The Best Hostels And Budget Hotels In Beijing
***This post may contain affiliate links.***
Figuring out where to stay in Beijing on a budget is a tough job. Not only is the city huge with tons of different areas, but accommodation in Beijing is absurdly expensive. Like blows everywhere else on the Mainland out of the water expensive.
I asked the question “why?” so many times when searching for hotels in Beijing that I sounded like a broken record. Not surprisingly, my computer offered no insight in response to my cries for help, and thus the only explanation I can come up with for the wallet-gouging accommodation prices in Beijing is simply because they can.
Ugh, don’t you hate it when they do that? Welcome to China’s most popular tourist destination.
Wow, that took a downward spiral…but here’s the good news, I’ve already agonized over finding the best budget accommodation in Beijing so now, you don’t have to! Virtual fist bump for no longer needing to spend countless hours trying to pick the perfect place to stay in Beijing on a budget! Now you can simply choose any available place on this list, worry-free.
I’ve narrowed down the dizzying array of choices to a short list of budget hotels and hostels in Beijing that offer the best value for your money. Not so cheap that you’re disgusted at the sight of your room and end up sleeping on top of the sheets, but not so fancy that you’re spending your entire budget on accommodation.
Sound good? Then let’s dive into the best hostels and budget hotels in Beijing.
Note: All prices are listed in US Dollars.
Read More From Beijing
- The Budget Traveler’s Guide To Beijing
- 25 Best Things To Do In And Around Beijing
- The Complete Guide To Hiking The Jinshanling Great Wall
The Best Budget Hotels In Beijing
1. Beijing 161 Wangfujing Hotel
Price: $$
Rooms start at $50.
Click here to check the latest availability at Beijing 161 Wangfujing Hotel.
Pros
1. Location
Beijing 161 Wangfujing Hotel is located in the Wangfujing area of Beijing close to Wangfujing Shopping Street, Wangfujing Snack Street, and just a 5 minute walk from the nearest metro station.
2. Cafe
There’s a great cafe located on the second floor of the lobby that serves up great coffee and baked goods.
3. Friendly Staff
The staff at 161 Wangfujing Hotel are amazing. They speak fluent English and are always willing to help you with whatever you need at all hours of the day.
4. Great Atmosphere
The common area and cafe at Beijing 161 Wangfujing is so cute and inviting, with plenty of comfy chairs and tables. It’s the perfect place to hang out, drink a coffee, and read or work on the computer.
5. Clean
While the rooms here are basic, you don’t have to worry about sacrificing cleanliness. The hotel offers daily housekeeping, just hang the tag on your door if you want your room cleaned.
6. Good Wifi
The wifi here is fast and available in the lobby/cafe as well as all the rooms. Make sure you download a VPN though if you want to access Google, Facebook, Instagram, and China’s many other blocked websites during your stay.
7. Tour Services
Beijing 161 Wangfujing Hotel has a tour services desk in the lobby and can help you arrange a tour or driver to take you anywhere you want to go around Beijing.
8. Bike Rental
Bikes are available for rent if you want to ride around the city.
Cons
Very basic and small rooms.
Click here to check the latest availability at Beijing 161 Wangfujing Hotel.
2. Nostalgia Hotel Beijing Yonghe Lama Temple
Price: $$
Rooms start at $58.
Click here to check the latest availability at Nostalgia Hotel Beijing Yonghe Lama Temple.
Pros
1. Location
Nostalgia Hotel is located near the Nanluoguxiang area of Beijing, close to the popular Nanluoguxiang Hutong and the beautiful Lama Temple. It’s a new hotel located in a renovated area of an old hutong which makes for a cool vibe as it’s surrounded by both new hip shops and cafes as well as an old, traditional hutong community.
2. Cafe
The hotel has a small cafe that serves breakfast and stocks drinks for purchase.
3. Complimentary water and drinks every day.
Every room comes stocked with two bottles of water and two bottles of yogurt drink that are restocked every day.
4. Friendly Staff
The staff at Nostalgia Hotel are incredibly friendly and always willing to help you with whatever you need during your stay.
5. Great Atmosphere
The lobby, library, and cafe area at Nostalgia Hotel is beautifully decorated and a really nice area to hang out.
6. Clean
The rooms here are always super clean and well maintained. This hotel, in particular, is known for having great western style bathrooms, a huge plus in China!
7. Good Wifi
The wifi here is fast and available in the lobby/cafe as well as all the rooms. Make sure you download a VPN though if you want to access Google, Facebook, Instagram, and China’s many other blocked websites during your stay.
