Lonely Planet Review
Half the hostel is set in a genuine Qing-dynasty courtyard, and the other half in the basement of the modern, but quaint, Far East Hotel. While the courtyard dorms look no different from the hotel's (they are both bare-bones with pine-frame bunk beds), it's a no-brainer which location is preferable.
A budget traveller will find pretty much everything he or she could need here. In addition to dorm beds, the hotel also offers good-value, no-frills doubles. Bedding and towels are provided for all rooms, and there is Internet, laundry, excellent kitchen facilities (on every floor), a shop, bike rental, travel centre and several common rooms. The location down a lively and well-preserved hutong (narrow alley) is the choice for the traveller with an eye for history and atmosphere. The hostel has several food and beverage options, including a large bistro with a good east/west menu and a basement bar that is the scene of many late-night parties. This hostel definitely encourages its guests to mingle and have a good time. Female travellers may appreciate that one dorm is reserved for women only.
Review by author
Robert Kelly