Ibis Hotel (Beijing Shichahai Gulou Street Metro Station)

Excellent location in an authentic hutong. Close to Drum tower and other places to visit. Friendly staff.

Everything came as advertised. Were willing to give us a free upgrade from non-window to windowed room (though we declined). Water pressure and temperature were consistent. Out of the 4 hotels we stayed at in China, it was the only one where the staff were prepared with a translator app on their phone. If you need extra bottled water, you can just grab it from the front desk. Around 4 minute walk to exit G of Gulou street station, so it's very convenient. If you don't like the smell of smoke, get a room near the back of the hotel as the smell can waft in from somewhere. Be sure not to turn the sink faucet on middle to full blast as water will splash out onto the floor or bed. They were renovating several rooms so they're maintaining the hotel, which was great to see. We left the hotel sometimes as late as 9am and we could not hear any noise from the renovations.

Overall it was a pleasant 2 night stay. The hotel staff were friendly and helpful and the rooms was clean/odour free. The subway station was walking distance.