Hutong Inn Zaoyuanju Hotel - Beijing

Folks who are unfamiliar with the hutongs in Beijing will be weary of the area but just know that you're not staying in a 5-star hotel with a grand entranceway. The location is ideal as you're only 1.5 blocks from the subway and within a mile or so of most major sites to see (e.g. Forbidden City, Bell/Drum Tower, Temples, etc.). My biggest complaints […] with the hotel were the dirty linens, small/lumpy beds, poor TV reception and very spotty WiFi service. Guests will be frustrated with the WiFi as its only somewhat reliable in the wee hours of the morning and late at night when most guests are asleep. The room was dirty and it seemed like the carpet had not been vacuumed/cleaned for the past few months. The other reviews that mention the lack of toiletries are spot on. Bottom line - don't go in expecting a motel/hotel experience - this really is more of a hostel with private bathrooms. Read more

Genuine Hotels.com guest review

You get what you pay......HOtel is in a great historic part of Beijing.....Lots of food places.....However the worst hotel bed I have ever slept on...The floor would have been just as great. I could not get the room heater to work. All controls were in Chinese. Very small rooms, and small bathroom. But for the price, well you get what you pay for.

Genuine Hotels.com guest review

I booked this hotel for a one night stay after my transpacific flight. I'm glad I didn't stay very long. Its not terribly nice. Its decent. And for the money - they didn't charge much - it was perfectly adequate. Just don't expect anything fancy and you'll be satisfied.

Genuine Hotels.com guest review

Overall, I can't really fault this place, considering the price paid. Its not the Ritz by any means, but its certainly quite functional for sure. The best thing about the place is the surrounding neigborhood. Its a very cool unrestored "Hutong" area with all sorts of interesting back streets that you can spend hours just walking around. Don't stay here […] if you want concierge service, mints on your pillow, and a 4 star restaurant on premises. However, if you want an affordable, serviceable room in a good area, I'd recommend it. Read more

Genuine Hotels.com guest review

very close to the Houhai area, room was clean and comfy, although there are a few caveats. I had one of the rooms in the middle which means the only window opens out to the hallway. I kept it closed to so that when people walk around they wouldn't bother me. The bathroom had a sit-down toilet but without a shower area partition -- after showering the […] entire bathroom floor was wet. That said, the price was unbeatable. Would stay here again. Read more

Genuine Hotels.com guest review

If I new what I know now I would not be there in first place and I would not, I will not recomend to any one to this Hotel. I'm suggesting you to take out your list, it will damage your credibility. There is no car access, you get out the car with bagages in walking distance and you're on very dirty road, unsafe, very bad environment and so on, so on […] you named, unimaginable. Thanks for your reading my opinion Read more

Genuine Hotels.com guest review

This stay was not the best nor the worst. Nothing horrible happened, however I felt like I was staying in a hostel, which I could handle. The service was very good, however the room was advertised with a window. There was a window, but it went to the hallway instead in the outside. Also, the room smelled of smoke which most likely was coming from the […] hallway. Read more

Genuine Hotels.com guest review

very satisfying

Genuine Hotels.com guest review

The only thing positive abouthy this hotel is its close to a subway station. Nothing else. Its a bad bad hotel staff is there to make money and rip you dont care how they do that. Location is hidden away no taxi can find it. Now there is lots of construction around so makes it even harder. Rooms are tiny and in bad shape. I would never ever go to a […] hotel like this and never recommend it to any one. Read more

Genuine Expedia guest review

This is an unpretentious hotel but considering price and location, it would be hard to beat. It's near the Subway Line 2 and within walking distance of many of Beijing's most interesting old historic sites. There are also plenty of very cheap places to eat nearby. The staff is quite friendly, though possibly English challenged. I stayed here three nights […] and would have happily stayed four more if time had permitted. Note: ask to see the room first and if it doesn't suit you, look at another. If not busy, prices are probably negotiable. The hotel is to the east of Jiu Gulou Street about 100 meters down the alley, 300 meters south of Gulou subway station. Read more

Genuine Hotels.com guest review

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Genuine Hotels.com guest review

there is nothing this erea hotel also very bad condition

Genuine Hotels.com guest review

I've been here with my family, 2 kids and my wife. We loved the location, very convenient, the price is extremely cheap for what we got, I do recommend it.

