I found it very convenient to be housed in an apartment. We had a small kitchen with microwave, fridge and stove and a clothes washer in which Clarence’s wife washed some clothes for us. We were provided with fresh fruit, coffee and tea, eggs, bread, milk, bottled water and a couple of beers. The living/dining room was spacious and gave us a lot of room to move around. The flat screen TV even had an English station. No internet, though, which is quite a pain. One day, Clarence did arrange for me to use the internet in one of his other apartments on the second floor. We had the apartment on the 7th floor of a high rise. We were very conveniently located within walking distance of many of the city tourist sites. Others, like the big museums and Pagodas were a bus or taxi ride away. The airport is 40 km northwest and the Terra Cotta warriors are about 30 km to the east, so for those, we arranged car and driver.

Through Clarence, we arranged a driver to pick us up at the airport and take us to the Tomb of Emperor Jingdi on the way into the city. Not only that, but my husband had two caps on his front teeth fall off and Clarence graciously arranged to have the driver take us to a dentist in the city. The dentist did a beautiful job cementing them back on and the driver did an admirable job navigating Friday evening rush hour traffic in this city of 5 million inhabitants. We could not have done this without Clarence’s skillful help. Neither the driver, nor the dentist spoke English, so we called Clarence on the driver’s cell phone when we needed translation of important information. One day we hired Clarence for the day to take us on a tour of the Taoist temple, antique markets, cave dwellings and the Terra Cotta Warriors and museum. Do it. You won’t be sorry. The rest of the time we were able to get around walking and by bus and motorized tricycle.

I’m not sure what Clarence’s complete story is. I know he has been a tour guide and taxi driver for over 20 years. I guess somewhere along the line he bought 3 apartments in a high rise building just adjacent to the Muslim quarter and very close to the Bell Tower, the Drum Tower and the Great Mosque. He is also quite the artist. We stayed in an apartment on the 7th floor, but I was able to see one of the other apartments on the second floor when I went down there to use the internet. Both apartments have very large cement warriors jutting out of the walls. In one room, they are used as a headboard. In the same room, smaller warrior figures are the base of the bed. Even our shower had colorful tiles depicting warriors. There are also paintings of cave dwellings that Clarence has painted. All of these are Clarence’s creations. Someone else described the apartments as quirky and I agree. We loved them.

Excellent location right next to Muslim quarter and close to the bell & drum towers! Very spacious and everything is provided, including a washing machine & washing powder which was very convenient! (Actually we were told they'd do the laundry for us if we left it for them the next day while we were out but we were desperately short on clothes at that point so did it immediately)The apartment is decorated with terracotta warriors throughout and there was costumes as well - lots of fun. Apartment cleaned and fresh towels provided daily - not like in a hotel but more than expected in an apartment. Didn't use the kitchen as we ate out but there is a small one so you can cook. Very homely place.

Two little things to note:
- if you bring your own soap (I do as I have allergic skin) put it somewhere obviously separate from the soap provided. I had almost used mine up so it was quite sorry looking and it got accidentally thrown out in the cleaning which was a little inconvenient as I couldn't use the ones provided.
- if you are on the Kang bed, there's a cupboard fixed to the wall so be careful not to hit your head like I did (should be fine unless you try to stand like I was)

Clarence and his wife are very friendly. Met us at the train station, poor Clarence had to wait over an hour as our train was late. He also gave a quick introduction of the city as we drove. Took a tour with him the next day which was very enjoyable and hassle free, and he had interesting theories on the Warriors. He was very flexible changing his usual itinerary as I really wanted to see Banpo. The lunch was excellent too. He also booked a Tang dynasty show for us at short notice and picked us up after the show. Arranged transport to the airport as well. Full service!

We had 2 couples stay at the Warriors apartment for 2 nights and had a wonderful time. The apartment is unique and the location is great being a 2 minute walk to the Muslim Quarter, markets etc. Clarence met us at the train station and after settling in to our apartment, we had a day tour which took in a temple, we visited a old gentleman's home (he lives in a cave) and this was a highlight of our tour. The other highlight of course was the Terracotta Warriors and what Clarence doesn't know about the Warriors isn't worth knowing. He has written his own book on them and has some interesting theories about the site and the warriors. The apartment is great and there was plenty of fresh fruit, bread and bottles of water provided. Clarences wife even insisted on doing some washing for us, despite there being a machine in the apartment. I highly recommend this apartment but more importantly, do a tour with Clarence and you will really enjoy your stay.

Clarence and his wife are great hosts! Lovely apartment with lots of room for a family of 5 to relax and be at home while traveling. There are all these cool Terra Cotta statues all built into the walls and all. The kids loved it! They have a washer to do laundry, wifi and satellite TV...We had a great stay there. Just don't come expecting the Ritz...it will be great though. Great value.