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Recommended place to stay:

The Orchid

Last updated: 30 December, 2023

A secret sanctuary in the hutongs, The Orchid is one of the best options to get a feel for traditional Beijing life.

The owners have restored and built upon a Qing Dynasty-era courtyard home, adding gardens, restaurants and a terrace bar with majestic views of the Drum and Bell Towers, looming above the eaves of courtyard rooftops.

Petite guestrooms come with Chinese tea sets and mobile phones, and there are larger ‘dispersed’ suites dotted about in nearby alleyways.

Enclosed by a grid of strollable lanes, and close to Houhai Lake and the Lama Temple, the Orchid makes a wonderful base for sightseeing on foot.

Surrounding area

Beijing’s narrow hutong lanes don’t suit taxis, so you’ll have to drag your case from the main road to find The Orchid.

It’s well worth the effort, though, because the location is a delightful respite from the high-rise hustle of Beijing’s more modern districts.

Wander the surrounding alleys and you’ll see locals sitting outside playing xiangqi (Chinese chess) and sipping tea, and no shortage of Chinese tourists at nearby Nanluogu Xiang, a popular snack street.

Look out for stylish venues dotted throughout the neighbourhood, like Cafe Zarah for coffee and breakfast, and Modernista for cocktails and live jazz.

The Orchid have prepared an excellent walking map of their immediate neighbourhood, ideal for a hutong wander.

Price

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General amenities

Key facilities

Airport transfers*
Beach: None
Fitness centre
Fitness classes
Golf course
Hot tub
Kids club
Parking: Not available
Pool (adults only)
Pool (indoor)
Pool (outdoor)
Pool (kids)
Spa
Tennis courts
WiFi: Free
Yoga

Food & drink

All inclusive
Kids menu
Restaurant on-site
Self catering
*
Additional charge

Room amenities

Room types

Apartments
Bedrooms
Cabins
Suites
Tents
Villas
Yurts

Room facilities

Air conditioning
Flat screen TV
Hot tub (private)
Pool (private)
Tea & coffee making facilities
WiFi

Bedding options

2+ bedrooms
3+ beds
Connecting rooms
Rollaway/sofa bed

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