Beijing Hotels with Bars

When people talk about the Mandarin Oriental Wangfujing, Beijing, they often label it as a 'luxury hotel in the hutongs,' a 'hidden gem along the central axis,' or a 'masterpiece of the Qianmen regeneration project.' But if we set aside these external definitions and focus purely on the stay experience, the deepest impression it left on me can be summed up in two words: sheer comfort. This comfort doesn't stem from any single specific amenity, but rather from an overall feeling. Tucked away deep within Beijing's Qianmen hutongs, stepping through the gate from the bustling streets into the courtyard felt like entering a different dimension of time. Grey bricks, dark tiles, courtyard walls, and tree shadows – all elements were distinctly Beijing, yet without any forced emphasis on being 'Beijing.' The design didn't just stop at symbolism; instead, it re-organized the hutong courtyard lifestyle, truly allowing guests to live in a modern Beijing courtyard home. Beijing in the summer is particularly suited to this place. The afternoon sun dappled through the leaves onto the courtyard, with doves perched quietly on the branches. Sitting in the courtyard, watching the clouds drift slowly between the eaves and grey walls, you suddenly understand why old Beijingers always said, 'There must be a tree in the courtyard.' The tree not only provides shade but also marks the passage of time. The wind changes, the light changes, and the tree shadows change. Many mention its 'hidden location in the hutongs,' but what's truly worth experiencing isn't just the hidden aspect, but rather that elusive relationship with Beijing's urban culture. Outside the walls are the hustle and bustle of Qianmen, while inside, the unique sense of scale characteristic of courtyard living is preserved. Looking up, you see the sky; looking down, you see tree roots and青砖 (qingzhuan - traditional grey bricks); occasionally, birdsong can be heard. These seemingly ordinary details become precious in today's city. The service also left an excellent impression. It wasn't an overly enthusiastic kind of service, but rather a sincere and well-measured attentiveness. Help was always there when needed, yet they maintained an appropriate distance when not. Many high-end hotels can achieve professionalism, but it's not easy to make guests feel genuine care, and this place truly has that ability. Near check-out, I had a chat with the duty manager, Chloe. What began as a simple conversation unexpectedly became a memorable part of this stay. She meticulously detailed the design philosophy and spatial characteristics of the hotel's 42 rooms, patiently explaining everything from the layouts of different courtyards to the subtle differences between rooms. One could feel her genuine understanding and passion for this hotel, which in turn gave me a more complete appreciation for this hidden hutong gem. My special thanks also go to Chloe for her insights and hospitality. Upon leaving, I felt that the most precious aspect of this hotel wasn't its luxury, but rather how it has preserved the ambiance of courtyard living in a rapidly changing city like Beijing. Shade from trees, grey walls, summer clouds, birdsong. These seemingly ordinary things collectively form a part of my memory of summer in Beijing. If staying at a hotel is about experiencing a space, then the Mandarin Oriental Wangfujing is more about experiencing a Beijing way of life. It may not be for everyone, but for those willing to slow down and embrace the city, beauty can be found everywhere here.

The hotel's location is excellent, right next to Wangfujing Pedestrian Street, surrounded by luxury shops, making it very convenient to get around. The Mandarin Oriental's attention to detail is superb. The understated luxury and 'old money' vibe are precisely my style. The vanity room is spacious, and they prepared welcome fruits and snacks, a bottle of red wine, and even pear soup, along with a beautifully written welcome letter. It truly made me feel right at home. Breakfast is a mix of buffet and à la carte, with fresh, organic ingredients and amazing flavors. I even had breakfast alongside the Russian ambassador at the next table! Sipping a coffee with a Forbidden City latte art design on the large terrace overlooking the Forbidden City, I truly experienced a taste of royal life. So happy! 😃

Fantastic stay! The front desk staff (they/them) were super friendly and efficient with check-in, and even helped with my luggage up to the room. The room was clean and tidy, and the bedding was so comfortable, I slept wonderfully. Breakfast had a great variety and tasted good too. I'll definitely choose this place again next time! 👍

The facilities are quite comprehensive, the bedding is clean, and the hygiene is impeccable. The environment is quiet, perfect for resting, and the service is attentive. The most pleasant surprise was the late check-out until 2 PM, so I wasn't rushed with all my luggage – so thoughtful! 👏 I'll definitely choose this place again!!

The location is absolutely unbeatable. It's just a few minutes' walk to the National Art Museum subway station (Line 8). Lao She's Former Residence and Wangfujing are both within a ten-minute walk. We even walked to the Forbidden City – it was quicker than taking a taxi or the subway! Even though it was hot, the breeze made it much more bearable than I expected. The staff were all very friendly, the cleanliness was good, and the facilities were decent, though the mattress was a bit too high. The pool isn't huge, but it's sufficient. Breakfast was just okay. My only real complaint was the mini wontons at breakfast. Other hotels cook them fresh, but here they seemed to be pre-cooked and then reheated, which made them a bit mushy. Overall, it was a good experience, and I'd probably stay here again.

