to sip in the courtyard fixes everything this city can throw at you! The hutong area & the hotel are safe & clean. The location is great with transport, sights & restaurants all a short stroll away. Staff are friendly, breakfast good & although the complimentary airport transfer did not eventuate, I would highly recommend this hotel.

“The Real Thing”

As independent tourists without the native language it is often difficult to find a really significant cultural experience these days. It seems to be Starbucks wherever you go. Well, this hotel was the real thing. This hotel was a very special experience that enhanced our holiday and our whole experience of China. I don't hestitate to recommend it to those wanting something outside the 'generic' hotel experience.