Red Lantern House

Located at the No.5 Zhengjue Hutong, Xinjie Kou, Xicheng District. Absolutely adorable hotel with a genuine Chinese feeling. The courtyard in the middle is a great place to hang out, talk to new friends or just sit by yourself and read. Its location in a classical Hutong adds to the feel of experiencing the real China. They offer airport pickup for ¥160 ,Dorm beds from ¥45, singles from ¥130, doubles from ¥140.. +8610 66115771/66169477 (lindyguo@hotmail.com)

Located not far west from Beijing South train station. About ¥20 from Beijing Zhan (Beijing Train station) by taxi, or take buse #744 or #20; best from Qianmen near Tiananmen Square. There’s a whopping ¥200 deposit but 4 bed dorms with a/c are reasonably priced at ¥31 or ¥260/360 for standard suite, the more expensive option in the building in the back (newer). Level 6 has a laundry, kitchen, and travel agency. Internet access is located towards the train station (look for the fish net character on the signs, or ask for netbar or a few blocks away to the west near KFC, McDonalds and a supermarket. Plenty of eating is nearby, and also don’t miss the Art Deco interior of a hotel/restaurant when its lit up at night (head towards KFC).

Located directly across from Beijing Zhan (Beijing train station), Dorms bed ¥60 (4-8 beds). Doubles with shared bathrooms ¥160..

Located at the  No. 9 Shijia Hutong, Dongcheng District. This place is about a 15 minute’s walk from the Beijing Main Railway Station. From the station, follow the road North past the Beijing International Hotel. After about a ten minute walk look for the hotel sign with an arrow pointing down one of the hutongs on the left side. The hotel is very popular with backpackers. They charge ¥180 for a triple room, ¥160 for a double room and ¥40-50 for a bed in a dormitory (the price depends on how many beds are in the room). There’s a restaurant on the top floor. The staff  could speak English. Tel. 86-10-65272773, 65249098, Sagayangguang.

Located at the #90 Tie Shu Xie Jie, Xuan Wu District. It’s in a traditional Chinese courtyard, about 10 minutes walking from Tiananmen Square. The Far East Youth Hotel has become very famous after having been added to major travel guides. During summer time you should book one week in advance. Tel. 86-10-51958811.

It is a good alternative to the Far East and is just around the corner. Leo’s Hotel is in the same road as the Far East, has a free Playstation 2, Internet, Pool, lockers, maps, guides, magazines etc. It is well known for its friendly staff and lively bar atmosphere. It has a beautiful courtyard, with dorm rooms (¥45-70) as well as private rooms (¥160-200) Tel: (10) 63031595 or (10) 63033318.

It is one of the cheapest places in the Qianmen Hutong. It has an traditional arichitecture and is just near the East and Leo’s. Don’t try to find any of the narrow roads on the map. Navigation is only possible by asking or in a rickshaw. Dorm bed  is ¥35, triple room is ¥210. Tel: (10) 63015088 or (10) 63032665.

It is located at Dongdan Santiao, behind Oriental Plaza ,in the basement of the Oriental Plaza shopping/office/residential complex next to Wangfujing. Private rooms cost about ¥90 per night - book in advance. The staff could speak a little English. Internet access is available at ¥10 per hour. It takes 5 minute to the Dongdan or Wangfujing subway stations on foot and about 15 minute to the International Hotel airport shuttle stop. Tel: (10) 65284347

It is located between Leo hotel and Far East Y/H. The hotel is a traditional siheyuan with beautiful courtyard. The staff can speak a little English and are very friendly. There are two PCs available, Internet access costs ¥10 per hour. Twin room costs ¥150, 180, 220. Tel: 86-10-63043822

It is one of the most mysterious and charming old-Beijing style courtyard inns, which is located in Sanbulao Hutong in Houhai and takes only 5 minutes to the Houhai Lake by foot. It provides free services such as a map of Beijing, tour of HuTong(traditional courtyard house), tea, Internet access, satellite TV & DVD access, usage of kitchen, baggage deposit. The staff  could speak English, and there is parking as well. Each single rooms cost $15 or up per day. Dorm beds cost $6 or up. Tel: +86-10-66128458, Cellphone: +86-13439801676, Email:Guang_wang1980@hotmail.com