Survival Guide - Beijing - page 312

› For a hotel with real Beijing atmosphere, go for the growing coterie of courtyard hotels,
mostly located in traditional hutong neighbourhoods.
› Beijing has an increasing number of chain hotels; they are bland but cleaner and more
modern than the many old-school two- and three-star hotels.
› Hostel staff will speak the best English and their visitor information and tours are gener-
ally superior to other hotels.
› Outside of the peak tourist season, many hotels slash their listed rates by as much as
50%. Don't be shy about asking for a discount.
Useful Websites
Lonely Planet ( www.lonelyplanet.com/china/beijing ) Author recommendation views and online
booking.
Ctrip ( www.ctrip.com ) Good for discount hotel reservations.
Hostelbookers ( www.hostelbookers.com ) Big range of hostels and guesthouses.
China Homestay ( www.chinahomestay.org ) Local families who host guests.
Best Budget
Red Lantern House West Yard ( www.redlanternhouse.com ) Charming guesthouse in the
middle of hutong -land.
Qianmen Hostel ( www.qianmenhostel.net ) Heritage hostel and traveller-friendly favourite.
Beijing Downtown Backpackers ( www.backpackingchina.com ) Basic but clean rooms in the
heart of trendy Nanluogu Xiang ( Click here ) .
Three-Legged Frog Hostel ( [e-mail] ) Crazy name, but decent rooms
around a cute courtyard.
Beijing P-Loft Youth Hostel ( [e-mail] ) Efficient and amenable place that's tucked
away but still close to the sights.