Lonely Planet Review

Beijing needs more hotels like this: central, affordable and stylish. It needs more hotels with gorgeous wood flooring, scented hallways, rooms with temple gate-like entrances, and old-style furnishings. The reason it doesn't have these things is simple, according to management: the same features that turn on western travellers tend to turn off local customers.

You can forgive the hotel, then, for only daring to experiment with traditional design on one floor (the second). Even so, the Bullion is not a top-end boutique, nor is it a Qing dynasty courtyard, so don't expect museum pieces - except in the elevator lobbies. But do expect a tastefully arranged room with dark wood flooring, faux-antique furnishings, wallpaper that looks like handpaper, and grey brick bathrooms with cobalt basins. South-facing rooms overlook a traditional hutong (narrow alley) to help maintain the old-style atmosphere. If you want to stay in the modern rooms, ask for ones in the new annex. They are a little larger than in the original hotel, show no signs of aging, and feature flat-screen TVs. On a final note, the staff deserve a mention for their courtesy and professionalism.

Review by author Robert Kelly

Map

Facilities

1. 24-hour reception
2. Air conditioning
3. Business center
4. Cafe / Restaurant
5. Children allowed
6. Clothing iron

1. Smoking rooms
2. Tea and Coffee maker
3. Tour desk
4. TV in room
5. Wake up service
6. Lockers

1. Non smoking rooms
2. Parking
3. Phone/Fax
4. Room service
5. Safe
6. Combination

1. Internet access
2. Laundry service
3. Left luggage/storage
4. Lift/Elevator/Wheelchair access
5. Linen/Towels supplied