Holiday Inn Express BEIJING DONGZHIMEN by IHG

Holiday Inn Express Beijing Dongzhimen, part of IHG, sits right by Gongrentiyuchang metro station, about 700 metres from the exit. The neighbourhood is full of cafes and shops, and it's roughly a 15-minute walk to Sanlitun with its bars and boutiques — a solid base if you want to mix business meetings with evening strolls through a trendy part of town.

Rooms are clean and roomy, beds are comfortable, and there's enough space even with three suitcases. The breakfast gets consistent praise for variety — both Chinese classics and Western dishes — and you can grab a coffee to go from the front desk. Staff check you in quickly and accommodate requests like a high floor, and according to most guests the soundproofing is good, so nights are quiet.

Who it suits: business travellers and tourists who want the predictable IHG standard in a calm part of town that's still well connected.

What to know honestly: the hotel isn't new, and older rooms come with occasional complaints about dampness, a musty carpet smell, or a slow response to small requests like slippers or a toothbrush. Service quality seems to vary by shift — most reviews are warm, but a couple of guests ran into a surprisingly sharp reaction from staff when raising hygiene complaints.