This place is right in the middle of a hutong district so if you're interested in culture, everyday Chinese life people watching, and getting off the really busy streets for something a little quieter, this place is great. It was a little difficult to find at first just because of the nature of the hutongs (lots of small streets) and we couldn't get a cab to stop for us when we left the subway stop so just make sure you print a map of the area (the address alone didn't help us). The rooms are cute and quaint, simple modesty instead of flashy luxury, with a clean and modern feel. The grounds in general are small and charming- lots of plants and flowers and a balcony with some views where you can lounge with a drink or meet the other guests. The breakfast is delcious! The staff was incredibly helpful- they helped us catch a cab when we were having trouble, they helped us not get ripped off by a bike taxi who decided to triple his price when we got there (by coming outside and translating for us), and they also helped make reservations for an acrobatics show and let us keep our bags there all day after we checked out. It's a good location being right by the bell and drum towers and also a 15 min. walk to the subway station. The only thing making it "very good" instead of "excellent" is the overall value, as it seemed just a little pricey based on the room itself. We enjoyed our stay and would definitely recommend it, especially if you're looking for something different from a standard big hotel with no character.

We were so pleased to have found this hotel on tripadvisor! It is literally smack dab in the middle of a Hutong, which was the best place to be in Beijing. We felt like every time we stepped out of our hotel, we were immersed in the local culture. The staff is great, very helpful and eager to please. Because it is still such a new hotel, they are working some kinks out, none of which would lower my review rating. I feel that the daily cleaning could have been a bit more thorough, and also, they didn't accept credit cards, which is a pain when your total amount due is greater than the total amount you are allowed to withdraw in one day at an ATM.

There are only 10 or so rooms, so it feels very intimate. Breakfasts are great! We stayed in one of the Garden Rooms and loved it...very spacious. Would have been nice if the bathroom was larger though. Also, there wasn't really a good place to hang towels, so they might think to add a few more hooks in the bathrooms. Also, there was no clock in there...atleast not that we found. All the rooms come equipped with apple tv already loaded with shows and movies...this was a bonus at the end of the day!

Overall, excellent hotel, great value, and superb location! I would return here in a heartbeat.

I had stayed at over four of the 5-star establishments in Beijing prior to taking my friends recommendation on The Orchid and could not have chosen wiser. It is a small and cozy hotel with all of the modern amenities one would need in a room but its the staff that sets this place far above and apart from its peers. I will however note that their beds are the best dam choice offered in Beijing and I can not remember a more comfortable one in "any" of the countries I have paid to stay in. To give an example of how much they care about your stay, I will tell the tale of how I booked to go to the Great Wall but nearly missed it. I had booked a tour to the further less traveled part of the great wall but could not find the meeting area. After frantically running around the entire Hutong are and missing the cut off time I came back to the hotel and told them how I blew it. They were not as deterred as I because the manager said to me "get your gear and Ill get you there the fastest way one can go". Well in a matter of seconds he threw me keys to a bicycle, helped me dodge traffic and ended our chaotic mad dash in front of the tour group just before they embarked. If not for him I would have missed my trip and if at another hotel I'm certain the response or sentiments would have been "that's too bad but it's not my problem". Again I can not thank you guys enough for going/bicycling the extra mile in this case on my behalf. I look forward to my next stay and anyone else considering your place should as well.

Cheers,
Everett

We visited last October – was a bit disconcerted by the Taxi driver dropping me at the end of the Hutong (laneway) - but when I worked out that he was telling me he could not drive the taxi up the Hutong, I figured that I just had to follow the detailed instructions carefully and found the place OK. I was glad we arrived during daylight hours. I would recommend the pick up if arriving after dark.

On arrival they had no record of our booking ... we had a print out receipt but there had been a mix up between online agents. Joel could not have been more helpful .. quickly arranged us alternate accommodation near by, footed the extra costs, provided us breakfasts, entertained us at their bar and generally welcomed us into their hotel guest family. Most other guests seemed to be visiting their expat children working in Beijing and most of the children seemed to be friends of Joel and Yungko, so the atmosphere was friendly relaxed and welcoming with lots of advice about visiting Beijing and China from everyone – owners, staff and guests.
Follow Joel’s excellent restaurant recommendations, or let them order you take away and eat it there, washed down with one of their excellent bottles of wine from their international cellar.

A warning though (wherever you stay) that if booking online via an online service, you should follow up with an email direct and get a human generated reply – just to be on the safe side.