Peking International Youth Hostel
5, Beichizi Ertiao, Beichizi Avenue, Beijing, China, 100006
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#24 of 30
expert-rated hotels in Beijing- Recommended for:
- Backpackers / Students, Culture vultures, Seasoned travellers, Design and architecture, Escaping the crowds, History, Sightseeing
Expert review of Peking International Youth Hostel
Small but perfectly-formed hostel close to the Forbidden City.
I fell for this place as soon as I found it, which took a while because I chose the back way through umpteen zig-zagging alleyways. In a cosy hutong courtyard beside the east gate of the Forbidden City, it exemplifies the sort of hip ‘living-room’ comfort the 21st-century nomad has come to expect, with enough traditional trappings to keep the history buffs happy.
Location:
In an alleyway close to the east wall of the Forbidden City. Find your way east through the hutongs and you’ll reach the north edge of Wangfujing.
Bedrooms:
Nothing out of the ordinary – small, comfortable twins and doubles with next to no amenities or storage space. Light sleepers should request the quieter rooms in the back, away from the central courtyard.
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Public areas:
I love the open-air courtyard (rare – most are covered with a lousy glass roof). The long bench tables suit spring and summer socialising, and sunny breakfasts. The creaky old building is delightfully atmospheric, and simply being this close to the Forbidden City in a traditional hutong building imparts an exciting sense of history. A cosy, wood-beamed lobby doubles as bar / restaurant, with tasteful plants, sofas and tables.
Eating and drinking:
The kitchen cooks American breakfasts, pancakes, pasta and simple Chinese dishes. Coffee, beer and other beverages are (for me) rather overpriced.
Leisure facilities:
Bike hire, tour and ticket booking. Board games and DVDs in the lobby.
Service:
Staff are generally friendly, though they can be terse and standoffish.
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Who stays there:
Western and Chinese backpackers.
Pros:
Right next to the Forbidden City
Traditional courtyard building
Nice decoration
Cons:
Expensive for a hostel
Service a bit mixed
More information on Peking International Youth Hostel:
- Price from:
- Type:
- Hostel
- Address:
- 5, Beichizi Ertiao, Beichizi Avenue, Beijing, China, 100006
- Amenities:
- High-Speed Internet, Restaurant
- Neighbourhood:
- Forbidden City
