Beijing — Neighborhood Guide
Gulou is one of Beijing's most distinctive neighborhoods — a place where history, culture, and contemporary energy converge. Here are the best hotels in the area, handpicked by our review team.
Quick Answer
Gulou is one of Beijing's most distinctive neighborhoods — a place where history, culture, and contemporary energy converge. Here are the best hotels in the area, handpicked by our review team.
5 hotels reviewed · Price range: $$, $$$$ · Last updated March 2026
About This Guide
Staying in Gulou puts you at the heart of what makes Beijing special. The neighborhood offers a unique blend of local character and visitor-friendly amenities. Our hotel picks range from intimate boutiques to polished luxury properties, each chosen for its ability to connect you with the authentic Gulou experience.
Insider Tips
The best dining in Gulou is usually one street back from the main tourist thoroughfare.
Ask your hotel concierge for their personal favourite spots in Gulou — they often know hidden gems.
Walking is the best way to experience Gulou — most attractions are within a 15-minute stroll.
Our Picks
5 hotels · Updated February 2026
Gulou
A beautifully restored hutong courtyard near the Drum Tower — just eight rooms wrapped around a jasmine-draped garden, with exposed brick walls and curated antique furnishings. The rooftop bar, offering Bell Tower views over a sea of grey-tiled rooftops, is one of Beijing's best-kept secrets.
Wangfujing
Anchored on Goldfish Lane steps from the Forbidden City, The Peninsula set the standard for luxury in Beijing when it opened and has never relinquished it. The fleet of Rolls-Royces, the subterranean spa, and the Huang Ting restaurant — serving arguably Beijing's finest Cantonese cuisine in a room of glazed antique birdcages — make this a perennial benchmark.
Wangfujing
Tucked into a restored imperial compound steps from the Forbidden City's east wall, Capella Beijing feels like a private villa complex — courtyards of persimmon trees, pavilion suites with heated kang beds, and a spa built around the Five Elements. Discretion and quiet are its defining virtues.
Chaoyang
A soaring tower in the CBD whose interiors channel the geometry of traditional Chinese architecture through a decidedly contemporary lens — latticed screens, ink-wash murals, and rooms with floor-to-ceiling views of the cityscape. The Sense spa and the Manor Club lounge lift it well above the competition for business travellers wanting something genuinely beautiful.
Haidian
The only hotel in China with direct access to a UNESCO World Heritage site — Aman's 51 suites occupy Qing Dynasty guesthouses at the gates of the Summer Palace. Lacquered corridors lead to rooms layered in raw silk and cedarwood; dawn walks through the imperial gardens belong exclusively to guests before the day-trippers arrive.
Common Questions
Yes, Gulou is an excellent base for exploring Beijing, offering a great mix of local atmosphere, dining, and convenient access to major attractions.
Gulou is known for its distinctive character, excellent restaurants, and vibrant street life. It's one of Beijing's most sought-after neighborhoods for both locals and visitors.
The most convenient option is a rideshare (Uber/Lyft), typically 30-50 minutes depending on traffic. Public transport is also available and often more economical.
More Destinations
Prices and availability change daily. Lock in the best rate by booking early — most of our top picks offer free cancellation.
View All Beijing Hotels