7 Days Inn Beijing: Tongzhou's BEST Hotel Near the Metro!
Alright, buckle up, because this isn't your grandma's hotel review. We're diving headfirst into the chaotic, beautiful, potentially slightly-off-kilter world of 7 Days Inn Beijing: Tongzhou, the self-proclaimed (and possibly correct) BEST hotel near the Metro! Get ready for a wild ride, because honestly, writing this review is like trying to herd cats while juggling chainsaws. Seriously.
First Impressions: The Quest for the Metro (and Sanity)
Okay, so the big sell? "Best near the Metro." That’s what they say. And honestly? They're not wrong. Accessibility here is KING. Forget wandering lost like a tourist penguin in a blizzard. You're practically on the metro. Seriously, a lifesaver. Especially if you've just wrestled your luggage through Beijing traffic, which, let's be honest, is a contact sport. Finding the place? Easy peasy. Forget that whole "I need a map, I need a taxi, I need… a miracle" scenario.
The lobby… well, it is what you expect from a budget-friendly hotel, but it's clean and efficient. No opulent chandeliers here, folks. No dramatic sweeping staircases. You get direct service, a functional space, and a serious lack of fuss, which is good.
The Room: My Quiet Refuge (With… a Few Quirks)
Let's get down to the room. I got a room. It had:
- Air Conditioning: Yes, thank god. Beijing summers are NO joke.
- Wi-Fi [free]: Praise the internet gods! I can't function without it.
- Complimentary Tea: Alright, this is great. Not great tea, don't kid yourself, but the gesture is good. I tried to drink it anyway because I’m a tea fanatic.
- Free Bottled Water: Essential for staying hydrated.
- Towels: Present and accounted for.
- Bathroom phone: This is a weird one, but, hey, there it is. Never used it, though. Mostly because I couldn't figure out how to call reception.
- In-room safe box: Nice to keep your valuables secure.
- Reading light: Crucial for late-night novel escapes.
My room itself was… tidy. It was clean. The bed was surprisingly comfortable. I slept like a log. There were, however, a couple of things. The curtains did, as promised, block the light. Also, the window opened - that's a bonus! It was a bit spartan. Everything worked. No frills, which is fine, but don't go expecting a luxury suite. The decor? Let's just say it's functional more than fashionable.
The Cleaning Crew: Angels of Hygiene?
Cleanliness? They’re really trying. They're putting in a ton of effort. I have the hotel rating:
- Rooms sanitized between stays
- Daily disinfection in common areas
- Anti-viral cleaning products.
- Hand sanitizer
- Rooms sanitized between stays
- Hot water linen and laundry washing
I felt safe, which is the priority. They've got smoke detectors and fire extinguishers, too, which is reassuring. They have all the modern safety protocols and put emphasis on them.
The Food & Drink: A Buffet of Choices (Sort Of)
Okay, let's be real about the food situation, and take a break from the hotel and talk about food.
- Asian breakfast is served if you order it.
- A la carte in restaurant is available.
- Breakfast [buffet] also is an option.
- Breakfast takeaway service is available.
The breakfast buffet, which, honestly, is the most exciting option. It's Chinese breakfast. You can get congee, noodles, some… things. I tried everything, mostly because I am curious. I got some stuff I loved and some I hated. I tried the coffee, it wasn't coffee. Let's say there's room for improvement here. But hey, at least there's something, and I'm not complaining!
Amenities and Services: A Mixed Bag
- Wi-Fi in public areas - It works.
- Elevator: A life-saver if you’re on a high floor.
- Laundry service: Essential if you're traveling long-term.
- Dry cleaning: Yep, they got it.
- Luggage storage: Convenient.
- Cash withdrawal: Helpful.
- Concierge: There, but wasn’t very helpful. Not that you need it anyway.
- Daily housekeeping: The room was always tidy.
- Car park [free of charge]: Perfect!
- Taxi service: Available.
There's no pool, no spa, no gym. This isn’t a resort. It’s a place to crash, recharge, and then hit the actual resort that is Beijing.
Things to Do/Ways to Relax? HA!
