A True Hermit Lives Right Downtown: Boutique Hotels for Your Next Beijing Staycation
Note: We understand that with the ongoing outbreak, now might not be the ideal time to start roaming around the city. However, in the hope that the pandemic will be under control before Dragon Boat Festival, here are some options anyway. As of Jun 15, all of the venues below are allowing Beijingers to stay with the presentation of a valid ID and a clean Health Kit status.
To truly indulge in Beijing's charm, there's no better way than to hunker down in one of its many hutongs, which are generally within walking distance of the city's main attractions, yet tucked enough away from the chaotic streets to provide a calming getaway. The best way to do so – bar renting a courtyard of your own – is by exploring the plethora of boutique hotels and hostels waiting to host your next staycation in the city.
SonGy Hotel Beijing
An old Chinese proverb states, "A hermit can hide in the wild but can truly be hidden in a city,” and it is this spirit that SonGy Hotel Beijing looks to embody. Located close enough to Dongsi and Zhangzizhonglu subway stations that getting around town is easy, SonGy is still far enough off the beaten track that you can escape the noise of city life. The rooms, most of them lofts, are designed in a way that maximizes space and makes them suitable for couples or small groups. Skylights in the rooms mean that you're guaranteed a serene and sunny wakeup call and a relaxing brunch on their terrace completes a perfect start to the day.
Average price: RMB 650 for two, RMB 730 with breakfast. Tax included.
Special amenities: Modern furniture, loft layout, designed with light in mind.
Address: 32 Liushuixiang Dongsiliutiao, Dongcheng District (东城区东四六条流水巷32号)
The Orchid Beijing
The genesis of The Orchid is an interesting one. Founder Joel Shuchat started out by renting and renovating spare rooms in his neighborhood before combining a cluster to make one of the most popular high-end boutique hotels in the capital. The hotel's communal space fuses traditional Beijing architectural principals with modern design, including minimal decoration and a color palette evoking classical Suzhou gardens (pictured at top). Those who enjoy cooking or dining-in will be happy to find that many of the rooms come equipped with kitchenware as well as their own private patios. If you're feeling lazy, however, simply wander over to The Orchid's affiliated cafe and bakery (The Bake Shop), dim sum restaurant (Furongji), or bar (Bao Jian).
Average price: RMB 920 room for two and breakfast included. Tax included.
Special amenities: Traditional interior design, plentiful outdoor space, excellent dining options.
Address: 65 Baochao Hutong, Dongcheng District (东城区宝钞胡同65号)
Redwall Jingshan Garden Hotel
If waking up in the Forbidden City is on your bucket list, then a stay at Redwall Jingshan Garden Hotel is your best option given that the world-renowned cultural heritage site and locus of Beijing's 500-year-old empire sits just one street away. Between lazing around like the emperors and empresses of yore and enjoying performances and cultural activities provided by the hotel, this staycation is perfect for anyone keen to not only know more about the city's history, but fully immerse themselves in it.
Average price: RMB 720 for two, RMB 800 with breakfast. Tax included.
Special amenities: Very close to Forbidden City and Jingshan Park, cultural experiences provided.
Address: 68 Sanyanjing Hutong, Dongcheng District (东城区三眼井胡同丙68号)
Beijing Yibushe Guesthouse
With all of its rooms' designed according to traditional Chinese aesthetics, Beijing Yibushe Guesthouse probably hits closest to home in terms of old-world charm. The friendly neighborhood feel and expertly crafted rooms ensure that your time spent indoors is just as integral to your staycation experience as what you will find outside. Moreover, the guesthouse is a stone's throw away from the historical Yandaixie Jie, leading straight to the part-tranquil, part-frenetic banks of Houhai.
Average price: RMB 999 for two, breakfast not included
Special amenities: Spacious rooms, themed decorations, group and children friendly
Address: Near Xiye Gongfang Di'anmen Outer Street, Dongcheng District (东城区地安门外大街西冶工坊胡同口)
Read: How Travel, Venues, and Schools Stand to be Affected by Latest COVID-19 Outbreak
Images courtesy of the venues
