Weird Places to Stay in Beijing: Unconventional Accommodations for the Adventurous Traveler

Beijing, a city known for its rich history and modern vibrancy, offers more than just traditional hotels and luxury resorts. For those seeking unique and memorable experiences, the city has a range of unconventional places to stay. From converted temples to quirky themed rooms, here’s a guide to some of the most unusual accommodations in Beijing that promise to make your stay unforgettable.

1. The Beijing Hutong Hotel

Located in the heart of Beijing’s historic hutong district, The Beijing Hutong Hotel offers an authentic experience of traditional Beijing life. This hotel is set in a renovated courtyard home, or siheyuan, giving guests a glimpse into the architecture and lifestyle of old Beijing. The rooms are decorated with antique furniture and traditional Chinese decor, providing a nostalgic atmosphere. The hotel also offers guided tours of the surrounding hutongs, where you can explore local markets and hidden gems.

2. The Temple Hotel

For a truly unique stay, consider The Temple Hotel, a boutique hotel housed in a former Buddhist temple. This serene retreat combines ancient architecture with modern luxury. The rooms are furnished with contemporary amenities while retaining elements of the temple’s historical charm. Guests can enjoy the tranquil surroundings, participate in meditation sessions, and explore the temple grounds, which include beautiful gardens and ancient statues.

3. The Palace Hostel

The Palace Hostel offers a quirky take on traditional hostel accommodations. Located in a restored palace, this hostel features rooms designed to reflect different historical periods of China. Each room has its own theme, ranging from the Tang Dynasty to the Ming Dynasty, complete with period-appropriate decor and furnishings. The hostel also has a communal area with vintage games and an extensive collection of historical artifacts.

4. The Beijing 798 Art Zone Hotel

Situated in the 798 Art Zone, a vibrant district known for its contemporary art galleries and studios, this hotel stands out with its avant-garde design. The rooms are adorned with art installations and graffiti, creating a dynamic and creative environment. The hotel also hosts art events and exhibitions, allowing guests to immerse themselves in Beijing’s modern art scene.

5. The Feng Shui Hotel

For those interested in alternative wellness practices, The Feng Shui Hotel offers a unique experience centered around the principles of feng shui. Each room is meticulously designed to ensure positive energy flow, with elements such as balanced color schemes, harmonious layouts, and natural materials. The hotel also offers consultations with feng shui experts to help guests align their personal energies.

6. The Space Capsule Hotel

For a futuristic experience, the Space Capsule Hotel provides a space-age ambiance. Inspired by space travel, the hotel’s rooms resemble space capsules, complete with high-tech features and LED lighting. The rooms are compact but functional, offering all the essentials for a comfortable stay. This hotel is perfect for tech enthusiasts and those looking for a novel lodging experience.

7. The Vintage Camper Van Hotel

If you’ve ever dreamed of staying in a retro camper van, this hotel offers just that. Located in a scenic park, the Vintage Camper Van Hotel features refurbished classic camper vans as guest accommodations. Each van is uniquely decorated with vintage furniture and modern amenities, providing a cozy and nostalgic stay. Guests can enjoy outdoor activities in the park and take advantage of the communal fire pit and barbecue area.

8. The Ice Hotel

For a chilly adventure, the Ice Hotel provides an experience unlike any other. Built entirely of ice and snow, this seasonal hotel offers a frosty retreat with intricately carved ice sculptures and snow-covered rooms. Guests are provided with thermal sleeping bags and insulated bedding to ensure a comfortable stay despite the low temperatures. The Ice Hotel also features an ice bar and ice restaurant, adding to the unique experience.

9. The Hidden Garden Hotel

Nestled in a secluded area of Beijing, The Hidden Garden Hotel offers a peaceful escape from the bustling city. This hotel is set within a lush garden filled with exotic plants and tranquil water features. The rooms are designed to blend seamlessly with the natural surroundings, offering a serene and rejuvenating environment. Guests can enjoy outdoor yoga sessions, garden walks, and personalized wellness treatments.

