Spring Time Hostel Beijing China

Friday, December 05, 2014

Hostel Experience in Beijing

Spring Time Hostel

I've never actually tried staying in a hostel but because I was trying to spend wisely for this trip I gave Spring Time Hostel a shot.

We arrived in Beijing at around 1am, I was really planning to go to the hostel via Airport Express (train) then transfer to a subway going to Dongsi Station but because I overlooked that the Airport Express is only open until 11:30 pm we had no choice but to transfer via car. Our two options were to ride a taxi or an airport shuttle. We settled on the latter because if we choose to ride a taxi we will be needing 2 taxis as we are 5 in the group + luggages. For the airport shuttle we paid a fixed rate worth 400 CNY (P2,900) then later on I learned that the hostel offers airport transfers for only 300 CNY (P2,200) - oh well, planning & research are really important!
During our first night

Location
I chose Spring Time Hostel because of several reasons, first is the location. The hostel is just a 10 seconds walking distance to 2 exits (Exit D-Line 5 and Exit G- Line 6) of Dongsi Subway Station which is just perfect for travelers. It is also near a convenience store, restaurants and bakery. 

Dongsi Station - Exit D (Line 5) - The hostel is right beside the subway

Dongsi Station- Exit G (Line 6) - I am standing behind the hostel

Price
The price is also one of the reasons why I chose this hostel. I paid for only 236 CNY (P1,710) per night for a twin room good for 2-3 persons. Because we were 3 in one room (Mama, Papa and me) that would mean we only paid 79 CNY (P573) per person per night. Really cheap right?

Lobby
The lobby is just small but is okay for the price. We were welcomed by a hotel English speaking staff named Uti, then paid the amount upon check in. By the way, they do not accept credit cards so we paid in cash.

Reception

lobby during check out

Twin Room
Our room was located at the third floor and can be accessed via an elevator. I also chose this hostel because of the beds. The three of us shared a room so we need large beds. The hostel provides 2 double beds for twin rooms.


2 twin beds

Amenities
LCD TV but with no cable channel (which didn't bother us as we seldom hang out in our room), Air-condition/heater, Water heater but no bottled water (they do have available bottled waters for sale but it would be more affordable to buy it in the convenience store), closet, no mini ref, no bar and no safety deposit box. The dryer is available upon request. They have available WiFi but the hotel has very poor signal. The better signal can be accessed in the lobby. They have no full sized mirror in the room so I really suggest they install one, for me that's important.
TV and desk

I also like this hostel for the lovely quaint view outside.

Withered tree outside our room

Bathroom
Don't expect too much from the bathroom because it's tiny. Although they do have hot and cold shower but no bidet. Towels are available but looks overused already (but clean)

Red bricked bathroom

Toiletries
Surprisingly this hostel has toiletries such as toothbrush, tiny toothpaste, tiny soap, shampoo sachet, bath foam sachet and a comb. They also offer (old) rubber slippers for bathroom purposes.

lavatory

Better to bring your own set of toiletries to avoid disappointment.

Complimentary Hostel Toiletries

Dining & Bar Area
The dining area is located at the ground floor. It's cozy and looks western. 

They really love red bricks

Bar area

Breakfast
Can you believe that breakfast is also included in the room fee? For 1 room they serve 2 western breakfast. Because we were three I paid for additional breakfast worth 20 CNY (P150)
Beijing Buddies - Papa, Neal, April, Mama and me

Breakfast includes 1 toast, 1 egg, 1 sausage and 1 bacon. Coffee and Tea are not included

Hostel Breakfast 

Other facilities
Free luggage storage
Free maps
Tours
Aside from the airport transfer they also offer tours such as City Tour, Beijing Night Tour, Bicycle Hutong Tour, Acrobatics Show, Kungfu Show, Peking Opera and Great Wall tour.

They helped us arrange shuttled service going to Mutianyu Great Wall for the fee of 160 CNY each (P 1,160) which is a better option than going there on your own.

Over all Spring Time Hostel is perfect for no frills travelers who are on a tight budget, use the subway a lot and don't need internet connection or cable TV. As for me, I would stay again at this hotel, I love it despite the poor wifi signal, the low standard rooms, tiny bathrooms and mediocre breakfast. For the cheap price and perfect location, I couldn't ask for anything more. 

Share This Story

Tags:

You Might Also Like

3 comments

  1. Rush FlowerOctober 22, 2015 at 2:05 AM

    hi. do you have any contact email for spring time hostel?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. walkwithchamOctober 23, 2015 at 6:17 AM

      Hi there! You can contact the hotel thru their mobile which I found on the web +86 10 6528 7277 (i don't have their email address, their site is under maintenance too)

      Delete
  2. jemimahAugust 10, 2018 at 3:22 PM

    Hello! which is the cheaper option on buying tickets for acrobatic, kung fu & opera, thru Spring Time Hostel or thru online booking?

    ReplyDelete

Like us on Facebook

RIO DE JANEIRO BRAZIL

RIO DE JANEIRO BRAZIL