The Orchid

A boutique hotel located in a renovated courtyard, The Orchid offers immersion in old Beijing. Friendly staff, an interesting crowd, and a great location in the capital’s atmospheric hutongs makes this one of Beijing’s best finds.

• The roof-top views of the old city
• The delicious breakfasts
• Quaint rooms which surround an inner courtyard
• The buzzing local hutong where the hotel is situated

The Orchid Hotel is situated right in the heart of old Beijing. Tucked away down a hutong, or alleyway, the hotel is made up from two inner courtyards set around a garden space. A roof terrace offers views over the pretty tiled roofs that top the ramshackle maze of traditional Beijing houses below. For guests who love to amble it sits in the perfect location: it is just a few minutes walk from the ancient Drum and Bell Towers (which once told citizens the time), a thirty minute walk from the Lama Temple, and a forty-five minute walk from the Forbidden City.

The hutongs surrounding The Orchid offer a plethora of tempting local eateries, ranging from dumpling houses to Yunnan cuisine. The restored rooms include under-floor heating, rainforest showers, complimentary WiFi, and a media server with free movies and music. The Orchid is the brainchild of a Tibetan and Canadian (Youngcall and Joel). They have designed it as cozy and characterful rather than luxurious. It is differentiated from the big international hotel chains by friendly staff – both founders are often on hand to offer their guests advice and tips – quaint decor and fabulous breakfasts. There are only ten rooms (including one with its own private roof terrace) making booking ahead essential.

Leisure travelers who want a boutique, rather than business, experience. Visitors who value character over convenience and who want to immerse themselves in old Beijing.