Double Happiness Courtyard Hotel – Beijing, China

Posted on Oct 19, 2016 in Accommodation

After deciding to do a stopover in Beijing, we specifically looked for accommodation with some character and local flavour.  Double Happiness didn’t disappoint.  When we arrived, our room category was overbooked but the staff went out of their way to sort the problem and as they were open and honest with us, we were more than happy to assist.

The rooms aren’t large but that’s to be expected.  They are clean, comfortable and decorated in traditional Chinese style.  Bathrooms are functional and clean, fluffy towels are supplied daily.  Given the proximity to the city centre, I was surprised at how quiet the hotel was during our stay.  Once inside the front doors, there was very little noise except from other guests.  Obviously some travellers are noisier than others but on the whole, it was extremely peaceful.

Selection at the breakfast buffet was larger than I expected for a small hotel with everything from cereal, eggs, tomatoes, sausages and pastries to dumplings, dumplings and more dumplings – I would be surprised if even the pickiest eater couldn’t find something to fuel up for a day of sightseeing.  On a number of occasions, we stopped off at the in-house bar/lounge when returning at night and found it to be a lovely, relaxed space (a bit like a private home!) with very reasonably priced drinks and lovely snacks!

As it was our first time to Beijing, we booked a pickup for arrival and I’m glad we did.  Being in a hutong just a few (large) blocks from Tiananmen Square and very close to the Dongsi subway station, it is well located for most of the sights but it could be difficult to find.  At the western end of the alley there are a number of small restaurants with very friendly locals.  One of them greeted us every every time we walked past so we decided to try her food – it was delicious and super cheap… so we went back for lunch a few days later!  There are also a couple of small bars in the alley.  We stopped in at a tiny spot with the auspicious name of ‘Drunk Beginning’ (it has a Panda Brew sign in the window).  The young guy running the bar was super-friendly and I haven’t seen a beer selection like that in a very long time.

Negatives?  Not a lot.  Wifi was hit and miss but that’s it really!  I think Double Happiness would suit families, friends and couples, and I would definitely stay there again if travelling through Beijing.  It was a lovely experience.

Visited: October 2016