City Central Youth Hostel (Chengshi Qingnian Jiudian)

Description:

• Housed in the old post office building, this newly opened hostel cum hotel has an unbeatable location directly opposite Beijing railway station. The manager was inspired by a visit to Sydney Central YHA, and has attempted to create a replica here. Standard rooms on the fifth and sixth floor are minimalist and clean, with none of the sleaze associated with other railway hotels (such as the nearby Howard Johnson, whose rooms now sport point-and-choose menus of massage girls), and at a fraction of the expense. Ask for a room on the north side, facing away from the railway station square. Dorm rooms on the fourth floor have double-glazed windows and comfortable bunk beds, but squat toilets are a surprise for the less limber.

• © Frommer's 2013

Awards:

Frommer's

•  Highly Recommended 2009
•  Highly Recommended 2010