10. The Historical Courtyard B&B

For a more intimate and personal experience, The Historical Courtyard B&B provides a charming stay in a traditional Beijing courtyard home. This bed and breakfast offers a cozy atmosphere with only a few guest rooms, each decorated with antique furnishings and traditional artwork. The hosts are knowledgeable about local history and culture, providing guests with personalized recommendations and insights.

11. The Rooftop Garden Hotel

Offering stunning views of Beijing’s skyline, The Rooftop Garden Hotel is situated on the top floors of a modern high-rise building. The highlight of this hotel is its rooftop garden, where guests can relax and enjoy panoramic views of the city. The garden is adorned with lush plants, comfortable seating, and a bar, making it a perfect spot for evening drinks or a sunrise breakfast.

12. The Retro Gaming Hotel

For gaming enthusiasts, The Retro Gaming Hotel combines nostalgic video game themes with modern comfort. The hotel’s rooms are decorated with pixel art, vintage game consoles, and gaming memorabilia. Each room is equipped with a selection of classic games for guests to enjoy. The hotel also features a gaming lounge with arcade machines and virtual reality experiences.

13. The Artistic Studio Loft

Located in the creative 798 Art Zone, The Artistic Studio Loft is designed for art lovers and creatives. This hotel features open-concept studio apartments with space for artistic expression. The lofts are decorated with artworks by local artists, and guests can take part in workshops and exhibitions hosted by the hotel. The hotel’s communal spaces are also designed to inspire creativity and collaboration.

14. The Underwater Hotel

For a truly immersive experience, The Underwater Hotel offers rooms submerged beneath a water tank, providing an underwater view of aquatic life. The rooms are equipped with large windows that allow guests to observe fish and marine creatures up close. The hotel also features an underwater restaurant and bar, offering a unique dining experience surrounded by the ocean.

15. The Eco-Friendly Treehouse Hotel

Located on the outskirts of Beijing, The Eco-Friendly Treehouse Hotel offers a sustainable and nature-focused stay. The treehouses are built using eco-friendly materials and are designed to blend seamlessly with the surrounding forest. Each treehouse features solar panels, rainwater harvesting systems, and natural ventilation. Guests can enjoy a stay immersed in nature, with activities such as forest hikes and wildlife observation.

16. The Literature-themed Hotel

For book lovers, The Literature-themed Hotel offers rooms inspired by classic literature and famous authors. Each room is decorated with themes related to a particular book or literary genre, complete with relevant decor and furnishings. The hotel also has a library and reading nook, where guests can relax with a good book and participate in literary events and discussions.

17. The Floating Hotel

Offering a unique take on waterfront accommodations, The Floating Hotel is built on a floating platform on a lake. The rooms are designed to provide a sensation of floating on the water, with large windows and balconies offering unobstructed views of the lake. The hotel also features water-based activities such as kayaking and paddleboarding, making it a great choice for outdoor enthusiasts.

18. The Haunted Hotel

For thrill-seekers, The Haunted Hotel provides a spine-chilling experience. This hotel is known for its ghostly atmosphere and eerie decor, with rooms designed to evoke a sense of mystery and suspense. The hotel offers ghost tours and paranormal investigations for guests who are interested in exploring its haunted history.

19. The High-Tech Smart Hotel

The High-Tech Smart Hotel features cutting-edge technology and automation throughout its facilities. Each room is equipped with smart controls for lighting, temperature, and entertainment systems. The hotel also offers virtual concierge services and robotic room service, providing a futuristic and convenient stay.

20. The Luxury Yurt Hotel

For a touch of luxury in a traditional setting, The Luxury Yurt Hotel offers elegant yurts with high-end amenities. Located in a scenic area, the yurts are furnished with plush beds, stylish decor, and modern conveniences. Guests can enjoy outdoor activities such as horseback riding and stargazing, while experiencing the comfort of a luxury stay.