Le Joy Hotel 5*: pool and a nighttime view of the Forbidden City in Xi’an

Le Joy Hotel occupies the upper floors of the Xidan Joy City shopping mall on North Sidian Street, and that defines its character. Below is one of Beijing’s favorite shopping districts, while above begins a quiet hotel where you’ll find a lobby with photo zones, a heated indoor pool, and a restaurant serving Cantonese cuisine. Outside the windows are the lights of Chang’an Avenue, and on clear evenings some rooms offer views of the Forbidden City and CCTV tower. Guests write about the sunset that streams through the curtains, and about the photos taken on the first and eighth floors, where themed installations are located. Tiananmen Square is within easy reach from here; it’s a six-minute walk to Xidan metro station, so central Beijing’s attractions don’t require taxis. The rooms are spacious, starting at thirty-five square meters, with a king-size bed or two single beds.

Sidian: A Shopping District Steps from Tiananmen Square

Sidian is one of Beijing’s older shopping districts, the western side of Chang’an Avenue. Department stores, shopping malls, and pedestrian streets are tightly packed here, and locals come for weekend shopping trips. The hotel in this dense fabric feels like an island: behind the elevator door is noise, while inside it’s quiet. Tiananmen Square and the National Centre for the Performing Arts are within walking distance; Xidan metro station connects to several lines, making it convenient to travel to the Temple of Heaven. Beijing Children’s Hospital is also nearby, which is a plus for families who want to know where the nearest medical assistance is.

• Tiananmen Square — a walk away, especially in the evening.
• National Centre for the Performing Arts — a glass egg next to the Great Hall of the People.
• Qianmen — an old shopping street with shops and teahouses.
• Gugong Palace — straight across the square; it’s best to book tickets in advance.

Travel tip: For the Forbidden City, buy entrance tickets in advance and bring your passport: you won’t be allowed into Gugong without it. The evening view of the Forbidden City is visible from rooms on higher floors, so request those when booking. If you’re staying during a holiday period, expect strict security checks and long queues at the square; allow an extra hour for travel.

Pool, Restaurant, and an Evening Without Leaving the Hotel

The hotel’s main feature is the heated indoor pool, which guests describe as a great way to unwind after a day of walking around Beijing. There are sun loungers by the pool, and the hotel offers yoga classes, a gym, and conference rooms, along with secretarial services for business travelers. Parking is shared, and for those without a car, there’s a taxi ordering service at reception. Hotel robots deliver orders, which is nice if you don’t want to go down to the lobby. There’s also an adults-only area, so evening relaxation by the water is free from childish noise.

• Heated indoor pool with lounge area
• Gym and yoga classes
• Lobby bar and room service
• Conference rooms and secretarial services
• Concierge and VIP check-in

Rooms on Higher Floors

Standard and upgraded rooms are thirty-five square meters, with either a king-size bed or two twin beds. Upgraded rooms overlook the city, and in the evening you can see the lights of Chang’an Avenue from the windows. If you need a cot for a child, please specify when booking.

The Lobby as a Photo Spot

The lobby on the first floor and the eighth floor are designed as photo spots: this is what guests themselves write. If you’ve come with a camera, set aside twenty minutes in the morning while it’s less crowded.

Rooms

The hotel offers the following room categories:

• Standard room with a king-size bed — 35 m², 1 king-size bed. In the room: shower gel, hair conditioner, shower cap, sofa, writing desk, bottled water, electric kettle.
• A standard room with 2 single beds — 35 m², 2 double beds. In the room: shower gel, hair conditioner, shower cap, sofa, writing desk, bottled water, electric kettle.
• Upgraded room with a king-size bed — 35 m², 1 king-size bed, view: view of the city. In the room: shower gel, hair conditioner, shower cap, sofa, writing desk, bottled water, electric kettle.
• Upgraded Twin Room — 35 m², 2 double beds, view: view of the city. In the room: shower gel, hair conditioner, shower cap, sofa, writing desk, bottled water, electric kettle.
• A room with a double bed and panoramic view — 35 m², 1 king-size bed, view: view of the city. In the room: shower gel, hair conditioner, shower cap, sofa, writing desk, bottled water, electric kettle.
• Deluxe Room with a king-size bed — 40 m², 1 king-size bed, view: view of the city. In the room: shower gel, hair conditioner, shower cap, sofa, writing desk, bottled water, electric kettle.
• Family Room — 45 m², 2 double beds. In the room: shower gel, hair conditioner, shower cap, sofa, writing desk, bottled water, electric kettle.
• Emotional Style Room — 35 m², 1 round bed, view: view of the city. In the room: shower gel, hair conditioner, shower cap, sofa, writing desk, bottled water, electric kettle.

Cantonese Cuisine Upstairs and Food Downstairs

The hotel’s Chinese restaurant serves dishes in the style of modern Cantonese cuisine, where classic techniques are combined with local ingredients. If you’re visiting Beijing for the first time and want a quiet dinner without queues or searching for a table, this is a sensible option for your first evening. In the morning, breakfast can be ordered to your room, or you can go down to the restaurant.

Downstairs, in Joy City itself, there are dozens of establishments: from noodle shops and hot pot restaurants to coffee shops and bakeries. Peking duck is best sought out in older districts like Qianmen, where there are historic restaurants with a queue of locals. After dinner, it’s worth taking a walk around Sidian: the evening lights and crowds are best seen here.

What Guests Like and What to Consider

Why Guests Value the Hotel

• Sidian Metro station is six minutes’ walk away, and Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City are within walking distance.
• The heated indoor pool is open to guests, which is a real lifesaver after sightseeing trips.
• From rooms on higher floors, you can see the Forbidden City and CCTV tower in the evening.
• Spacious rooms from thirty-five square meters are suitable for a long trip.
• Attentive staff and quick responses to requests – this is what guests mention in their reviews.

Things to Know in Advance

• The hotel is built into a shopping mall, so it can be noisy downstairs, especially on weekends.
• Not all rooms have a view of the Forbidden City; you need to request a high floor.
• During peak holiday periods, there may be crowds at the entrance and long waits for the elevator.
• The pool and its lounge are advertised as an adults-only area – families with children should confirm this in advance.

What Guests Say

Guests most often praise the friendly staff, cleanliness, the pool, and the view of the night city. Minor comments include the noisy shopping mall downstairs and elevator queues on weekends.

How to Book Le Joy Hotel

Decide on your dates and floor: for a city view, it’s best to request a high one. In the “Where to Book” section, select your dates and complete your booking in rubles.