BEI Zhaolong Hotel, part of JdV by Hyatt5

BEI Zhaolong Hotel, part of JdV by Hyatt, is a harmonious blend of a building with a 30-year history and ultra-modern hipster aesthetics. Guests appreciate its superb location in the heart of the fashionable Sanlitun district, its exceptionally warm attitude toward pets, and a 24-hour complimentary bar with drinks and fruit. However, a stay can be spoiled by technical issues with the building, notably a central climate-control system that cannot be adjusted individually. In addition, roadworks near the entrance and a non-obvious doorway make the first arrival tricky for many visitors.

Key Observations

Thoughtful, high-class service: Customer relations manager Howard has earned a flood of glowing feedback for his proactive help, quick messaging communication, arranging early check-in and delightful local souvenirs for guests.

Tricky arrival logistics: Several travellers complained that the hotel entrance is hidden behind temporary structures due to roadworks, and the route to the second-floor reception feels like a confusing maze.

Temperature control problems: Guests regularly note that the in-room thermostats do not allow them to change the air temperature, so rooms often feel too hot and stuffy.

Main Pros

• Ideal location a two-minute walk from Tuanjiehu metro station and right by the Sanlitun shopping quarter.
• A full pet-friendly setup with bowls, beds and treats provided for companion animals.
• Complimentary 24-hour coffee bar in the lobby with tea, a coffee machine, fresh fruit and light snacks.
• A free self-service laundry for guests.
• Beautiful sunset and China Zun skyscraper views from the panoramic windows of upper-floor rooms.

Main Cons

• Central air conditioning with no individual temperature adjustment in the room.
• Confusing navigation at the entrance and a tiny, hard-to-spot temporary reception during roadworks.
• Sparse European breakfast selection, plus a total lack of vegetarian and gluten-free alternatives.

Overall Grade: B

Hotel Overview

Basic Information:

• Name — BEI Zhaolong Hotel, part of JdV by Hyatt (首北兆龙饭店)
• Address — No. 2 Gongti North Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing, 100027, China
• Positioning and category — Four-star design boutique hotel aimed at young and creative travellers.

Description: The hotel occupies the building of a legendary Beijing guesthouse with a rich past, which after a recent renovation has been turned into a trendy arts hub. The public spaces are designed as contemporary art galleries, with unusual installations, a hexagonal lighted atrium and designer furniture. The room rate includes complimentary 24-hour access to a drinks and snacks buffet plus use of the self-service laundry.

Target Audience: The hotel is perfect for young active tourists, fans of walking and shopping, as well as for those travelling with their pets and those who appreciate an informal, stylish atmosphere.

Location & Transport

Location: The hotel is in one of Beijing’s most prestigious and lively neighbourhoods — Sanlitun, known for its abundance of restaurants, bars and boutiques. Diplomatic missions, including the Italian embassy, are within walking distance, making the hotel convenient for business trips.

Key Points of Interest: The Taikoo Li Sanlitun and SOHO shopping and entertainment complexes are a 10-minute walk from the hotel’s doorstep.

Transport: Tuanjiehu metro station is literally a few steps away. Hailing a taxi on the main road is easy, though because of dense traffic at peak hours the metro is often a faster way to get around.

Walkability: The area is excellent for walking, with plenty of well-maintained pavements and interesting urban spots.

Grade: A

Rooms & Cleanliness

Spacious rooms are decorated in minimalist Scandinavian style with quality wooden furniture, soft down pillows and modern accessories, including capsule coffee machines and stylish kettles. Cleanliness is kept to a high standard. The only serious drawback remains the climate control: the centralised system often prevents guests from adjusting heating or cooling to their personal taste, which can make rooms excessively warm.

Grade: B-

Service

The service leaves a particularly pleasant impression thanks to the personal touch of manager Howard. He contacts guests in advance, handles requests via WeChat, helps secure a free room upgrade and delights guests with small gifts such as mooncakes for a festival or branded bookmarks at check-out. That said, some foreign guests have pointed out that the other staff at the front desk can seem less welcoming and do not always speak English fluently.

Grade: A-

Dining

Breakfast is served in a restaurant with vivid tropical-style wall décor. The menu offers an excellent choice of classic Beijing dishes, including zhajiangmian noodles and silky douhua (soybean curd). At the same time, the Western breakfast selection is very modest. Guests who follow a gluten-free or vegetarian diet regularly note a complete absence of suitable options (not even gluten-free bread). The 24-hour complimentary coffee, tea, fruit and biscuit station in the lobby is a huge plus.

Grade: B

Facilities & Amenities

The hotel offers a free self-service laundry with washing machines and dryers, very handy on a long trip. On the ground floor there is the BEI Community art gallery with retro touches and contemporary installations, and a cosy shisha bar operates right below the hotel. The Wi-Fi is very fast. There is no pool or large spa complex, but the shared lounge areas are excellent for relaxing and getting some work done.

Grade: B+

Important Notes

• Room temperature is controlled centrally, so rooms can feel stuffy during the shoulder seasons.
• The hotel actively welcomes pets, so you may meet dogs in the corridors and lobby.
• Due to roadworks nearby, the hotel entrance is temporarily tricky and is accessed via a small side door.

Practical Tips for Guests

• Contact the hotel in advance to be added to the chat with manager Howard — this ensures any issues during your stay are resolved promptly.
• Request an upper-floor room with a view towards Liangmaqiao to enjoy the illuminated China Zun skyscraper.
• If you are travelling with a pet, let the team know before arrival so that pet-friendly accessories are set up in your room in advance.
• For getting around the city, favour Tuanjiehu metro station — roadworks and traffic jams can seriously delay taxis at the entrance.

Final Verdict

BEI Zhaolong Hotel delivers excellent value for money in Beijing’s most fashionable district for those who prize style, pet-friendly culture and proximity to the metro, and are willing to overlook the centralised climate control and the idiosyncratic breakfast.

Overall Grade: B

Breakdown: Location: A | Rooms: B- | Service: A- | Dining: B | Facilities: B+ | Value for Money: B+

Best for: Young active tourists, pet owners, design lovers and anyone who enjoys exploring a city on foot and by metro.

Not for: Those sensitive to stuffy rooms, fans of classic five-star service with a spa and a pool, and travellers on a strict vegetarian or gluten-free diet.