The Hostelz.com Review
Artstel Beijing is a very unique hostel right off the outer ring of Beijing, and not too far from the airport. It's located in a very trendy part of Beijing with overpriced but charming outdoor cafes. Venture across the main road via overpasses to check out some authentic street markets and shopping.
The Location
The hostel is located in the 798 Art District, which is reminiscent of a massive university campus. If you arrive at night, it may be extremely confusing. Look for a map on a sign at an intersection, and determine what sector you are in. You need to head for E sector, where the hotel is located next door to a well-lit restaurant named "Unique." The signs/logo for the hostel are blue. The sign is above the door, which is always open. Walk in and up two flights of stairs on the right. It may be pitch black and very sketchy, but at the second floor you will get to the hostel door which is locked after hours, so you might have to buzz up. When you get to the hostel, don't forget to grab a business card so you don't get lost again.
During the day, especially weekends, 798 Art District is a very hip area of cafes, shops, and free art galleries. Lots of cool, young people hang out there, however it's pretty dead at night. The hostel is therefore super quiet. On the main street outside 798, buses run to other areas in Beijing, but if you don't speak/read Chinese, good luck. 798 is quite far from the center of the city and the main tourist attractions so you will be spending a lot of time and money in taxis and/or the subway.
Rooms and Bathrooms
The rooms are small with a table, an air conditioning unit (for which there is an extra charge), plugs, overhead lighting, and two or three bunk beds against the extremely high wall. The rooms are pretty utilitarian but clean and nice, especially if you are alone.
The bathrooms are down the small hallway and are clean and quite nice. The toilets are very nice and private, and the showers are hot and have good shower heads. The sinks are located in the hallway.
Common Spaces
There are two computers with Skype headsets and quick internet. There are some guidebooks and art books at a big glass table in the main room. In the breakfast room there is a big television with tons of channels, hot water, filtered water, and a coffee maker with free tea and coffee. Sodas and beers are for sale. In this room there is also a huge table with seats.
There is art hanging around the hostel so sometimes people come up to view it as a gallery. The owner lives upstairs and will appear at some point during your stay to check you in and out. When we first arrived, a Chinese woman wordlessly showed us to a bed after it was clear that she spoke no English, which was especially strange given the dark arrival staircase and relatively vacant occupancy.
This place is deserted. It is entirely possible that you could go days without seeing anyone, including staff. If you like having space to yourself and not worrying about shower lines, it's a great break from busier hostels. Overall, though, it's a bit strange and off-putting.
Summary
The hostel was freezing during our visit. Perhaps this is because they were switching from air conditioning to heating as fall approached -- hopefully your experience will differ, but as it stands, bring cozy clothes for sleeping and hanging around the hostel.
The hostel is likable, especially if you are independent and want a quiet place to crash and have as your own. The owner, when he is around, is very kind and sweet, but handicapped by his limited English.
The Location
The hostel is located in the 798 Art District, which is reminiscent of a massive university campus. If you arrive at night, it may be extremely confusing. Look for a map on a sign at an intersection, and determine what sector you are in. You need to head for E sector, where the hotel is located next door to a well-lit restaurant named "Unique." The signs/logo for the hostel are blue. The sign is above the door, which is always open. Walk in and up two flights of stairs on the right. It may be pitch black and very sketchy, but at the second floor you will get to the hostel door which is locked after hours, so you might have to buzz up. When you get to the hostel, don't forget to grab a business card so you don't get lost again.
During the day, especially weekends, 798 Art District is a very hip area of cafes, shops, and free art galleries. Lots of cool, young people hang out there, however it's pretty dead at night. The hostel is therefore super quiet. On the main street outside 798, buses run to other areas in Beijing, but if you don't speak/read Chinese, good luck. 798 is quite far from the center of the city and the main tourist attractions so you will be spending a lot of time and money in taxis and/or the subway.
Rooms and Bathrooms
The rooms are small with a table, an air conditioning unit (for which there is an extra charge), plugs, overhead lighting, and two or three bunk beds against the extremely high wall. The rooms are pretty utilitarian but clean and nice, especially if you are alone.
The bathrooms are down the small hallway and are clean and quite nice. The toilets are very nice and private, and the showers are hot and have good shower heads. The sinks are located in the hallway.
Common Spaces
There are two computers with Skype headsets and quick internet. There are some guidebooks and art books at a big glass table in the main room. In the breakfast room there is a big television with tons of channels, hot water, filtered water, and a coffee maker with free tea and coffee. Sodas and beers are for sale. In this room there is also a huge table with seats.
There is art hanging around the hostel so sometimes people come up to view it as a gallery. The owner lives upstairs and will appear at some point during your stay to check you in and out. When we first arrived, a Chinese woman wordlessly showed us to a bed after it was clear that she spoke no English, which was especially strange given the dark arrival staircase and relatively vacant occupancy.
This place is deserted. It is entirely possible that you could go days without seeing anyone, including staff. If you like having space to yourself and not worrying about shower lines, it's a great break from busier hostels. Overall, though, it's a bit strange and off-putting.
Summary
The hostel was freezing during our visit. Perhaps this is because they were switching from air conditioning to heating as fall approached -- hopefully your experience will differ, but as it stands, bring cozy clothes for sleeping and hanging around the hostel.
The hostel is likable, especially if you are independent and want a quiet place to crash and have as your own. The owner, when he is around, is very kind and sweet, but handicapped by his limited English.
— Exclusive Hostelz.com Review
February 2010
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