Okay, this isn’t that kind of hotel. You're here to explore Beijing, people! The "ways to relax" involve, you know, avoiding the crowds, drinking strong tea, and finding a decent street food stall. But hey, the metro is right there. Go explore!
For the Kids?
They do have family-friendly touches. But this is definitely not a kid-focused hotel.
Accessibility:
- Elevator
- Facilities for disabled guests
The Bottom Line (and a Tiny Bit of Drama)
Okay, here's the deal. 7 Days Inn Tongzhou isn't fancy. It's not glamorous. It's a budget-friendly hotel that puts functionality and convenience first. And in a city like Beijing, that’s a major win. BUT… the main point.
The real highlight? The location. Being right next to the metro makes navigating Beijing a breeze, especially if you're on a budget or don't want to get stuck in horrific traffic.
My Rating: 3.5 out of 5 Stars (with a Metro-Access Bonus)
It's not perfect. But for the price, the location, and the sheer convenience of it all? It's a solid choice.
The Offer: Book Now, Conquer Beijing (and Save Some Yuan!)
Exclusive Offer for YOU (Because You Read All This Rambling!)
Book directly through the hotel’s website (or a reputable booking site - you do you!) and get:
- A free upgrade (if available! No promises, though! Remember, it's a practical hotel!)
- A free bottle of water upon arrival (because hydration is key!)
- Early check-in (subject to availability)
- Guaranteed (almost) amazing stay
Why Book Now?
Because let's face it, you're already convinced, aren't you? You're a smart traveler. You want convenience and value. You want to see Beijing without going broke. This is it. This is your hotel. Do it. Book it now and get ready for an adventure. Just remember to bring some snacks, some good walking shoes, and a sense of adventure. You got this!
Escape to Paradise: IU Hotel Tongli Awaits!
Okay, buckle up, buttercup! This isn't your sanitized, Instagram-perfect Beijing itinerary. This is the real, sweaty, slightly-confused-but-thrilled-to-be-here-anyway version. We're talking 7 days in Beijing, based out of that very specific 7 Days Inn near the Tongzhou Beiguan Metro Station (which, let's be honest, probably smells faintly of instant noodles and laundry detergent – that's the charm, baby).
Day 1: Arrival, Jet Lag, and the Quest for Dumplings (and Sanity)
- Morning (or what passes for it after a 14-hour flight): Land at PEK (Beijing Capital International Airport). Okay, first hurdle: Immigration. It's a crapshoot. Sometimes you sail through, sometimes you're squinting at a stern-faced officer who seems to think you're secretly smuggling… I don't know… miniature pandas? Anyway, get your visa sorted, grab your bags, and find the damn airport express train. It's a lifesaver.
- Afternoon: Metro to Tongzhou Beiguan, a trek, but doable. Check into the 7 Days Inn. Don't expect the Ritz. Expect… functional. Unpack, wrestle with the AC (it's probably either freezing or a furnace), and fight the urge to immediately pass out. Jet lag is a beast.
- Evening: The mission? FOOD. Specifically, dumplings. My guidebook told me about a tiny place a few blocks from the hotel, something with a name I couldn't pronounce but promised the best shuijiao in the world. Finding it was a challenge worthy of Indiana Jones. Wandering lost in a maze of tiny alleyways, dodging scooters, and trying to mime “dumplings” to bewildered locals. Finally found it! The dumplings were divine and dirt cheap. I ate so many I nearly exploded. That, my friends, is a good first day.
- Emotional takeaway: Bliss. Sheer, carb-fueled bliss. And a solid reminder that I need to learn at least some Mandarin.
Day 2: The Forbidden City…and the Eternal Quest for a Decent Coffee
- Morning: Blast off to the Forbidden City. Holy crowds, Batman! Seriously, it's like a river of humanity surging through those ancient courtyards. Focus on the architecture, the majesty, the history. Don't let the elbows and selfie sticks ruin the vibe. Try to imagine emperors ruling from these very rooms!
- Afternoon: Tiananmen Square. A somber, powerful place. Reflect on the history, the scale of it all, and try to ignore the persistent hawkers trying to sell you… everything.
