I squeezed in two days of sightseeing during my business trip. I found some online reviews to be a bit unfair.
The location is great, just 300 meters from Exit B of Zhangzizhong Road subway station. If you walk straight for another 900 meters, you'll reach Beixinqiao subway station, which is convenient for getting to the airport.
There are tons of food options nearby, including popular influencer spots and local eateries.
The alley is very quiet and peaceful. Given the limitations and costs of renovating an old hutong, I think the owner has done a great job with what they have. I stayed in room 201, which was very quiet. It has a window, but you can literally shake hands through it, which is a charming Guangdong characteristic. Ventilation was still decent. The room size is perfectly adequate for two people. However, I wouldn't recommend it for taller individuals. Due to waterproofing, the floor is raised, making the ceiling height around 2 meters. I'm 172cm (about 5'8"), and I could touch the ceiling without fully extending my arm. The bathroom might be even a bit lower. Anyone around 165cm (about 5'5") or shorter should be fine.
The bathroom was spotless. You'll need to ask the front desk for disposable toothbrushes, but shampoo, conditioner, and shower gel are all provided, along with a clothes drying rack. The toilet was very clean, and the shower drain worked well. I'm not sure why some reviews mentioned issues, perhaps my room was just better. Regarding the water pressure, some reviews said it was very low, and it definitely is! But you can bring your own showerhead or unscrew the existing one… you know what I mean, you'll have a much better shower, haha.
Bathroom odor is hard to avoid in these older buildings, just remember to keep the bathroom door closed when you're in the room. I didn't smell anything while sleeping in my room.
The narrow staircase to the second floor is also due to the hutong's limitations; a renovation would be a huge undertaking. Since I was on a business trip with minimal luggage, it wasn't an issue. Around 8 PM, I heard some girls laughing, but by about 9 PM when I finished showering, it was quiet. I slept very well, and the bed was so clean that I didn't even use my own sheets.
One more thing I have to mention: I saw some dorm-style rooms, and I used their shared bathroom, which was also very clean.
There were indeed many foreigners staying here, but they were all very quiet and not noisy at all. The famous cat (star cat) was also very quiet and didn't make a peep. I saw many cat food bowls and shelters for stray cats in the nearby alleys, which was really lovely!
This trip was particularly comfortable, and I slept well. I'd definitely stay here again if I have the chance.
This place is in the city center. After wandering around Guijie Street in the evening and having dinner near Yonghe Temple, I just walked back. It was truly delightful!
Original TextTranslation provided by AI