This hotel is a real gem for students those who appreciate hutong life. The restoration is incredible and immaculate. There are several rooms with private courtyards and we had one of these.

The staff speaks some English and is very attentive. Breakfast includes fresh fruit and seems to be plentiful.

I had some Beijing friends come to the hotel before going out to the bars on the lane. They were so impressed with the courtyard we ended staying up late talking in the hotel courtyard.

There are several restaurants in the area that deliver to the hotel so it is possible to have pizza or roast fish served in your private courtyard.

If you want to stay in the hutong this is a place to consider. Most cab drivers will not know where it is even after reading the address. just ask to go to Nan Luo Gu Xiang Hutong and Gulou East street and walk down the lane. The hotel is near the Korean restaurant.

It was my first trip to China and I stayed here the first 3 days - once more I was lucky in the choice of my hotel!

The whole place is soothing and spic and span. The courtyards are a haven of peace and quiet in the middle of the busy hutongs alleys around. The old trees and the red lanterns create a wonderful atmosphere at night. The bathrooms were well equiped with walk-in showers and amenities. The rooms were perhaps a little too small for the huge beds and thus quite cramped. True to the Chinese fashion beds are with futon and quite hard. No problem for me but perhaps for those not used to such hard bedding.

The front desk people were friendly and fluent in English. They for example patiently assisted me in getting some documents printed out and sent on via fax. Breakfast was OK but not really something to excite me.

The area around the Courtyard 7 Hotel is quite touristy but still it has kept it's own charm especially at night. Visit some of the bars/restaurants with tables on the roof. Small and simple Chinese restaurants/food shops serve far better food than the "Western Style" restaurants; even though the interior might seem a little "precarious".

This small fairly new hotel is flawless. What impressed me most was the attention to detail and thought put into it: from bedroom draperies and staff uniforms to wooden decorations around the bathroom door, heated floor, and a beautifully done shower room. Breakfast was nothing to complain about with a choice of Western options AND samples of traditional Chinese dishes. The hotel staff is lovely and helpful. Once we were late for breakfast (which ends at 9.30am) and were still served; when we were leaving for the airport at 4am, we were surprised with a pre-packed breakfast prepared for us.

Among other small bonuses are: free internet, cheap laundry service, free bicycle hire, tea pot in the room, daily refreshed toiletries. Hutongs around the hotel are worth exploring, and with a school across the street we could watch young pioneers doing their morning PE from the breakfast room area. For nightlife, there are some great clubs around the corner: Mao Live House and Yu Gong Yi Shan.

The only drawback – distance form the subway: 15-min walk to the nearest station.

The hotel is absolutely beautiful and comfortable. I would definitely recommend it for a holiday stay.