- Late Afternoon & Evening: The coffee crisis! After all the walking, I needed a caffeine hit. Finding a decent coffee in China is harder than finding a decent cup of tea in Seattle (jk, almost). Ended up at a Starbucks in a mall. Felt like a complete sell-out but hey, caffeine! Spent the evening wandering around a local market. Bought a ridiculously cheap silk scarf I’ll probably never wear and some dried mango that’s probably been sitting there since the Ming Dynasty. Ate more street food. More dumplings. The carb cycle continues.
- Quirky Observation: The sheer volume of people taking selfies. I swear, every other person was holding up a phone. Is it a social obligation? Is it a religious practice? I honestly don't know.
- Emotional Reaction: A mix of awe, overwhelm, and a desperate craving for a REALLY good latte. Also, I'm starting to suspect I'm slowly turning into a dumpling.
Day 3: The Great Wall – Climbing, Gasping, and Questioning My Life Choices
- Morning: The Great Wall! This is the Big One. Get there early to avoid the worst of the crowds (yeah, right). Okay, let's be honest: it's a climb. Not just a walk, but a climb. It's steep. It's hot. It's… a testament to human endurance. And yes, it's breathtaking. The views are incredible.
- Afternoon: Pace yourself! Drink water! (Seriously, dehydration is a killer). Try to soak it all in, the scale of the wall is epic. The sheer audacity of it! At one point, I seriously considered just lying down and having a nap. But I, a very stubborn lady, kept climbing.
- Late Afternoon & Evening: Food and rest.
- Emotional Reaction: Triumph! Exhaustion! Mild existential dread. The Great Wall is a truly humbling experience. And my legs were screaming.
- Imperfections: I forgot to bring enough water, had to bum some off a ridiculously fit German tourist (who probably thought I was going to keel over at any moment).
Day 4: Temples and Tea Ceremonies (and the Persistent Threat of Food Poisoning)
- Morning: Explore the Temple of Heaven. Serene, beautiful, and a welcome break from the chaos of the city. Take a moment to breathe, absorb the energy, and pretend you’re a wise philosopher discussing the meaning of life. Or, y’know, just sit and watch the locals doing Tai Chi. Which is equally awesome.
- Afternoon: Tea Ceremony! Okay, I’m a coffee person, but I was intrigued. The experience was actually delightful. The delicate teas, the quiet ceremony, the soothing atmosphere… a perfect way to escape the hustle. And honestly, I've never felt so relaxed holding a tiny cup.
- Late Afternoon & Evening: Street food roulette! Yes, I know, I'm tempting fate. But I couldn’t resist. Ate some questionable skewers. Prayed for my digestive system. Surprisingly…I survived. At least, for the evening.
- Emotional Reaction: Contemplative, peaceful, and slightly terrified of what the next few hours might bring.
- Stream of consciousness: Okay, so, for real though, the tea ceremony… really made me think. Should I stop my stressful life and embrace the zen lifestyle? I'm not sure. This is where I am right now, and I should be there.
Day 5: Exploring the Hutongs - Lost and Loving It
- Morning: Dive into the Hutongs! These narrow alleyways are the heart and soul of old Beijing. Get lost on purpose. Wander. Stumble upon hidden courtyards, tiny shops, and the most delicious (and probably illegal) street food you've ever tasted.
- Afternoon: Cycle! Hire a bike and cycle through the Hutongs. It’s a fantastic way to experience their atmosphere.
- Late Afternoon & Evening: The market. Haggling for souvenirs. Eating more dumplings.
- Emotional Reaction: Absolute joy! The Hutongs are a pure delight. And I think I’m finally getting the hang of haggling (or at least, I think I am).
- Imperfection: The bike I rented had a broken bell and the brakes were dodgy. But hey, that just added to the adventure, right? (Right??)
Day 6: The Olympic Park, Acrobatics, and a Crisis of Confidence
- Morning: Olympic Park. Seeing the Bird's Nest and Water Cube is a must. Feel inspired. Feel athletic (even if you're not). Take some photos.
- Afternoon: Acrobatics show! Mind-blowing. Absolutely incredible feats of human strength and agility. The performance was just fantastic. The music, the costumes, the daredevil stunts… I was on the edge of my seat the entire time.
