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Buried down in the hutongs southwest of Tian’an Men Square, this is possibly the city’s cheapest old courtyard accommodations (see Feiying International Youth Hostel).

Peaceful, family-run hostel in a converted courtyard residence close to Dong Si Shi Tiao subway offers simple single, double, and 4–6 bed dorm rooms. Staff speak little English but arrange bike hire, ticket booking services, and even airport pick-up.

Built in 1875 and once home to Chiang Kai Shek (you can stay in his suite) and, later, the Yugoslav Embassy. Today, it still has a bit of a Socialist feel but the courtyard setting is pleasant, and there’s a Japanese restaurant on site.

Close to the lakes, this is the oldest of Beijing’s traditional hotels, with the largest and most elaborate courtyards, plus rockeries and covered pathways.

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.

The details are similar to those in other courtyard hotels, but here they add up to a more comfortable atmosphere. Rooms range from cheap youth hostel-style facilities right up to suites. There’s also a charming teahouse and well-stocked bookshelves.

A few minutes’ walk from the Drum and Bell Towers and located in a former Buddhist temple, this courtyard hotel is full of character. Simple, cosy rooms have Ming-style furniture.

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.

Beijing’s most uniquely louche hotel, in which those with a suitably fat wallet can live out fantasies of Old Peking, also happens to be a converted courtyard residence (see Red Capital Residence).