Genuine Hotels.com guest review

Hotel is really a 1-star porperty. The hotel respetion person spoke Emglish well enough to communicate. The hotel is very basic. It is clean. There is no bath or shower stall and merely a shower in the bathroom. The hotel does not provide bar soap. They provide two foil packages of liquid soap about enough to wash one's hands. Condoms and spare underpants […] are available for purchase in the room. Read more

Genuine Hotels.com guest review

Very convenient to metro station as well as a cool local neighborhood. Only issues- I had to fix the wireless connection for the hotel, turns out they didn't have their router plugged in, and even then it was weak. Thankfully they did provide an ethernet cable in the room. Like most Chinese hotels, you have to put the room card in a slot to make the […] electricity work, it was a bit inconsistent, but not horrible. Skip breakfast at the hotel and head over by the Drum Tower, a great bakery with french pastries and good coffee! Read more

Genuine Hotels.com guest review

The room was small and a little run down, but not bad for the price. It's no incredible bargain, mind you: for the same price you could get a slightly better room at a Super 8 back in the States outside of major cities, but the fact that you're in Beijing more than makes up for that. There was a computer in the room, and Internet access is free despite […] the notice in the welcome book that it is not. Free wireless is subject to sometimes spotty reception. (If you want or need Youtube, Facebook, or normal Google, you'll have to use VPN tunnel to access these from anywhere in China, which is easy if you have a university email/mainframe account at a US school--just ask your IT help desk to set this up on your laptop before leaving for China. ). Unless you have a ton of baggage, you don't need a cab to get to the hotel. Just take the #2 subway line to Gulou stop and then walk south along Jiu Gulou street. The Zhang-Wang Hutong will be not too far down on the east side of the street (look for the RED sign), so you'll have to cross the street to get to it. Once on the Zhang-Wang, it's only about 100 yards down on the left. The place seems to be quite a hit with the backpacker crowd, and as one other reviewer noted, the walls are paper thin so bring your earplugs. This may not seem like a glowing review, but all in all I did like the place and would recommend it to anyone who doesn't require 4-star accommodations. Read more

Genuine Hotels.com guest review

The hotel was a complete disaster. The street to the hotel was so narrow that cars can't get pass through it. And it was within a neighborhood where the surroundings are not kept tidy at all. The rooms were so small that you can't hardly move and from the bed, it only takes you one step and you find yourself in the toilet which was so small and it stinks […] big time. This hotel definitely can't be recommended to people who plans to go around the city because, it really is too far from everything. Even getting to the subway will be a problem since the main road is also under construction and it is a half a kilometer from the hotel to make it to the subway. It may be a cheap hotel inn, but definitely its a waste of hard earned money, if you know what I mean. Read more

Genuine Expedia guest review

We stayed a month, right before tourist season started. The hotel was exactly right, economical, close to the #2 Metro, walking distance to the lakes, Bell and Drum towers and many restaurants. Plus, being in the Hutong was interesting. It was fun to wander. The Staff and neighbors were all very kind. I really liked the harder bed so I don't know if […] there were softer ones, I expect so. For the Money, A very good Hotel. Even with a larger expendable income we would prefer this hotel to a large luxury one in a less interesting neighborhood. Felt completely safe, good hot water & internet. Read more

Genuine Hotels.com guest review

This was a nightmare. After we found the hotel with LOTS of difficutly asking atleat 10 people along the way and driving in very nasty neighborhoods and narrow alleyways, the hotel was not that great. The room ameneties were clean and good for the price, but they charge for everything including tourist maps. Their tour bus is 3 times taht of average […] tour price. They charge 3 times for taxi if you take their taxi to the airport. They have no elevator and I needed help with large heavy suitcases. The breakfast is legally minimal, just toast, tea and horrible coffee. Except for two girls in the front desk, no one else speaks any english. This is okay for someone who wants real adventure but not for innocent tourists who just want to go shopping and sightseeing. Everything is far from here and there is heavy traffic jam. The wonderful east side has lots of great places why stay here? Read more

