Leo Hostel

I enjoyed the Secret Great Wall tour, and the room was clean and decent quality, with a kettle and a TV. Because of construction, I was moved to a private room with two double beds, which I appreciated, but it was freezing and I ended up using both comforters. The hot shower was amazing. I found the room very expensive, though. Overall, I'd recommend staying at 365 inn across the street and booking the tour through leo.

The location is really good, close to the center and surrounded by lots of small markets that stay open 24/7. The rooms are small, and there is only one bathroom, on the ground floor. If you're on the first floor, you have to go downstairs through the hostel bar to reach it. With a large suitcase, the ground floor is a better choice because the stairs are very narrow. I'd call it an okay hostel.

The location is great, the staff speak perfect English, and the bathroom was clean. I stayed in a six-bed dorm on the first floor. Still, I wouldn't stay here again. The next day I developed a neck rash that I thought was eczema, but it turned out to be a fungal infection similar to athlete's foot. It was easy to treat, though it took several weeks to clear, and there were bed bugs too. Both make me question the cleanliness. I'd suggest calling before your trip to confirm the reservation. I booked online two weeks ahead, but when I arrived they said they 'couldn't find' it. I was lucky there were plenty of openings because it wasn't a weekend or holiday.

I asked for a lower bunk when I arrived, and the staff put me in a private room with a shared bathroom. The room was small but comfortable, though the mattress pads often used in China could do with replacing. The bathroom stalls were cramped, but the showers were spacious and had unlimited hot water. The toilets seemed to clog regularly from too much paper; bidet wands might help reduce both the paper use and the blockages. The on-site restaurant is a little expensive and skimps on the meat. The bun was bigger than the burgers. The banger was good, and I loved the mashed potatoes, but they wouldn't swap the fries for mash. I recommend the place.