Cours Et Pavillons — Local services in Beijing

We decided to stay at Cours et Pavillons based on the recommendation of a friend who stayed there a couple of years ago. We do not like big hotels and generally prefer smaller operations, so this hotel fit the bill: The wing we stayed at (the older one) has four rooms around a single courtyard and we were mostly on our own through our 5 night stay. The room itself was done in excellent taste (with quality antiques) and it was huge. The service staff is about 5 or 6, so we got to know them all. They were all friendly but only one of them speaks fluent enough English, luckily he was there most of the time to help us get around. The location is practical for sightseeing, but it is in the middle of a Hutong-- which is characterful but (with all due respect) rather smelly, dirty and drab. The hotel feels like an oasis within the neighborhood. It looks like it is the pet project of a local magnate, featuring a deserted cigar bar with a display of about 100 exotic and tantalizing bottles of malt that are off limits to guests. The on-site restaurant is correct but has a rather limited menu (as should be expected). Breakfast is likewise limited but competent, except for the coffee and tea which are of a horrible quality for such an exclusive place. This is one of the details that signal a bit of a lack of oversight-- as is the repeating loop of songs in the dining hall, the complete lack of watchable channels in an otherwise super nice in-room TV set, and the tired attire of the unfortunate staff who have to wear it day in day out. We got ourselves what seemed to be a really good deal by prepaying our stay (literally 50% off). It was a very fair deal after all, but I would not have been too glad had I paid...

I am giving the hotel a rating of four, however probably 3.5.||||First the positives.||||1.Huge space, lots of rooms, huge bathroom with high technology. Very comfortable bed.||||2. In the middle of the Hutong area, very cultural, but the hotel is very peaceful.||||3. Very friendly staff - however, not very fluent in English.||||4. The hutong is beautiful.||||5. The area is very cultural||||The negatives.||||1. You had to walk to get a taxi etc, taxi's would not drop you to the hotel.||||2. No facilities, no bar, no restaurant ( there is two sides to the hotel, we were in another place to the one that had the French restaurant, a few miles away. This is not communicated well on their website). I had to ask the staff to go and buy me some crisps and nuts one evening.||||3. No ambiance, very peaceful and we felt completely on our own.||||||Not sure I would return, only based on that there were no facilities, if you want complete peace and not see a soul this would be the place.||||Not that far off the beaten track but you would still need to do quite a...

Had an amazing experience at this lovely boutique hotel! From the moment I was picked up at the airport, the service was impeccable and top notch. Staff were very attentive and helpful - they went above and beyond to make sure we had the best experience. ||||The room we stayed in was lovely. A modernized hutong home with luxurious amenities. I liked the privacy and comfort of the room, especially the small number of other guests. It felt like my own home and I found myself wanting to relax in the room rather than go outside and explore! ||||Food was simple and classic - that's not to say it was boring or tasteless! I had some of the best over easy eggs I've ever had in my life. Who would've thought I would have had it in China?! The presentation was elegantly done and I found myself looking forward to breakfast even though I'm not a morning person (and I usually skip breakfast).||||Will definitely return to this hotel the next time I'm in Beijing. Much better experience than staying at the usual big...