Genuine Hotels.com guest review

This is a great place for and aventure traveler. Right in the midst of the Hutong area you can use the Drum tower as a landmark to get you close to home. Only 3 blocks from the subway station. The little narrow streets are quaint. If you are in China for a while and are tired of noodles you can swing by a small restaurant call the BOX that is about […] a block away for a burger and some frys. The owner Aurther from Canada runs this place to hang our and have good food and beer. We walked to the forbidden city, a bit of a walk but doable and enjoyable if you go there through the park. Also within walking distance of bar street where all kinds of restaurant, bars, and shops line the lake. It's a nice place to hang your hat if you are OK with basic acommidations in a good location at a low cost. Read more

Genuine Hotels.com guest review

Tracy was very helpful!! Thank you

Genuine Expedia guest review

THIS HOTEL IS DIFFICULT TO GET TO IF YOU DO NOT HAVE WRITTEN CHINESE NAME AND ADDRESS. I WISH TO GET THIS INFORMATION FROM HOTEL.COM. LOCATION IS CONVENIENT TO DRUM TOWER AND METRO STATION. ROOM DOES NOT HAVE CLOSET BUT YOU HAVE SHELVES AND HOOKS. COMPUTER WITH INTERNET ACCESS IS VERY CONVENIENT. PEOPLES ARE FRIENDLY. BREAKFAST IS SIMPLE BUT O.K. THERE […] IS NO ICE MACHINE. OVERALL EXPERIENCE IS VERY GOOD FOR THE MONEY. Read more

Genuine Hotels.com guest review

Great Hotel and Staff for the price I paid.

Genuine Hotels.com guest review

Considering the low price, this is a fantastic deal. It is clean and well-located, with excellent and friendly service, a/c, and TV including BBC News. Not only is there free wireless, there is actually a computer in the room. The rooms are smallish but perfectly adequate for one person. The cost includes a free Western-style breakfast buffet served […] until 10, with eggs you can cook yourself. It's a 10-minute walk to the subway and about 10-15 minutes to the Old Drum Tower. There are good restaurants on the main street (Jiu Gulou Dajie), a well-stocked convenience store, and the English-language China Daily is available at the newstand by the subway station. By the way, if you haven't been to Beijing since the Olympics, they have added about 8 new subway lines to the original 2, and they're fast, clean, and modern. The rooms are in a newish 3-story building, so it's not exactly a courtyard hotel -- the original courtyard holds outdoor tables with umbrellas for the snack bar. I only had breakfast there, so I can't comment on the other food. Read more

Genuine Hotels.com guest review

The hotel is in a great central location and is close to the Metro, restaurants and bars. The hotel is a little run down, but is comfortable and has free wifi. The staff can speak English and were extremely helpful with my requests. Good value overall.

Genuine Hotels.com guest review

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Genuine Hotels.com guest review

Enjoyed our stay at the Hutong Inn. It was clean and the staff were helpful and friendly. 10 mins walk from the underground and breakfast was included in the price. Would definitely stay here again :)

Genuine Hotels.com guest review

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Genuine Hotels.com guest review

Was quiet and friendly staff and good value but like others who had trouble finding it I just ask a bike taxi to take me there for 10 China dollar and it took 2 minutes, area not the best but you never stay at the hotel all day so was satisfied

Genuine Hotels.com guest review

for the price, I was satisfied -- room was spacious enough and staff was very accommodating. breakfast was simple (same fare everyday) which was commensurate to the price. only downer was the comfort room which begs for major cleaning and plumbing repair.

Genuine Hotels.com guest review

Nice hotel. Conveniently located near subway station. Many nice small restaurants in the neighborhood. Just difficult to find since the street sign is small and partially covered by another sign. Would have been better if there is some variety in the breakfast food served but as others have commented, what would you expect for the very cheap price you […] paid? Recommended for people just looking for a bed to sleep after a whole day of sighseeing. Read more

Genuine Hotels.com guest review

I loved this spot in a traditional area of Beijing. 10 min walk to subway and 10 min walk to a wonderful street at night full of cafes and restaurants. This place looks average in the daytime but was a wonderful place to explore at night. The staff were friendly in their broken English and Chinese mannerisms but that is all part of the authentic experience. […] The room was nice and for the price was a terrific place to stay. Thanks Read more