8. Tour Services
Nostalgia Hotel can help you arrange a tour or driver to take you anywhere you want to go around Beijing. Just ask at the front desk.
9. Elevator
Take advantage of not having to lug your stuff up the stairs at Nostalgia Hotel as they have, you guessed it, an elevator.
Cons
Breakfast leaves something to be desired.
Only some of the staff can speak English well.
Click here to check the latest availability at Nostalgia Hotel Beijing Yonghe Lama Temple.
3. Kelly’s Courtyard Hotel
Price: $$
Rooms start at $65.
Click here to check the latest availability at Kelly’s Courtyard Hotel.
Pros
1. Location
Kelly’s Courtyard Hotel is located in the Xicheng District of Beijing close to Beihai Park and is 500 meters from the closest metro station.
2. Cafe
The hotel has a cafe that serves up a simple western style breakfast every morning.
3. Great Atmosphere
Kelly’s Courtyard Hotel makes it super easy to meet and converse with fellow travelers in their beautifully decorated lobby, courtyard, and rooftop terrace.
4. Friendly Staff
The staff at Kelly’s are incredible, especially the manager Mark, who knows everything there is to know about traveling in Beijing and is more than happy to lend a hand to all the guests.
5. Clean
The rooms and common areas at Kelly’s are all extremely clean and well taken care of.
6. Tour Services
The staff at Kelly’s can help set you up with a tour or tickets to an event in Beijing. Just ask the friendly front desk staff.
7. Bike Rental
Bikes are available for rent if you want to ride around the city.
8. Rooftop Terrace
Kelly’s is one of the few hotels in Beijing with a rooftop terrace, and it’s pretty awesome. The rooftop terrace here is a great place to hang out and relax during your stay in Beijing.
9. Free Western Breakfast
All rooms at Kelly’s come with free western breakfast! It’s basic, but way better than most Chinese breakfasts, plus nothing beats not having to go out for breakfast in the morning.
Cons
Wifi only in public areas.
Click here to check the latest availability at Kelly’s Courtyard Hotel.
4. Happy Dragon RJ Brown Hotel
Price: $$
Rooms start at $50.
Click here to check the latest availability at Happy Dragon RJ Brown Hotel.
Pros
1. Location
Happy Dragon RJ Brown Hotel is located in the Qianmen neighborhood of Beijing. It’s within walking distance of Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City right in the heart of Beijing.
2. Good Wifi
The wifi here is fast and available in the lobby/cafe as well as all the rooms. Make sure you download a VPN though if you want to access Google, Facebook, Instagram, and China’s many other blocked websites during your stay.
3. Restaurant
Happy Dragon RJ Brown Hotel has an onsite restaurant where you can order food without ever leaving the hotel.
4. Friendly Staff
The staff here speak good English and are super helpful.
5. Clean
The rooms and common areas here are clean, although very basic.
6. Big Rooms
Happy Dragon RJ Brown Hotel definitely has the biggest rooms of any of the other hotels in Beijing in this price range. Their standard double room is 28 meters squared! Crazy.
7. Tour Services
Nostalgia Hotel can help you arrange a tour or driver to take you anywhere you want to go around Beijing. Just ask at the front desk.
8. Bike Rental
Bikes are available for rent if you want to ride around the city.
9. Elevator
Enjoy not having to carry your things up a flight of stairs with the magic of an elevator at Happy Dragon RJ Brown.
Cons
A bit far from the metro station.
Food at the cafe is not very good.
Rooms are super basic.
Click here to check the latest availability at Happy Dragon RJ Brown Hotel.
5. Beijing Hyde Courtyard Hotel
Price: $$
Rooms start at $40
Click here to check the latest availability at Beijing Hyde Courtyard Hotel.
Pros
1. Location
Beijing Hyde Courtyard Hotel is located in the Qianmen neighborhood of Beijing. It’s within walking distance of Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City right in the heart of Beijing.
2. Cafe
An on site cafe serves breakfast and drinks.
3. Good Wifi
The wifi here is good and is available in the lobby/cafe as well as all the rooms. Make sure you download a VPN though if you want to access Google, Facebook, Instagram, and China’s many other blocked websites during your stay.
4. Clean
Rooms are clean, but out of date and some can use some fixing and touch-ups.
5. Tour Services
Tours to different areas in and around the city are available, just ask at the front desk.
6. Free Breakfast
There is free breakfast for all guests, although you could say it’s free for a reason…but hey free food is free food.
Cons
Some of the staff are not very friendly or helpful.
Facilities are a bit run down.
Small rooms.
Breakfast is not good and tea and coffee are not included.
Click here to check the latest availability at Beijing Hyde Courtyard Hotel.
The Best Hostels In Beijing
1. Red Lantern House
Price: $
Dorms – $18
Privates – $42
Click here to check the latest availability at Red Lantern House.
Pros
1. Location
Red Lantern House is located in the Xinjiekou neighborhood of Beijing close to Houhai Park and Beihai Park and just a few minutes walk from the nearest metro station.
2. Restaurant
An in-house restaurant serves up delicious local food and drinks.
3. Friendly Staff
Red Lantern House is run by a local Beijing family who are always happy to answer any of your questions and help you with whatever you need.
4. Clean
The facility and rooms are clean, tidy, and well maintained.
5. Towel Included
No need to bring your own towel like at most hostels, yay!
6. Good Wifi
The wifi here is good and is available in the common area as well as all the rooms. Make sure you download a VPN though if you want to access Google, Facebook, Instagram, and China’s many other blocked websites during your stay.
7. Great Atmosphere
The common area and restaurant are both great places to hang out and meet other travelers. Plus the decor of the entire hostel is beautiful.
8. Tour Services
Red Lantern House can arrange tours or a driver for you to anywhere in and around Beijing, just ask at the front desk.
9. Bike Rental
Bikes are available for rent if you want to ride around the city.
Cons
Can be noisy if there are some loud guests as the courtyard echos.
Dorm beds are a bit expensive.
Click here to check the latest availability at Red Lantern House.
2. Happy Dragon Saga Youth Hostel
Price: $
Dorms – $14
Privates – $45
Click here to check the latest availability at Happy Dragon Saga Youth Hostel.
Pros
1. Location
Happy Dragon Saga Youth Hostel is located in the Wangfujing area of Beijing close to Wangfujing shopping and snack streets and is just a few minutes walk from the nearest metro station.
2. Restaurant
An in-house restaurant serves up delicious local food and drinks.
3. Friendly Staff
The staff at Happy Dragon are extremely nice and truly go out of their way to help out all the guests.
4. Great Atmosphere
The common area, restaurant, and rooftop terrace are awesome hangout spots and great places to meet other travelers.
5. Clean
The facility and rooms are clean, tidy, and well maintained.
6. Towels Included
High fives all around for not needing to bring your own towel or pay for one.
7. Good Wifi
The wifi here is good and is available in the common area as well as all the rooms. Make sure you download a VPN though if you want to access Google, Facebook, Instagram, and China’s many other blocked websites during your stay.
8. Tour Services
Happy Dragon Saga can arrange tours or a driver for you to anywhere in and around Beijing, just ask at the front desk.
9. Rooftop Terrace
Rooftop terraces are always a plus, and Happy Dragon’s is a great hang out spot. Who doesn’t love a hangout with a view?
10. Cell Phones Provided For Guests
I mean, come on, can it get any better? No need to pay for international data or go through the ridiculous process of getting a Chinese SIM when you can just borrow a SIM or phone from the hostel during your stay. Amaze balls.
Cons
A bit far from the metro at a 15-20 minute walk.
Night staff speaks no English.
Private rooms are a bit expensive.
Click here to check the latest availability at Happy Dragon Saga Youth Hostel.
3. Leo Hostel
Price: $
Dorms – $14
Privates – $48
Click here to check the latest availability at Leo Hostel.
Pros
1. Location
Leo Hostel is located in the Qianmen neighborhood of Beijing close to Dashilan Pedestrian Street, Tiananmen Square, and the Forbidden City.
2. Restaurant
An in-house restaurant serves up delicious local food and drinks.
3. Friendly Staff
The staff at Leo Hostel are super friendly and always happy to help you with whatever you need.
4. Great Atmosphere
The restaurant and common area are great spots to hang out and meet fellow travelers. The hostel also organizes events for guests to participate in.
5. Clean
The facility and rooms are clean, tidy, and well maintained.
6. Good Wifi
The wifi here is good and is available in the common area as well as all the rooms. Make sure you download a VPN though if you want to access Google, Facebook, Instagram, and China’s many other blocked websites during your stay.
7. Tour Services
Leo Hostel can arrange tours or a driver for you to anywhere in and around Beijing, just ask at the front desk.
8. Towels Included
Gotta love not having to pay for a towel at a hostel.
Cons
Showers aren’t great.
Click here to check the latest availability at Leo Hostel.
4. Templeside Lianlian Hutong Guesthouse
Price: $
Dorms – $15
Privates – $52
Click here to check the latest availability at Templeside Lianlian Hutong Guesthouse.
Pros
1. Location
Templeside Lianlian Hutong Guesthouse is located in the Xicheng District near Beihai Park.
2. Cafe
There is a cafe inside the hostel that serves coffee and tea as well as other drinks.
3. Friendly Staff
The staff at Templeside Lianlian Guesthouse are super friendly and always happy to help you with whatever you need.
4. Clean
The facility and rooms are clean, tidy, and well maintained.
5. Good Wifi
The wifi here is good and is available in the common area as well as all the rooms. Make sure you download a VPN though if you want to access Google, Facebook, Instagram, and China’s many other blocked websites during your stay.
6. Tour Services
The guesthouse can arrange tours or a driver for you to anywhere in and around Beijing, just ask at the front desk.
7. Bike Rental
Bikes are available for rent if you want to ride around the city.
8. Outdoor Terrace
There is a really cool outdoor terrace that’s great for hanging out in when the weather is nice.
Cons
A bit far from the metro at a 20-minute walk.
You have to pay for towels.
The only large common area is the outdoor terrace, which is only nice to use during good weather.
Click here to check the latest availability at Templeside Lianlian Hutong Guesthouse.
5. Peking Station Hostel
Price: $$
Dorms – $22
Privates – $80
Click here to check the latest availability at Peking Station Hostel.
Pros
1. Cafe
There’s a cute cafe at the hostel with snacks and drinks to order and a lovely sitting area.
2. Friendly Staff
The staff at Peking Station are super friendly and always happy to help you with whatever you need.
3. Great Atmosphere
Peking Station is truly a garden oasis in the middle of Beijing. The entire hostel is filled with plants and flowers that make you feel almost like you’re in a flower shop instead of a hostel. It’s absolutely beautiful and a really cool place to hang out and meet fellow travelers, although maybe not so good if you have bad allergies.
4. Super Clean
Peking Station is impeccably clean and modern. You certainly won’t have any issues with cleanliness or broken things in your room here.
5. Good Wifi
The wifi here is good and is available in the common area as well as all the rooms. Make sure you download a VPN though if you want to access Google, Facebook, Instagram, and China’s many other blocked websites during your stay.
6. Tour Services
The hostel can arrange tours or a driver for you to anywhere in and around Beijing, just ask at the front desk.
Cons
Peking Station is expensive for a hostel.
The staff doesn’t speak the best English.
Click here to check the latest availability at Peking Station Hostel.
Where To Stay In Beijing
Wangfujing
The Wangfujing neighborhood is located on the eastern side of the Forbidden City and is home to bustling pedestrian streets, great shopping, and incredible snack food. It’s ideally located for visiting all of Beijing’s top tourist attractions including Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven, and the Lama and Confucious Temples.
The Best Budget Hotels and Hostels in Wangfujing
Qianmen
The Qianmen neighborhood is located just south of Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City. Staying in Qianmen puts you within walking distance of the Forbidden City as well as the incredibly beautiful Dashilan Pedestrian Street, home to some of the best Beijing Duck in the city. This neighborhood is the most historic in all of Beijing with tons of hutongs, walking streets, and delicious food.
The Best Budget Hotels and Hostels in Qianmen
Xicheng
The Xicheng neighborhood is located west of the Forbidden City. Xicheng is conveniently located for visiting Beijing’s Beihai Park and its many lakes, as well as for visiting the Forbidden City and the pedestrian and food streets of Qianmen. This neighborhood is dotted with hutong alleyways and is home to many commercial areas filled with cool shops and restaurants.
The Best Budget Hotels and Hostels in Xicheng
Templeside Lianlian Hutong Guesthouse
Nanluoguxiang/Gulou
The Nanluoguxiang (also called Gulou) neighborhood is located north of the Forbidden City. Staying in Nanluoguxiang puts you close to the famous Nanluoguxiang Hutong as well as numerous other hutong alleyways, cool cafes and shops as well as the nearby Houhai and Beihai Parks. It’s also just a couple metro stops away from the Lama and Confucious Temples.
The Best Budget Hotels and Hostels in Nanluoguxiang
Xinjiekou
The Xinjiekou neighborhood is located northwest of the Forbidden City. Xinjiekou is conveniently located for visiting the Summer Palace, Shichahai Lakes, and Beihai Park. This neighborhood is a popular local hangout with people gathering to picnic around the lakes and wander around the local hutongs.
The Best Budget Hotels and Hostels in Xinjiekou
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Hey, we're Cara and Justin, the adventure travel loving couple behind Crawford Creations. We're here to help you travel the world independently, save money on your travels, and discover off the beaten path destinations along the way. Click the About tab to find out more!
