Beijing: Hostel 161

With the help of Google & Pinoy Exchange, I was able to choose our accommodation for the duration of our trip in Beijing. No. 161 Hostel won because of its cheap price. Of course, it took a lot of consideration because I'll be travelling with my mom who is kind of meticulous when it comes to accommodations but fortunately, I was able to convince her that this is THE best choice for a 4-night vacay.


I booked a superior room with 2 beds through agoda for $146.16 for 4 nights. I used some points I've earned during my previous bookings and I was able to reduce the total amount to $121.16. That's a little over Php 5,000 and there were 4 of us in the group. So imagine our cost/person/night? My mom was really worried and kept asking me why it's that cheap. She was afraid that it'll turn out to be a shady hostel.


But as I've mentioned, I've thought about this, not just once, twice, thrice, but a lot. I've never stayed in a hostel before but seeing reviews and photos of 161 Hostel really kept me interested to try it. The turning point for me was when a fellow PEXer posted her own review which made me confident to book with them.


Aside from the cheap price, here are some other pros:

a) Location: It's a short walking-distance from Dongsi Subway Station (line 5). Just take Exit C and you'll find yourself facing Chaoyangmen Inner St. Turn left towards Dongsi S St. Turn left on Lishi Hutong (it's the 2nd alley from the corner of Chaoyangmen & Dongsi), you'll be able to see the hostel right away.

 

 Dongsi Station, Line 5, Exit C

b) Room: Ok, it's not THAT big but it's big enough considering there were 4 of us. There's still space on the floor to walk around and place our luggages. It has a functioning air-conditioning unit, a television (local channels only, we just kept it at the CCTV network) and 2 single beds. My husband and I shared one bed and my parents shared the other (frugal me).


c) Private Bath: While there is a common bath, we got the private ensuite. It's big, clean and with good water supply. Housekeeping provides basic bath necessities.


d) English speaking staff: Although not fluent but their English skills are good enough to carry a conversation. However, I noticed that the male staff were much friendlier than the girls. The guys were always smiling and greeting us when we pass by the reception desk. The girls were... just there.


e) WIFI - They have 2 free wifi connections, not that fast but it's tolerable. I didn't go to Beijing to surf the net anyway... plus they don't have Facebook in China, so what's the use of the internet really? =P


f) Computers in Lobby - They have 2 desktop computers located at the lobby free for anyone to use. It's perfect for last minute research right before you step out of the main door. 


g) Coffeeshop - I wasn't able to try any of their products but they have a very cozy area perfect for lounging. 

For cons, I really can't think of any. No. 161 Hostel is a perfect example for "Value for Money" so if I were to list down weaknesses, it wouldn't be fair since I might just list down some things that are usually found in 5-star hotels. It's perfect the way it is.

(Source: fqtprt of pinoyexchange.com)

 I printed this photo and kept it in my bag. 

I always showed this to taxi drivers when we want to go home