Red Lantern House — Hotel in Beijing

We had planned to stay here for 2 nights, then leave to stay near the wall & then return for 2 nights. Our plans ended up changing, so we were lucky to be able to book our 3rd night here last minute, allowing us to stay here for 5 nights (tho in 3 different rooms - one twin, one double with ensuite & one double shared bathroom). Each room is unique & has character. The shower in the ensuite bathroom had such poor water pressure, though, that I decided mid-shower to go to the shared bathroom (so it isn’t worth the upgrade fee in my opinion).||The staff speak English and are very friendly & helpful. They have a bookcase of many travel books (including a 2018 Beijing Lonley Planet which we found useful). We ended up booking a hiking tour to the Great Wall (Jinshanling) through the guesthouse which was great! (FYI - it says it includes breakfast... which means a bottle of water & bread bun).||The centre courtyard space is very charming. They offer a western breakfast for 30RMB, however I’d recommend going to the market next door that makes the jianbing (think crepe-like omelette wrap) for 8RMB. The guesthouse also offers a pick up from the airport for 200RMB. Our flight was delayed so the driver they arranged couldn’t pick us up, so we ended up taking a taxi. Although there was a long wait for a taxi at midnight, it actually worked out great as it only cost 125RMB (just make sure to get in the official taxi line & show the guesthouse address in Chinese).||There are 2 wifi networks, however we still had trouble getting a reliable connection & it didn’t seem to reach 2/3 of our rooms. The guesthouse location is about a 10min walk to the closest metro, so that was good - we hadn’t fully realized how huge Beijing is; you’ll be using the subway often! Overall, a decent...

After a week in Shanghai I came to this charming little Guest House on recommandation of a young colleague. At my age (67) I'm not used to hostels any more. But from the moment I entered thru the front door, I almost felt at home. A very charming and helpful family and staff that runs this very special place in the middle of an old quarter and only 10 mins from Xinjiekou Tube Station.||To get to Red Lantern by taxi from the Train Station was not easy. Drivers refused us! A must to have address in Chinese with you!||My single room on first floor was very good - with aircon! The three toilets and separate showers were always clean. I guess, the good fairies of the hostel cleaned them regularly after use :-) . ||The Center of the Hostel has 4 tables at which I met a lot of interesting people who easily shared their experiences and tips on travelling in China and Beijing. One of them was to visit the Great Wall at Mutianyu. Booking and Pick-up thru Red Lantern worked fine! ||Swiss or French or English breakfast at RMB 30 available; also dinner plates at reasonable Prices.||My home flight was early at 07:15h with departure from hostel at 04:15h. Pick-up by private driver - arranged by reception - worked fine (RMB 200).||||Ony disadvantage: room and Services have to be paid cash. No credit Cards - as in most places in China.||||I can strongly recommend Red Lantern and will return...

After a week in Shanghai I came to this charming little Guest House on recommandation of a young colleague. At my age (67) I'm not used to hostels any more. But from the moment I entered thru the front door, I almost felt at home. A very charming and helpful family and staff that runs this very special place in the middle of an old quarter and only 10 mins from Xinjiekou Tube Station.||To get to Red Lantern by taxi from the Train Station was not easy. Drivers refused us! A must to have address in Chinese with you!||My single room on first floor was very good - with aircon! The three toilets and separate showers were always clean. I guess, the good fairies of the hostel cleaned them regularly after use :-) . ||The Center of the Hostel has 4 tables at which I met a lot of interesting people who easily shared their experiences and tips on travelling in China and Beijing. One of them was to visit the Great Wall at Mutianyu. Booking and Pick-up thru Red Lantern worked fine! ||Swiss or French or English breakfast at RMB 30 available; also dinner plates at reasonable Prices.||My home flight was early at 07:15h with departure from hostel at 04:15h. Pick-up by private driver - arranged by reception - worked fine (RMB 200).||||Ony disadvantage: room and Services have to be paid cash. No credit Cards - as in most places in China.||||I can strongly recommend Red Lantern and will return...