The Harmony Courtyard & Beijing Siheyuan Hotel - Forbidden City

Somebody who doesn't want to stay in one of these big faceless big chain hotels will definitely like this place. Tucked away in one of Beijings Hutong's the place itself is exceptional and very unique. Staff has been extremely friendly and helpful. Our Alipay did not work in one of the places we went for a cocktail and they settled the bill for us and we could pay it back to them in cash.

If you come after a long distance flight and experience that the taxi driver refuses to drive into the narrow Hutong street and you have to carry your luggage for 10 minutes to the hotel this is not a positive experience. It would have helped if this had been communicated upfront so arrangements could have been made. The place is more a B&B than a Hotel, room was not cleaned daily and beds were not made during our three nights stay, we only got fresh towels. Room was spacious and nicely decorated but had some terrible mold spots on the two walls which made our stay uncomfortable. The hotel is offered on Booking as an international platform but non of the staff is capable to communicate in English. Without Google Translate we would have been totally lost. All in all the hotel is too costly for what it offers.

It was located in a small alley and not all drivers are willing to drive or pick up in the Alley.

unique, clean, good location, friendly staff

the road (alley) to the hotel is small, a bid car will have difficulty to navigate

My family stayed at Heyuan Courtyard for 5 nights, all of us loved this charming Siheyuan. The unique allure of this place deeply touched me, and I wish to pay homage to it with this ode. This Siheyuan is a perfect blend of tradition and modernity. It is steeped in an old architectural style, exuding a sense of ancient history both inside and out. However, upon entering the private living space, you would discover a modern soul beneath its antiquated facade. With innovative designs and advanced facilities, every detail reflects meticulousness and taste. Moreover, the Siheyuan houses a dedicated tea room, integrating the elegance of Eastern culture into daily life. Be it a tea ceremony or a casual chat with friends, it brings tranquility and joy to your journey. The service quality here is unparalleled. The daily breakfast is a feast for both the eyes and the palate, featuring Western bread and coffee, as well as traditional Chinese pastries and tea, meeting all my expectations for a breakfast. The service staff exude warmth and their professionalism, kindness, and dedication create a homely comfort and warmth. The location of the Siheyuan is second to none, situated close to Tiananmen Square and the subway station, making it extremely convenient for travel. I can effortlessly explore every corner of this bustling city. Yet, the moment I step into the Siheyuan, the urban clamor fades away. This Siheyuan stands as a testament to a remarkable blend of traditional and modern comforts. Whether in terms of accommodation or service, it has left a profound impression on me. I strongly recommend everyone to consider this Siheyuan as their choice of stay when traveling in Beijing, as I am confident you too will create wonderful memories here.

Location is good, 25 minutes walk from Wangfujing and less than 10 minutes walk from Dongsi Metro station, but be aware that taxis may not be able/willing to drive into the narrow alleys, so you have to walk in order to get to the hotel. Also be aware that the location of the hotel may be incorrectly marked on some websites! The hotel has a nice atmosphere due to the traditional buildings, and that is why many events seem to take place at the hotel. This may cause some disturbances. Breakfast is served as a simple Chinese set, consisting of gruel, buns, pickled vegetables, and fruit, in a slightly different combo each day. No other hotel facilities (restaurant, bar, room service) are available. There are tea making utensils and a kettle in the rooms, but no refrigerator.

You pay for the traditional setting, otherwise the hotel is over-priced. The surroundings are relatively quiet, but the hotel is only as quiet as the other guests. The sound insulation between the rooms is poor, and depending on the location of your room, you may here people walking up and down the steel stairs leading to the roof terrace and about the courtyard. Most other guests seem to be Chinese tourists who spend time in taking photos using the hotel as a picturesque setting. The rooms are hot if the weather is hot, and cold of the weather is cold. The lighting system in the rooms is most confusing (you have to choose the Winter setting in order to get all the light out). A very serious oversight is the lack of an extra emergency exit. The only way put leads to the front door, and if the narrow corridors leading there are blocked by fire or smoke, you are trapped.