Palace Hotel Forbidden City

If you want to be close to the Forbidden city, this small hotel is almost next door, within easy walking distance, and not too far from good eating places. When described as being in Hutong, its up a quiet alley, with the hotel a converted old house, which retains much of the traditional layout. Breakfast is served in the covered courtyard. If you want a slick modern hotel this won't suit you. The layout is idiosyncratic, with some risk of noise from other rooms if you are unlucky. The mattress is traditionally hard. We loved the bath. If you are familiar with the typical Chinese breakfast you may welcome their attempt at a western style breakfast. We found that the staff tried to be helpful, and for us mostly succeeded. A welcome antidote to faceless corporate or grandiose hotels, and an enjoyable stay.