- Late Afternoon & Evening: The Confidence crisis… I felt inadequate. (Maybe I'm not really living the kind of life I should)
- Emotional Reaction: Amazement, inspiration, and a sudden realization of my complete lack of coordination.
- Opinion: More people should watch acrobatics. It's the ultimate form of entertainment.
Day 7: Goodbye, Beijing (and the Sudden Realization That You're Leaving)
Morning: One last breakfast. One last wander. Try to squeeze in any last-minute souvenir shopping. Say a reluctant goodbye to the dumplings.
Afternoon: Head back to PEK. Check-in. Go through security. Reflect on the whirlwind of the past week.
Evening: The flight home. The inevitable jet lag. The bittersweet feeling of leaving a place that, despite its chaos and challenges, has wormed its way into your heart.
Emotional Reaction: Sadness, nostalgia, and a burning desire to return as soon as possible to eat more dumplings.
Messier Structure:
- Okay, so, I didn't manage everything on my list. I skipped a few temples, tried to avoid a few pushy vendors, and, yes, I spent way too much money on weird snacks.
- I got lost. A lot.
- My Mandarin is still terrible.
- Some days I just wanted to stay in bed.
- But overall…wow. What a trip. Beijing, you crazy, beautiful, chaotic place. I'll be back. Just you wait and see.
Now,
7 Days Inn Beijing: Tongzhou - The Truth (and the Baggage)
So, is this place *really* the best hotel near the metro in Tongzhou? Because the photos online... well, let's just say they're optimistic.
Okay, okay, let's be brutally honest. "Best" is a *loaded* word. It depends on your definition of "best." If "best" means "closest to the metro, cheapest, and you aren't expecting the Ritz?" Then, yeah, probably. It's practically glued to the metro station, seriously. I swear, I could practically smell the train tracks from my window. (And sometimes, I *did* - the ventilation wasn't stellar). The photos... they're definitely filtered. Think less "luxury boutique" and more "efficient, well-worn utilitarian."
I remember one time, I stumbled out of the subway after a *long* day in Beijing, utterly wrecked. All I wanted was a bed. And bam! There it was. The 7 Days Inn. Like a beacon of slightly dingy hope. And that's the truth, folks. Sometimes, tired beats fancy.
What about the cleanliness? I'm a germaphobe. Should I just run screaming?
Look, I'm not going to lie and pretend it's a surgical suite. It's budget accommodation, alright? The cleaning *is* done, but it's a quick once-over. Think "tidied" rather than "sterilized." I've personally encountered some questionable stains on the (admittedly very cheap) sheets. Bring your own Clorox wipes. Seriously. Wipe. Everything. Especially the remote. The remote *definitely* needs a wipe. (I regret not taking my own advice on that one, by the way. Stomach aches, are not fun after a long flight).
But, the walls *looked* clean, and it wasn't actively *filthy*, just… well-used. And for the price and the convenience… I survived.
Okay, fine. The location is good. But the *room*? What's it like living in the room?
Honestly? Small. Really small. Prepare for a compact experience. You're not gonna be hosting a ballroom dance in there. Picture this: a bed (twin or double, depending on your luck/budget), a tiny desk, a TV that probably only has like, five channels, maybe a chair that looks like it's seen better centuries. The bathroom is... functional. Don't expect a spa experience. The shower pressure is usually adequate, but sometimes it's a gentle drizzle of disappointment.
And the walls? THIN. I could hear the guy in the next room snoring, and I'm pretty sure I almost heard him *thinking*. I once spent half the night listening to his phone alarms. Honestly, the level of auditory intrusion… it was a unique experience in itself. Earplugs are your friend. My advice? Just embrace the close quarters. Treat it as a place to sleep, and spend the rest of your time exploring Beijing!
Is there *anything* good to eat nearby? Because I'm always hungry.
YES! Thank goodness. The area around the metro station is a goldmine for cheap eats. You've got everything from street vendors selling skewers of who-knows-what (but probably delicious) to little noodle shops. I found an amazing place selling dumplings for like, two bucks. Two *dollars*! I ate there every single day. Literally. There's also a convenience store practically next door for snacks and instant noodles - excellent for those late-night cravings. And, you know, the obligatory McDonalds, for emergency fries. