Top 10 Best Budget Hotels in Beijing
Planning a trip to Beijing? Finding the best hotel or youth hostel isn't always straightforward, especially when your budget is tight!
Planning a trip to Beijing? Finding the best hotel or youth hostel isn't always straightforward, especially when your budget is tight!
You'll often need to consider many factors such as the hostel's location, the services offered, and the price to ensure you make the right choice. It's far preferable to stay somewhere strategic, near a tourist attraction or served by excellent public transportation to avoid unnecessary expenses or wasting time walking through remote alleys.
Beijing is a sprawling city brimming with historic and tourist sites. You'll need to find the best value for money to enjoy Tian'anmen Square, the Forbidden City, the Summer Palace, the Temple of Heaven, and even the Great Wall of Chine.
We've compiled a selection of Beijing's best hostels to help you choose and make the most of your stay.
1 Qianmen Hostel
We had the pleasure of staying at this guesthouse during our second visit to Beijing and we certainly didn't regret our choice. Perfectly located in downtown Beijing, the hostel is just a 10-minute walk from Tian'anmen Square and in the heart of the hutong district. A metro station sits right at the foot of the building, very convenient for getting around quickly.
The hostel is extremely clean and offers private rooms or dormitories. Qianmen Hostel is a fantastic spot for backpackers and budget-conscious travelers. It's also an ideal place to swap travel tips over a beer in the courtyard where you'll meet people from all over the world. The restaurant serves Chinese and Western dishes as well as decent breakfasts at very affordable prices.
Rates: - Double room: 200 to 240 Y - Twin room: 200 to 240 Y - Triple room: 260 to 300 Y - Mixed dormitory 4 beds: 50 to 70 Y - Mixed dormitory 6 beds: 45 to 60 Y
Prices vary depending on the season.
Address : 33 Mei Shi Jie, Qian Men Xuan Wu District ,Beijing ,China 北京市宣武区前门煤市街33号
Tel : 0086 10 63132329
Website: http://www.qianmenhostel.net/
2 Peking International Youth Hostel
This hotel has a special charm thanks to the abundance of flowers adorning its courtyard. The hotel offers numerous room and dormitory options at affordable prices. Great care has been taken in decorating the rooms and ensuring their comfort. The restaurant also serves delicious food at reasonable prices. The hotel staff is welcoming and will happily advise you on sights worth visiting.
Ideally located near a metro station and close to the Forbidden City, this hotel with its unique character will be a perfect stop for your Beijing stay.
The value for money is excellent.
Rates: - Double room: 275 Y - Family room 3 beds: 180 Y - Mixed dormitory 8 beds: 120 Y
Address : No. 113-2 Nan Luo Gu Xiang, Dong Cheng District, Beijing, China
Tel : 86-10 – 64013961
Website : http://www.peking.hostel.com
3 Beijing Saga International Youth Hostel
The Beijing Saga International Youth Hostel has the distinction of featuring a courtyard right in the middle of a Hutong. Located a 10-minute walk from a metro station and close to Tian'anmen Square, the hostel is very conveniently situated.
All rooms are clean and provide the comfort needed for an enjoyable stay. The rooms are pleasant and modern. The restaurant serves delicious Western dishes if you want a break from Chinese cuisine. You can meet interesting fellow travelers over a coffee or local beer at the bar.
The friendly staff speak English and can arrange excursions to the Great Wall of Chine or book tickets for the Beijing Opera for you.
Rates : - Double room shared bathroom: 160 Y - Double room private bathroom: 200Y - Family room: 240Y - Mixed dormitory 4 beds: 60 Y
Address : No.9 Shijia Hutong Chao Nei Nan Xiao Jie, Dongcheng, 100010 Beijing, China
Tel : (010)65272773
Website : http://www.sagayouthhostelbeijing.cn/
4 Beijing City Central International Youth Hotel
The hotel is excellently served by public transport. It sits directly opposite Beijing Station, very close to the metro station on Line 2 and just a 5-minute walk from the MRT exit.
Standard but clean and spacious, the rooms offer excellent value. The hotel provides practical services such as laundry. The staff is helpful and speaks English fairly well. A delicious Chinese and Western buffet is served on the 3rd floor.
Rates : - Double room: 298 Y - Twin room: 298 Y - 4-bed room: 240 Y
The hotel has several rooms with rates varying by season and promotions.
Address : No. 1 Beijingzhanqianjie, Dongcheng District, Beijing, 100005 Tel : 86-10-85115050, 86-10-65258866 Website : www.centralhostel.com/en/index.html
5 Beijing Drum Tower Youth Hostel
The hotel is well-situated in a very lively neighborhood near Line 2 metro. Many tourist attractions are quickly accessible on foot. Numerous restaurants, shops, and parks are also nearby, allowing you to taste Chinese cuisine and discover the nightlife of the capital.
The hotel has around fifty rooms, all equipped with reversible air conditioning (heating or cooling) and a television. The rooms are standard but comfortable and well-insulated, ensuring peaceful nights.
High-speed wifi connection is available. The staff is very friendly and happy to organize wonderful excursions to make your stay memorable.
Rates : - Double room: 200 Y - Twin room: 280 Y - Mixed dormitory 4 to 6 beds: 60 Y
Address : No.51 Jiugulou Dajie, Xicheng District, Beijing, China
Tel : 86 10 8401 6565
Website : http://www.24hostel.com/bj/index_en.asp
6 Beijing Downtown Backpackers Accommodation
The guesthouse is located in the famous old Beijing district known as Nanluoguxian, in the heart of the hutongs. The street is very lively in the evening but doesn't prevent peaceful nights. Just 30 minutes on foot from the Forbidden City, the hotel is also very well served by bus lines that will take you to the Temple of Heaven and the Summer Palace.