After comparing several hotels in the same price range, I chose Zǐlóng Gardens. I'd also looked at their usual rates, and it seemed a bit pricier then, but booking it in advance for a holiday trip was definitely a steal. **Stay:** For the same price, other places offer rooms under 30 square meters, but Zǐlóng Gardens gives you 50 square meters. It's nestled in a hutong, offering a quiet escape in the midst of the bustling city. It's actually the former residence of Prince Taò, who was an advisor to the People's Liberation Army's equestrian administration. We opted for the family room, which even had a small balcony with a view. The room had a great wet/dry separation in the bathroom, so washing up wasn't cramped at all. **Food:** The mini-fridge was stocked with complimentary drinks (mineral water, Coke, Sprite, beer), and they'd replenish it anytime. Although the restaurant isn't huge, the food is incredibly fresh, with different dishes every day. I initially thought breakfast wasn't included, but it turned out to be free! From 11 AM to 11 PM, they offer afternoon tea with chef-prepared dishes like wontons and Zhajiangmian, all completely free of charge. You can even take fruit back to your room. The 'Sìyuè Hétún' restaurant on the first floor also had good prices and flavors; no reservations needed for their fugu or roast duck. **Getting Around:** It's very close to Nanluoguxiang, the National Art Museum of China, Wangfujing, and Longfu Temple. The subway station is about a 10-minute walk, but I mostly used taxis, which made getting around super convenient. **Service:** The hotel staff's service was impeccable. Finally, although check-out was officially at 12 PM, they were fine with us leaving at 2 PM, and even gave us a farewell gift. Overall, it was a truly satisfying stay. Our 5-day, 4-night trip during Chinese New Year was a fantastic family experience and definitely enhanced our vacation.

The hotel environment is decent, clean enough, but nothing to write home about. Its biggest advantage is the excellent location; it's just a few minutes' walk to the subway station, making it super convenient for commuting and sightseeing. However, the breakfast experience was really poor – limited variety, mediocre taste, and definitely not worth the price. I wouldn't recommend booking this hotel for the breakfast.

Carson as duty manager had been very helpful and hospitable. He patiently answered my questions relating to not just the hotel stay, also about shopping, dining and how to get around the city. He showed high commitment in serving guests' various needs and demonstrated remarkable professionalism. Other crew members were very polite and helpful, too. I highly recommend Pan Pac Beijing and I'm looking forward to booking my next stay here when I visit Beijing again.

Finally checked into the Commune by the Great Wall, a Hyatt Centric property – specifically, the Bamboo House. This stay completely exceeded my expectations, so I'm sharing an honest review for anyone considering a visit. The exterior features tightly packed natural bamboo poles, complemented by a black sloping roof. Walking along the forest path, you can see the building softly blending into the mountains and woods from a distance, without appearing out of place at all. The most stunning feature is the independent outdoor bamboo tea room. Bamboo columns enclose a semi-transparent space with white sand covering the ground. Through the bamboo gaps, you can gaze at the mountains and forest. Sitting quietly and enjoying tea here creates an incredibly atmospheric experience, perfect for photos. The public areas boast large floor-to-ceiling windows that frame the green trees outside like natural landscape paintings. During the day, light and shadows filter into the rooms through the bamboo poles, creating ever-changing scenery. Practical Tips for Your Stay: 1. The room offers excellent privacy. It's a standalone building surrounded by dense trees, away from the hustle and bustle of public areas. It's ideal for those seeking quiet relaxation, couples on a getaway, or small gatherings of friends. 2. The building materials are natural bamboo, so there's a natural bamboo and wood scent. If you're sensitive to slight color variations or textures in natural materials, please be aware of this beforehand. The gaps in the bamboo create a soft, translucent feel; if you require ultimate privacy, simply pull down the indoor blackout blinds. 3. The hotel is located in a valley, so the temperature difference between morning/evening and daytime is greater than in the city. Remember to bring a light jacket if you plan to sit in the outdoor tea room in the evening. 4. The resort grounds are very large. I recommend driving in, as walking to and from the restaurant can be quite far. For dining, you can choose the hotel's restaurant or bring your own snacks and enjoy them in the outdoor tea room. Areas for Improvement: When I checked in, the room had just been cleaned, and there was still water on the floor, suggesting a rushed and less-than-thorough cleaning. The 'Old Beijing style' afternoon tea, which looked great for photos in the lobby, consisted of pre-bought items of generally mediocre quality.

I had an exceptional stay at this hotel in Beijing. From the moment I arrived, the staff provided warm, professional, and attentive service that made me feel truly welcome. The room was spacious, spotless, and beautifully designed, with comfortable bedding and stunning views of the city. The hotel’s facilities were outstanding, especially the breakfast selection, which offered a wide variety of delicious local and international dishes. The location was also perfect, making it easy to explore Beijing’s major attractions while still enjoying a peaceful and luxurious environment. What impressed me the most was the attention to detail and the genuine hospitality shown by every member of the team. They went above and beyond to ensure my stay was comfortable and memorable. I would highly recommend this hotel to anyone visiting Beijing for business or leisure. It truly delivers a five-star experience in every aspect, and I look forward to staying here again in the future.