"The home on journey is waiting for you"
Trip Start
Oct 27, 2007
1
7
9
Trip End
Nov 12, 2007
Beijing,
China
Tuesday, October 30, 2007
Hutongren - colourful welcome
When choosing accommodation for your holiday, what to do consider? Location? Price? Millions of TV channels at the touch of a button?OK, so I consider price and location too. I don't care about TV - I haven't shelled out lots of money just to sit on my bum all day - that's why I don't do beach holidays.
My checklist is as follows:
1. Location - close to the areas I want to see, or at least within reasonable travel time on public transport
2. Price - not necessarily cheap, but value for money
3. Bed - the room should have one
4. Shower and a toilet - I prefer exclusive use of these facilities, but sharing can be considered (so long as I'm not kept waiting by someone who reads the paper cover to cover while taking a dump!)
And that's about it.
Hutongren - the alleyway
What I hadn't expected about staying at Hutongren was the friendly atmosphere. The staff (well, Yang Zi for she runs the place almost single handed) and her friends (Zhang Han et al) ply you with tea and greet you with a warm smile that is all friendship and not just professional courtesy.
And because of the atmosphere generated by those working and helping out, the guests spend time getting to know each other, idly chatting over a late evening pot of puer tea. As old visitors move on and new people arrive, the cycle starts again. I can't help but think that not only are we getting a great deal form our choice of accommodation, but Yang Zi and co are making new friends, as are we all.
Hutongren is highly recommended by me - and probably many others too.
:)