Genuine Hotels.com guest review

great location. super easy access to everywhere. if you like being submerged in a daily local Hutong scene, it doesn't better than this. i booked a business double which wasn't available on arrival. had to switch to a twin room. small room. some of the services mentioned in the description (clock radio, complimentary bottled water) wasn't available. […] semi-professional staff. often times there were loud arguing from the back office while you had breakfast. Read more

Genuine Hotels.com guest review

as some previous posts, it took about an hour and a half from exiting the nearest subway to find the hotel. This is due to the hotel map showing the hotel to be on Golou W st, which is totally wrong it is actuallly of Jiugulou St, nearly opposite the Youth hostel and very close to the subway stop. Had to ask a couple of locals in shops for directions […] who were very helpful even calling the hotel for the location. The actual hotel itself is very nice, a nice room, wetroom bathroom, and the location is fantastic for getting to the forbidden city, and for getting to the bus station to get to the great wall. Also the surrounding location is great, with plenty of bars, restaurants and a very nice street full of boutique stores on your doorstep. Read more

Genuine Hotels.com guest review

Overall I enjoyed my stay in this hotel.Naturally I had to make a few adjustments to cope with the local culture and norms,but that wasn't difficult to do.I choose this hotel because it was in an older settled neighbourhood which gave me an insight into how local people live and go about their daily lives.This hotel is a good place to meet other travellers […] from all corners of the globe.Eating was not a problem as there were all types of restaurants within a stone's throw from the hotel.So yes you could say I was a happy visitor to Beijing and the blogs ,which i read carefully before I booked this hotel,were generally very accurate and informative as far as I was concerned.Overall I give this hotel a 4.3 of 5 rating. Read more

Genuine Hotels.com guest review

Room is good, especially with TV & computer (free internet)! Breakfast is very basic with this reasonable room price. The only disadvantage-- no roof to connect from lobby to breakfast place. If it's rainy day, u'll get wet before/ after u have your breakfast. There're many restaurants nearby, very convenient.

Genuine Hotels.com guest review

This is a hostel in a hutong so on that basis it is quite OK. Many 'laowi' stay here. Staff speak almost no English so cannot help if you have a problem, or give directions etc. Breakfast quite adequate, coffee good. Close to major sights - get #5 bus near Drum Tower (turn right from hotel and left on main road) to Tienanmen/Forbidden City etc for 1 […] yuan- it's a long walk to the sights. Walk to subway 10 mins. Two great western restaurants within 100 metres - The Box for great burgers, paninis etc and western movies on large screen, Another next to YHA serves pizza and many other great dishes. Ask girls at The Box for directions to train ticket office - basically, turn left immediately past YHA, through big gates and see the guy in the store on the left side there. Read more

Genuine Hotels.com guest review

Hotel was good value for cost. It's definitely not for the faint of heart though, as the ally way leading to the hotel smells like sewage, has half naked men sitting on car seats, and has piles of garbage. However inside there is a 1950s old china charm. And it's maintained well enough. The showerhead is over the toliet though, so that was a downside. […] All in all it gives a real china experience. Read more

Genuine Hotels.com guest review

This hotel is very good relative to the very reasonable price. It's very clean, and the rooms are a good size. The staff are all very friendly and always smile. I stayed for 4 nights and didn't have any problems. The walls are paper thin, and you can hear conversations from the corridors and the rooms on either side. The location itself is very convenient, […] but the maps i used from the hotel website and Hotels.com website were not specific enough. For greater clarity, this is how you get there:: From Galoudajie metro station (Line 2) go to Exit B. Turn right once you are outside and keep walking for approx 200metres. As you are walking, keep an eye out on your left-hand side for "Zhangwang Hutong". It is located along this very narrow road (Hutong). There are many nice eating places nearby. I would stay here again if i were to return to Beijing. Read more

