Super 8 Dong Si

If living in a hutong is your dream, this would be the place. Tucked in the middle of a hutong, you can roam the alleys and experience old China, amidst the modern city of Beijing. Don't expect the modern conveniences of a western hotel but expect the convenience of being in the heart of hutong land! Easily accessible off the line 5 subway line at Dong Si. Walk 5 streets north. We made the mistake of getting off the line 2 at Dong si shi tiao and the walk is much longer. Lots of eateries and shops throughout the area. Buses along Dong si bei da jie will bring you down to Dongdan, where you can find the Oriental Shopping Mall adjacent to Wangfujing walking street, not far from Tiananmen and the Forbidden City.

Because we were three adults, we had to book a family room so we were in the old section of the hotel. Make sure you request the new rooms. English is very limited with staff. Ask for the manager, Paul. He speaks pretty fluently and has a good attitude. As for the other staff, they are largely indifferent. Important to note that even though this is Super 8, it is nothing like the Super 8s in the US. If you get a new room, you may be impressed but otherwise, the old rooms have cracked tile, stained carpets, and worn down furniture/fixtures. Even though there is a no smoking sign in the lobby, staff do not enforce the rule. A customer checking in was smoking while talking on his cell phone, then proceeded to head to his room with cigarette in hand.