We had two nights here on our own after a three night paid-for stay at the plush Beijing Shangrila. This was just what we wanted. In the heart of the historic centre, with the Forbidden City a 5-minute walk away and Tiananmen Square not much more. Also minutes away was the upmarket shopping area of Wanfujing with excellent malls and great food- including the
not-to-be-missed Quanjude Roast Duck restaurant. The famous Snack Street is just around the corner with snake, dragon-fly, scorpion, silk-worm, and run-of-the-mill fish and fowl, fruit and vegetables on the menu!
The hotel is shiny, clean and modern. Our twin-room was spacious with lots and lots of cupboard space, large bathroom, robes, slippers, electronic safe...all the mod cons. Only minusno free tea and coffee in the room. The facilities were there, from kettle to the sachets of milk and sugar, but all chargeable. Luckily we knew this rom previous Tripadvisor reviews so we carried our own! Oh yes! While the bathrooms and cupboards lit up very brightly, the light in the room was a little dim- not good enough to read comfortably. But no matter. We weren't in Beijing to read.
The staff was excellent. With passable English, always attentive and smiling and helpful with directions. Previous reviews suggest they aren't too forthcoming with nearby-restaurant recommendations. No wonder. We found the Chinese eateries across the hotel rip-offs. Definitely charging more than double for the English-language menus.The exception being Grandma's Kitchen for a European menu with free delivery for a minimum order of 50 yuan. Try them for breakfast. The hotel's rate is 80 yuan for middling fare.
The Reception gives out the hotel's card with its address in Chinese and a small list of phrases one might need to use. English for us, Chinese equivalent opposite. Very handy.
I loved this place. Hated leaving! Made our trip to
Beijing a happy one.

Hotel Kapok is in an unbelievable location. Its just a 5 minute walk to the Forbidden City, 8 mins to Tiananmen Square, and 4 mins to one of the longest shopping streets in the inner city district.

Very affordable at just 100US a night, the American restaurant downstairs offers delicious food at great prices. Check-in was seamless but concierge is a bit brisk in patience when asking about recommendations for restaurants to eat at outside the hotel, or asking about finding certain places. A tour company has a stand by the elevators so arranging tours is efficient and relatively inexpensive although I negotiated with them on prices for a 2 person personal tour, saving 100rmb each, and later realized that other companies in the area are still 50-70rmb or so cheaper. They were very prompt and accomodating when we wanted to make fequent and sometimes lengthy stops for photos though, so it all worked out in the end.

Rooms were quite large and everything was clean. Basic amenities such as soap, shampoo, toothbrush comb, vanity set and hair dryer are provided. Internet is complimentary and house-keeping is meticulous (although I was upset when they "put up" some of my clothing and personal items and I couldn't find them around at first). The bed is slightly on the hard side, but after sight-seeing and walking all day, you barely notice it.

The hotel seems older compared to the new hotels around, but for price and location, it simply can't be beat. Do note that many of the taxi drivers did not seem to know where it is located (because so many are new to the city), so be sure to bring a visual map around for them when out and about or when coming from the airport. Or simply have them drop you off at the corresponding gate at the Forbidden city and walk the block or so back.

The exterior of the hotel is a bit mysterious as it seems to be an overlay of a greenish glass lattice over an older concrete structure. The entrance does not look like a hotel entrance but an office entrance. That said, once inside it is quite nice. There is a simple and elegant European flair to the interior design..dark hardwood floors. Single room was smallish but very clean and comfortable. Suite size room was great. Service was very friendly. Lacks a real restaurant or even a functional coffee shop, but as it is near Wangfujing there are many choices nearby. Glad I stayed and would certainly stay again.

I've been very fortunate over the years to stay in a lot of very nice hotels with work, all over the world. This time it was my own money. However, I can honestly say that this is one of the nicest hotels i've ever stayed in. It's very very rare that i'm sad enough to take photos of my hotel room, but i was blown away at how cool it was. Very modern design, glass throughout, and a glass bathroom. Everyone that's seen photos has been agog, and these are friends who work in design/media and are used to 'trendy'..

Plus, it's close to Wangfujing, and close to the forbidden city and Tiann'men square.

There's free wifi in the lobby, the food is excellent, the staff very friendly. I was beaming for most of my stay there... The best thing is i paid £53 a night for a courtyard room..For the quality of the hotel, i'd pay £100 happily...

I overheard a number of other guests raving about it as well.. Very very pleased indeed!