Emperors Guards Station Beijing Courtyard Hotel - Beijing

9.2

The staff is friendly, their English is good and they are helpful. The breakfast is good. But you need to be an adventurous type, as the hotel is off an alley (hutong), and looks very unimposing from outside. However it is charming and all necessities are provided, even a hairdryer. The location is good. It's near the Oriental Mall, and about 6 blocks from Tienamen Square. Walkable, but a little far on a hot day. If you need your bathroom connected to your room without having to go out in the courtyard, choose a "twin" room, not the "double" (cheapest). The "double" room was also very small. We upgraded to "twin".

9.3

This is a nice little place. Be sure and request a room with bath inside (some have private bath but in a separate room and you have to go outside to get to it). The included breakfast was simple but good, and the coffee was good. Internet was free and the staff was friendly and spoke good English. The other guests were interesting. Some from England and some from Brazil while we were there. The location near the Oriental Plaza is good, but be warned, it is on a small alley and the entrance looks very unimpressive.

8.7

First of all: do you want a VERY interersting view of living in a chinese hutong and a warmful sociological experience? This is the right place for you (as it was for us). Very different from the amount of the "same old stuff" hotels, this one is a pearl. It's inside a real hutong, and controlled with the strong, gentle and always competent hands of Bonnie and her staff. You'll be pleased, she knows everything about Beijing (and if she does't, she'll look for you, believe us). Nevertheless, there is a slight problem: even the taxi drivers get confused when trying to find the address. It's not difficult, but you have to know EXACTLY where it is, as it goes: lines 1 and 5 - Dongdan Subway station at DongDang Bei Dajie, in front of the Oriental Plaza Shopping mall on the opposite side of it, you'll find Xifenglou Hutong. Enter it and on the SECOND srteet, turn left and go on until the seafood resuant, on our left wo buildings after, and you're there! Secnd point: there are no photos of the hotel entrance, so, we've uploaded some of the exterior entrance, once the site's picture is the room's not the hotel's entrance. Then, don't be scared of the electric boiler at your side when you bathe: it's scary, but harmless. I agree: it's not comfortable to bathe side by side an electrical appliance, but... no harm. It wouldn't hurt either a wet mop under the bed and furniture. The allergic guests would thank to that. The rest of the room is clean, comfortable and clear. Definitely a must stay!

9.6

I chose the Emperors Guard Station after reading other guests comments about it and its outstanding staff. I definitely was not disappointed! When we arrived, we were offered a complementary upgrade to their best room simply because it happened to be available. Unfortunately, our first day was accompanied by rain, but the staff generously offered to lend us (my husband, baby, and I) one of their umbrellas even though we had one already in hand. A wonderful little breakfast was brought to our room each morning served complete with a toaster, coffee maker, and fresh fruit. The staff was amazing!!! They helped us with directions, gave great recommendations on sight-seeing locations that were more baby-friendly (ie stroller accessible), and even recommended, walked us to, and helped us check into a nearby hotel on our final night in Beijing (We could not stay at the Emperors Guard Station that night because it has been previously booked by others). They went the extra mile and beyond! As far as the rooms, they were quite small, but very comfortable and clean. The bathroom in this hotel was by far the best of all the hotels I've stayed in in China! It was very clean, modern, and western. There was plenty of hot water and real shower gel and shampoo was provided. (No slippers/bath shoes though... so you might want to bring a pair). I hope I get the chance to stay here again and explore more of Beijing :)

9.3

Excellent inn, and bonnie was very helpful. She gave me great advice on where to go, when to go, and even which gates to use when I got there. The river carp restaurant next door is one of the best-prepared fish this foodie's ever had, Bonnie wrote down what they should bring me and it was great. The only downside is that it was very hard to find. Be sure to take the phone number for your cabbie, but: Go to Dongdan subway station, walk two blocks north (world mall is on your left), take a right into the hutong, then the third left. Pass a pool hall and it -- and the fish place -- are on the left.

9.9

What nice and accommodating people! I loved this place. I hope to stay here next time I come to Beijing. It's in a great location, and Bonnie and Bruce couldn't be more pleasant. It is quite small, and all rooms surround a common courtyard. It's perhaps not the best place to bring children, because of possible noise. But for the single traveler or couples it's perfect.