HI - Beijing - Peking Youth Hostel

The charming HI - Beijing - Peking Youth Hostel is located in the heart of Beijing. Most people who stay here seem to either extend their stay or simply wish they could stay longer. The guestbook is filled with complimentary thoughts and desires to return. The staff are extremely helpful and go out of their way to make your stay a very positive and rewarding experience.

The Location

The hostel is centrally located in one of Beijing's huotong with the Forbidden City literally at its doorstep. It is about a fifteen- to twenty-minute walk to the main Beijing Train Station and close to underground train routes that can take you nearly anywhere else in the city. Signs posted along the road make it easy to find out which huotong it is in. Despite its central location near one of Beijing's most popular tourist attractions, the area is quite quiet. There are many hole-in-the-wall food vendors and the hostel is minutes from one of the pedestrian-only shopping streets with a night food market.

Rooms and Bathrooms

The rooms are all exceptionally clean and tidy. There is a mix of dorm and private rooms at this hostel. Due to its location in the huotong, it is a small hostel (only about three six- and eight-bed dorms plus a handful of private rooms). This only adds to the homey atmosphere. Each room has a card entry lock and there are lockers in the room which correspond to bunk numbers. The lockers are big enough for a large day-pack plus a few other things. The rooms are not large and can seem a bit cramped if everyone has large bags taking up floor space. Rooms are en-suite with the sink/toilet/shower divided into separate areas. Like most places in China, toilet paper is not provided, so bring your own. However, there is lots of space in the bathroom for personal effects.

Common Spaces

There are a few common areas here -- an enclosed area with tables and chairs and comfy couches as well as an open courtyard garden, which is lovely in nice weather. There are often groups of people sitting around and playing games and having fun together. It is a great place to meet other travelers from all over the world. There is no kitchen for public use, however there are meals available -- both Chinese and Western-style -- and the street vendors in the area sell food cheaper than you could make it. The staff go out of their way to celebrate holidays and there are often extra events and special food at these times. Additionally, there are many tours available through the hostel to less touristy areas of the Great Wall as well as evening shows (Peking Opera). There are two computers in the common room with internet (for a charge), as well as free wireless as well as a small library and a TV and movies.

Summary

On the whole, this is a fantastic hostel, one of the nicest we've stayed at. It is clean and well-kept, with an excellent location, the people are great, and it is a charming environment. Highly recommended for any trip to Beijing!

-- Exclusive Hostelz.com Review