Beijing Wangfujing The Purple Horse Hotel

Nestled deep within the bustling Wangfujing area, I discovered the 'pinnacle' of Beijing's hutong life. As a traveler who's always yearned for the old Beijing hutongs but worried about the inconveniences, the Beijing Wangfujing Zilong Garden Hotel absolutely stunned me! This was, without a doubt, the biggest surprise of my trip. My biggest concern before arriving was lugging suitcases through narrow alleys, but that worry was completely unfounded! The hutong leading to the hotel is incredibly wide, and our ride pulled up smoothly right at the main entrance of the lobby. This convenience of having 'direct vehicle access' in the heart of the old city is an absolute top-tier bonus! The moment I opened the room door, the fresh, newly renovated feel was palpable. What really captivated me was the top-tier DUXIANA bedding – lying on it felt like all the day's stress instantly melted away, truly a 'cloud-like sleep' experience. The bathroom even featured Villeroy & Boch fixtures; taking a hot bath here was the ultimate reward after a long day. Just a few steps outside, you're greeted by the vibrant lights of Longfusi and Wangfujing. Yet, turn back into the courtyard, and you're surrounded by lush greenery and flowing water. The best part is the several new subway lines that have opened nearby, making getting anywhere incredibly fast, as if on 'autopilot'! Meditating on the rooftop terrace in the morning, that sense of 'great seclusion in the city's heart' truly made me understand, for the first time, what 'Beijing-style elegant living' means. If you're also looking for a place near the Forbidden City that boasts both historical charm and top-tier modern comfort, don't hesitate – this is it! I'm already looking forward to my next visit.

Great location in Xiyangwei Hutong, just a 10-minute walk to Wangfujing, and convenient for visiting the Forbidden City and art museums. It’s a peaceful retreat in a bustling area. The hotel, a renovated old Prince's Mansion, has a charming garden courtyard. The room was clean, the bedding comfortable, and the bathtub was perfect for a relaxing soak. The front desk staff were incredibly attentive and proactively upgraded my room for free. The view was amazing, overlooking the hutong rooftops and Jingshan Park in the distance.

Had a fantastic stay! The location is super convenient, perfect for exploring Wangfujing, and there are tons of great cafes and highly-rated restaurants nearby. Nanluoguxiang and Yonghe Temple are also just a stone's throw away. The hotel really embraces the old Beijing vibe, which gives it a unique character. The room layout was excellent too, with two floor-to-ceiling windows, a mini-bar, and two sinks – a really well-designed space. The sky bar and the night views were both amazing. I'd give the service a perfect 100! I was pleasantly surprised by the breakfast. When you walk in, there's a whole selection of tea sets to choose from – beautiful teapots, gaiwans, and teacups. They offer a wide variety of teas so you can pick your favorite. Plus, there are lots of freshly cooked and prepared dishes to choose from.

Great hotel! The staff were super friendly and always ready to help. The chef at breakfast was always willing to cook up something special!

Had a truly satisfying stay! The room was very spacious, and the overall decor and materials felt high-quality. The mattress was incredibly comfortable, ensuring a great night's sleep. The bathroom fixtures were also excellent, with Hansgrohe faucets and Villeroy & Boch sanitary ware – you can really tell the hotel put thought into its hardware. The front desk service was very warm and welcoming; they were patient during check-in, making for a friendly experience overall. The hotel's location in a *hutong* (alleyway) gives it an authentic 'Old Beijing' feel, making the environment quiet and charming. Breakfast was also quite rich and varied. Overall, I'm very happy with both the facilities and the service. Highly recommend it!

An excellent choice for family trips! The hotel environment is quiet and elegant, and the cleanliness is impeccable. The breakfast spread is rich and varied, and the staff are professional and enthusiastic. They even helped arrange our airport transfer in advance, which was incredibly thoughtful. We were pleasantly surprised to receive an開光 (consecrated) bracelet from Yonghe Temple upon departure. The transportation is convenient, with taxis readily available in the parking lot. The entire stay was worry-free. Five-star review! 👍

After comparing several hotels in the same price range, I chose Zǐlóng Gardens. I'd also looked at their usual rates, and it seemed a bit pricier then, but booking it in advance for a holiday trip was definitely a steal. **Stay:** For the same price, other places offer rooms under 30 square meters, but Zǐlóng Gardens gives you 50 square meters. It's nestled in a hutong, offering a quiet escape in the midst of the bustling city. It's actually the former residence of Prince Taò, who was an advisor to the People's Liberation Army's equestrian administration. We opted for the family room, which even had a small balcony with a view. The room had a great wet/dry separation in the bathroom, so washing up wasn't cramped at all. **Food:** The mini-fridge was stocked with complimentary drinks (mineral water, Coke, Sprite, beer), and they'd replenish it anytime. Although the restaurant isn't huge, the food is incredibly fresh, with different dishes every day. I initially thought breakfast wasn't included, but it turned out to be free! From 11 AM to 11 PM, they offer afternoon tea with chef-prepared dishes like wontons and Zhajiangmian, all completely free of charge. You can even take fruit back to your room. The 'Sìyuè Hétún' restaurant on the first floor also had good prices and flavors; no reservations needed for their fugu or roast duck. **Getting Around:** It's very close to Nanluoguxiang, the National Art Museum of China, Wangfujing, and Longfu Temple. The subway station is about a 10-minute walk, but I mostly used taxis, which made getting around super convenient. **Service:** The hotel staff's service was impeccable. Finally, although check-out was officially at 12 PM, they were fine with us leaving at 2 PM, and even gave us a farewell gift. Overall, it was a truly satisfying stay. Our 5-day, 4-night trip during Chinese New Year was a fantastic family experience and definitely enhanced our vacation.

The hotel is great! The restaurant on the first floor is delicious. I'll definitely stay here again next time I'm in Beijing.

Booked the Zilong Garden Hotel for my Beijing trip and it was such a pleasant surprise! Tucked away in a hutong, the ancient-style lobby exuded a fantastic ambiance, and the front desk service was incredibly attentive. I couldn't believe there were such spacious rooms in the heart of Wangfujing. The wooden decor had a premium feel, and the DUXIANA bed from Sweden, just like those in the Burj Al Arab in Dubai, was incredibly comfortable. The central lighting control was super convenient. The breakfast was rich and varied, with freshly prepared dishes. The rooftop terrace offered stunning views of Beijing, and both the bar and pool were very photogenic. The B1 level had a gym and a children's play area, both thoughtfully designed. It's within walking distance to attractions like Wangfujing and the Forbidden City. This hotel perfectly blends the charm of hutong life with modern comforts – an absolutely fantastic experience!