We spent six nights at the red capital residence during the olympics. Its not a hotel without warts, but for someone looking for something very different from an international hotel I think it rocks. To be honest I generally stay in the four seasons when I go on holiday and the red capital is a far cry from the perfect... more

This place astounded me! This is certainly not the Holiday Inn. I've stayed in another "authentic" courtyard hotel but this was a different level of "authentic" altogether. We had one of the Concubine rooms - it was so dimly lit I could barely make out the contents of my suitcase, the bed was hard and the furnishings dark and heavy... more

We had a wonderful experience at the Red Capital Residence, spending a total of seven days in mid-June and using it as a base from which to travel to the Wall (Red Capital Ranch) and to Lhasa, Tibet (House of Shambhala). The Residence is unique in two respects. The first is its location: a working hutong (Dongsi), perhaps 1.5 miles... more

The residence looked great on the website but the actual place was such a disappointment. The courtyard is very small that I felt claustophobic. The room is dark and cramped with stuff. For the price of over US$200 for a double room, it is definitely not value for money, in fact it was a rip-off. US$80 would be about right... more

After reading some fabulous reviews about the Red Capital, we booked a long weekend with another couple last year. Each couple had a concubine room. Whilst the staff were all extremely helpful and nice, this was totally offset by the old, smelley towels that didn't even dry you as they weren't made of cotton, the stained bed linen that appeared... more

I read the review from Texas and very much disagree. I stay at the Red Capital Residence whenever I travel to Beijing because I so much appreciate that someone has finally preserved a piece of Beijing's history in this courtyard boutique hotel. True, the rooms are small, but it's a real Chinese courtyard and the furniture is all historical as... more

I returned from China five weeks ago and have just seen the reviews regarding the Red Residence in Beijing. It is appropriate that there be a reality check on this debate, at least according to the other four reviews. Firstly, I travel for the experience. I realise others don't - they want luxury replicated wherever they go. They want a... more

We stayed in the "Chairman's Suite" of the Red Capital Residence on our recent visit to Beijing. This hotel has only two things going for it: kitsch and a great staff. Otherwise, the room is horrendous-- it is tiny, extremely dark, and filled with unnecessary Chairman Mao-related knick knacks (see kitsch). The "bed" will not fit anyone over 5'8" without... more

I can't believe that they have the nerve to charge close to $200US for a double room... (which in many places would be the equivalent to a single!!) Our towels were thin and fraying at the edges.. not to mention just plain washed out. I had a towel at my house I've had for 20 years, that was in better... more