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Among the older hotels in Beijing, but renovated to a standard above other Chinese-run options in this range. Rooms are comfortable, if a bit gaudy, with nice views from the upper floors. It’s round the corner from the railway station.

Smallest, most obscure, and possibly most pleasant courtyard hotel in Beijing. Rooms in the tree-shaded rear courtyard are exquisite. Walking distance to Wangfujing.

One of the largest courtyard hotels in town, Hejing Fu occupies three courtyards in total, each dotted with intricately carved statuary. Suites are luxuriously appointed with traditional trappings that reflect the house’s imperial pedigree.

Targeted at high-end business travelers, this Japanese-run hotel is convenient to the CBD, and offers several worth-while restaurants and bars. Rooms are small, but feature tasteful decoration.

Comfortable and close to Beijing Railway Station, and just a short taxi ride to Wangfujing and Tian’an Men Square. Rooms, though not large, are recently renovated, and international standards ensure a quality of service superior to that of most other nearby hotels.

Blander than when it was the Grand Hôtel des Wagons-Lits, but it offers good value for money in the pleasant Legation Quarter, and is walking distance from central Tian’an Men Square and Wangfujing Street.

Near the new Nuren Jie embassy district, the Kempinski offers superb service and access to Western conveniences in the attached Lufthansa Center, including bars, restaurants, and high-end shopping.

The youngest of Shangri-La’s Beijing stable combines the group’s high service standards with bright, modern room design. The Kerry is also home to the city’s hottest cocktail bar and extensive health facilities.

Exclusive, privately- owned courtyard residence that includes two rustic but charming self-contained units (not for separate hire) offering a slice of imperial living five minutes’ walk from the Forbidden City.

Excellent location south of Tian’an Men Square, in among old lanes. Rooms range from 12-bed dorms to doubles; facilities range from bicycle hire to a second-hand book exchange.