I was first reluctant to stay in a hotel in this area...the hutongs...but the hutongs ended up being my favorite area in all of Beijing and this hotel is right in the middle of the hutongs and very near Houhai Lake. Houhai Lake is possibly the neatest area in all of Beijing.
So...location of the hotel is an A
The room itself was great. Clean, comfortable, and small enough to be personable. Overall great place and very professional.
So...cleanliness of the room and comfort of the room is an A
Amenities of the hotel were great. Free water, coffee, tea in the room and often outside in the lobby. Free breakfast that is very good. Free shadow puppet show, which is amazing and I am shocked that it is free. You get to see two shows and you can talk to the puppeteers after and see how it is done.
So...amenities gets an A
Staff is by far the greatest part of this hotel. The staff holds the place together. They are so nice and so helpful. They can speak english for the most part and the few that cannot have translator apps. They will call taxis, answer messages for excursions and help you in any way they can. Shout out to ELEANOR! This girl was amazing. She helped us throughout our stay...weighs about 80 pounds and refused to allow me to carry my own bags. She wanted to carry them. I have traveled to many places and stayed at many hotels, and this was the best...especially Eleanor.
Staff is A
Overall A