First-time in Zhao Yuan Ju Hotel

It was like some secret waiting to be discovered, Zao Yuan Ju Hotel, or Hutong Inn, is located in the narrow hutong of Zhang Wang, surrounded by old houses, some of which has been transformed into a store or a small eatery. Without any much signage, you wouldn’t think a hotel is found a few walks down the alley.

Situated in central Beijing, within the city’s second ring, the hotel is near the Bell and Drum Tower, Beihai Park, Jingshan Park, and the Forbidden City. It is a small hotel with only 68 guest rooms.

The hotel’s surroundings may not be too commercialized and seem to be part of the old Beijing, but it provided a homey atmosphere where residents in nearby houses take their dogs out for a walk or chatted with each other in the afternoon. The hotel was like an old family compound transformed into a low-rise building. There’s a yard beyond the common lobby area with tables and umbrellas where guests could dine, chat, or just hang around.

It was a backpacker’s haven. Not only was it cheap but it was close to almost everything. Plus, there are internet services, too. The reception desk area, where computers are available for internet rental, has a large bulletin board filled with messages of guests from all over the world.

Most of the guests who were there during our stay were Caucasians. One German chatted with us at the yard and mistook us for Latinas. He was surprised to find out that we were Filipinos.

The rooms were also clean with air-conditioning unit and television set, and private bath with hot shower and hair dryer. Our room was for triple sharing. But as one of our companions backed out from the trip, we got an extra bed for two occupants.

The breakfast buffet was priced at RMB40 but the selection was quite limited to bread, cereals, fruits, and eggs. There was an eatery nearby and a convenient store along the main highway where we bought some of our meals.

The hotel staff members were also extremely nice and majority of them could speak English. Since our train schedule to leave Beijing was at night, we were able to check out at the designated time and left our baggage while we wandered off around the city.

Although there’s a short walk towards the main street of Jiu Gu Lou because Zhang Wang Hutong is too narrow and is a one-way alley, Jiu Gu Lou DaJie is always abuzz with taxis. In the afternoon, traffic may build up near the Bell and Drum Tower.

Bicycles could also be rented at the hotel. They also arrange for city tours to Beijing’s famous tourist spots and I must say that their package were way, way cheaper than those of travel agencies.

If you are looking for a homey place to stay that is affordable and accessible, then you might want to consider booking at Zao Yuan Ju Hotel.