Red Capital Residence (Xin Hong Zi Julebu)

It was once one of the few boutique hotels in town, but the Red Capital Residence has been overtaken by a number of new entries in the back alleys of Beijing. Still, Art Deco furnishings steal the show at this Cultural Revolution-themed siheyuan, set around a tiny central courtyard which conceals a homemade bomb shelter, now converted into a somewhat claustrophobic wine bar. It may be a tad museum-like, pretentious even, but if you can't resist the chance to curl up with a book in stuffed armchairs once used by Marshal Peng Dehuai and Premier Zhou Enlai, then this boutique hotel is worth the outlay. The two Concubine's Private Courtyards, fitted with ornate Qing dynasty beds, are the most romantic rooms in the capital. Service can be a little spotty.

Facilities:
Cigar lounge; underground wine bar

Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.