The staff speaks English very well and will be very helpful in planning your excursions.
The rooms are very clean and comfortable with air conditioning, TV, and bathroom for very attractive prices. The restaurant serves good Chinese and Western dishes to refuel after a long day. Breakfast is included in the room rates.
Rates : - Double room: 260 Y - Twin room: 240Y - 3-bed room: 110 Y - 4-bed room: 100 Y - Mixed dormitory 6 to 8 beds: 80 Y
Rates vary by season.
Address : No.85 Nan Luo Gu Xiang, Dongcheng District Beijing
Tel : 86-10-84002429
Website : www.backpackingchina.com
7 Dragon House
The hostel is perfectly situated in the heart of the capital in the hutongs. The metro is just 150 meters away, perfect for getting around.
The rooms are spacious and very pleasant—you'll feel right at home. They are clean and all have air conditioning. You'll find all the comforts necessary at a very affordable price. Some even feature themed décor that's quite charming compared to the plain rooms in other guesthouses.
The staff is friendly and very helpful. They speak decent English and will gladly help you plan your visits.
The hostel has a bar restaurant where you can meet other travelers and share your experiences. Breakfast can be served in your room.
Rates : - Luxury double room: 268 Y - Standard double room: 198 Y - Twin room: 198 Y - 4-bed dormitory: 75 Y - 6-bed dormitory: 60 Y
Address : 78, Dongsijiutiao, Dongcheng District, Beijing
Tel : +86 10 84036146
Website : http://www.dragonshostel.com/
8 Lucky Family Hostel
Located right in the heart of a Hutong, the hostel is a 5-minute walk from Zhangzizhong Metro Station and just 15 minutes from Tian'anmen Square.
Lucky Family Hostel offers standard but comfortable and air-conditioned rooms. Private rooms or dormitories are clean and pleasant.
Free WiFi connection is available throughout the hotel. Luggage storage is available 24/7. The small lounge is the perfect place to meet other travelers. A Western breakfast is also served every morning.
The young and dynamic staff speaks English and will be very efficient in helping you plan your visits.
Rates : - Double room: 200 Y - Twin room: 200 Y - Triple room: 240 Y - Single room: 160 Y - Mixed dormitory 4 beds: 70 Y
Address : No.12 Xin Si Hutong, Dong Si Shi'er Tiao, Dongcheng, 100007 Beijing, China
Tel : +86 10 8403 9929
9 Ming Courtyard
Ming Courtyard (Mingsheng Jiudian) is approximately a five-minute walk from Line 5 metro station Beixinqiao. The hotel is housed in a former traditional Chinese building, which gives it an authentic charm.
The rooms feature classic and traditional furnishings. They are equipped with air conditioning and a flat-screen television. Clean and comfortable, the rooms will be perfect for a stay of a few days.
The hostel has a restaurant serving Western dishes at low prices. It will be pleasant to enjoy a cold beer in the courtyard with other travelers.
The staff is pleasant, helpful, and speaks English.
Rates : - Twin room: 260 Y - Double room with garden view: 400 Y - Family room 3 beds: 400 Y - Female dormitory 4 beds: 70 Y
Address : 34 Xintaicang Hutong Dongcheng District Beijing, China
Tel : +86-10-64068806
Website : http://www.mingcourtyard.com/
10 Backhome Beijing Guesthouse
This guesthouse is a traditional hutong house with a courtyard. Backhome Beijing Guesthouse is located near Line 4 and Line 2 metro stations, allowing you to move easily and quickly around Beijing.
The hotel offers small, comfortable rooms all equipped with air conditioning. Some feature windows with pleasant views of the courtyard.
The place is truly convivial and the courtyard boasts typical traditional décor that immerses you in Chinese culture.
The staff is charming and helpful. They'll suggest excursions and guided tours so you don't miss anything of China's capital.
WiFi is available for free in all rooms. A light breakfast is also offered every morning.
Rates : - Double room: 110 Y - Male dormitory 6 beds: 70 Y - Female dormitory 6 beds: 70 Y - Mixed dormitory 8 beds: 60 Y
Address : No.58 Xisi North Wutiao Hutong, Xicheng District, Beijing 100034, China (Formerly Qingfeng-Xisi Hutong Guest House)
This list of hotels was created by comparing our personal experiences and reviews from travel websites such as TripAdvisor. The prices listed may vary from one site to another and depending on the season; they are given for reference only.
We wish you a pleasant stay in Beijing!
Frequently asked questions
The hutong district, particularly around Nanluoguxiang and Qianmen, is ideal for budget travelers. These areas offer a wide selection of youth hostels and authentic guesthouses, while being well served by the metro and close to major attractions such as Tian'anmen Square and the Forbidden City.
Prices vary depending on the type of room and season. In a dormitory, expect to pay between 45 and 80 yuan per night, while a private double room typically ranges from 160 to 300 yuan. These rates are provided for reference and may have changed since publication.
Yes, youth hostels and guesthouses listed in Beijing are generally safe. They often feature lockers for personal belongings and a 24-hour reception. It's advisable to choose establishments with good ratings on platforms like TripAdvisor or Hostelworld and to keep valuables under surveillance.
It's highly recommended to book in advance, especially during high tourist season (May-June and September-October) or during Chinese national holidays. Popular hostels in the heart of the hutongs often fill up several weeks before your intended dates.
Yes, most youth hostels and guesthouses in Beijing offer organized excursions to the Great Wall of Chine, particularly to the Mutianyu or Badaling sections. These excursions are a convenient and economical solution for visiting the Great Wall without having to arrange transportation yourself.
