Imperial Courtyard

Pros: great location (once you find it) charming courtyard sweet if not fully professional staff Cons: only two drawers and a coat rack - no closet or wardrobe uneven wifi intermittent smell of smoke my room only had accessible electrical outlets in the bathroom (others hidden behind headboard) my included breakfast, supposedly available 8-10, wasn't available if I asked for it at 9:30 ("The cook has gone to buy vegetables.") some noise in the courtyard during sleeping hours

I decided to stay 1 night here mainly to experience the hutong environment. If you can figure out its exact location, it is about 8 mins walk from Andingmen Station, Line 2, exit A. Upon entering the hotel, one is brought back to ancient Chinese era. The hotel maintains its decor and design to reflect that. The room is small, as I have to place my luggage on the floor. Bed is comfortable. The bathroom is acceptable, if you are not fussy about cleanliness. Staff is friendly and helpful, though couldn't communicate in English. Breakfast only served after 8am. I tried it out of curiosity. There are 2 options, Chinese set 25rmb & Western set 35rmb. I ordered the Western set, pathetic for the price. Don't bother to try. Though I didn't mind staying 1 night for the experience, I prefer a bigger room with better amenities for longer stays. Transport tips - if you wish to go to Deshengmen Tower to catch buses to Badaling great wall or Ming tombs, you can take buses 12 or 44 along the main road, 2 stops only.

My parents are very satisfied with their stay here. The location is great, the Asian-style breakfast is yummy, and staff there are friendly and helpful. The hotel is very close to Line 2 railway station, and you can walk to the Imperial Academy and Yonghe Lamasery. You would easily immerse in the Hutong culture of Beijing when you stay there. My parents really enjoyed this quaint hotel and asked me to leave a 5-star review for it.