Beijing 161 Beihai Courtyard Hotel

The historic courtyard complex preserves some of old, low-rise Beijing, with pleasant shared areas and raised outdoor terraces. There's a bar and free wi-fi, though the signal can be unreliable. It's in a great part of the city, close to the metro and within walking distance of many interesting sights. Our bedroom was small, with very little storage and no wardrobes, though it had a quaint feel. When we arrived late in the day, the room door had been left wide open, letting in cold air and insects instead of warming the room. The internal wall seemed to have a humidity problem and needed redecorating. Sound insulation between rooms and common areas is poor, so guests should be asked to keep the noise down. Some of these details need improvement.

We had a really nice stay. The hotel was comfortable, clean, and calm, right in central Beijing.

The staff were helpful, and the hotel is only about a five-minute walk from a subway station. But the bathroom wasn't very clean and had crumbling walls. Noise carried all day and night, even other guests snoring.

I fell for the courtyard and terrace. The service was really nice, and the location was good. A great choice if you want to stay somewhere with a real Chinese atmosphere 😊