Old Beijing Square Hotel  

Tucked into Baochao Hutong in Dongcheng, this historic hutong hotel sits inside a 300-year-old quadrangle. It’s a quiet boutique hideaway around 4–6 km from the city center and within easy reach of the Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square, Bell and Drum Towers, and the Lama Temple.

The property is the only folk-music–themed hotel in the area, with guest rooms named after ethnic instruments and weekly folk performances. Expect warm, simply decorated rooms with air conditioning, TV, bathrobes and slippers, and a small, leafy courtyard anchored by a 200-year-old date tree and trailing wisteria. The layout preserves classic quadrangle architecture for an authentic old-Beijing feel.

On-site restaurant and a bar for easy meals and evening drinks. Practical touches include on-site parking, an elevator for accessible access, laundry service and a safe-deposit box. The setting lets you wake up to courtyard calm in the middle of the city.

Wireless internet access throughout the hotel and a 24-hour reception make arrivals and remote work simple.

A restaurant serves hotel meals and the bar is handy for a nightcap after exploring the hutongs. Stop by for straightforward, local dining without leaving the courtyard.