Genuine Hotels.com guest review

I liked the hotel. The staff is very nice and friendly. They have many happy customers. Full of happy reviews on the wall. Funny was that they have a small library with books from old guests. I could find Swedish books end magazines! Cool. For the taxi from the airport to the hotel. Take a taxi. Don't let someone take you away to a taxi. Take the first […] normal taxi. Make sure the taximeter is visible and used. From Airport to the hotel should be approximately 80 Yuan. Don't beleive them with fixed prices and prices like 250-800 Yuan. Just leave the taxi and take another one. The taxi drivers are always trying to trick you and the people helping you catch taxis don't warn you. Taxis are very cheap and nothing like European prices! It's much cheaper to catch a taxi in the street than to use the Hotels airport transfer service. Remember that! Read more

Genuine Hotels.com guest review

Location of the hotel on the map is totally off. Had to wonder around in the maze of small streets and alleys before I found the place. When I found it - turned out to be a good and easy located hotel after all. My advice: If you're arriving by subway, exit line 2 at Guloudajie station by the exit "B" and walk south (away from the small river and traffic […] overpass). Stay with the main street for several blocks. You'll see a hotel red sign on the left over the 1 storey mostly residential buildings roofs. Neighbourhood very "local". Located on a very small street, but close to some not so bed restaurants and convenience stores. Hotel room - nothing special, but a nice "nothing special". For this kind of money, there was nothing which could bother me at all. Clean, quiet room with friendly and helpful staff. Airline lost my bags, and the hotel staff was extremely helpful with communication and language translations free of charge and happy to help. Breakfast - very inexpensive and unique. Be prepared to cook your own egg dish to your own liking. Staff doesn't cook. Basic choice of bread, jam, fruits and veggies, but sufficient. Exactly what I expected for the money. No more, no less. Wireless internet could be a bit stronger and better, but having an access to it for free takes away the right to complain. It was an experiment in breaking my habit with staying in other hotel in the city during my visits. Experiment was successful. I will be coming back. Read more

Genuine Hotels.com guest review

i like the hotel very much. Close to the neat hutong area with nice restaurants nearby. however, the breakfast and the "toothbrush/soap" set are needing improvement in future. Frank

Genuine Hotels.com guest review

The hotel is hard to find the first time because doesn't appear at the correct location on the map. (It is on the small street opposite the YHA). I stayed there for 10 days. Service is good. the location is good as well, 5 minutes from Gulou train station(circular line), 5 minutes walking from Bei hai which is very nice with a lot of restaurants and […] bars. The surroundings are safe as well. Wifi is only on the main area , it wasn't working on my room. It is an excellent hotel/hutong for the price and the location. Read more

Genuine Hotels.com guest review

The map given on the website with the location of the hotel is way off. The biggest favor the site could do for these places is allow them a way to put up the address in Chinese. The hotel is a short walk from the #2 subway stop "Guloudajie", out the south west exit about 2 blocks south then down the side hutong (east). There is an awesome pie shop […] a few blocks down that main road on the west side of the street. They have great coffee as well. If you continue that general direction the lake walk area is fantastic as well. The bed was one of the better ones we had in our trip. The shower is just open in the bathroom, some might find this annoying. It would be much better if they provided a squeegee for the floor, I've seen these on some of the Scandinavian ferry boats. The staff was very friendly and helpful. The rates at the time for laundry was decent as they let you do a whole bag. The breakfast is very simple so don't get overly excited about it being free, though it is more than any other place we stayed offered. I think the summer heat was swelling the door as on a particularly hot day they would tend to stick and slam making for a noisy morning. Read more

Genuine Hotels.com guest review

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Genuine Hotels.com guest review

is really close to metro line or subway walk a it and you are there please put a sign in the main stret for visitors

Genuine Hotels.com guest review

overall quite affordable and the location was not bad. only complaint was that it tended to become noisy as the walls did not block sound well. also, the room i got did not have a outside window which made the room rather seem stuffy at times

Genuine Hotels.com guest review

This hotel is situated in a wonderful local section of Beijing. The staff were brilliantly nice, knowledgeable and helpful with questions, directions and arrangements during my stay. I look forward to returning many times in the future!

Genuine Hotels.com guest review

Bien situé, proche du métro, bon rapport qualité-prix

Genuine Hotels.com guest review

A good place to stay with OK breakfast. 5 minutes to subway and a lot of restaurants in the neighbourhod.

Genuine Hotels.com guest review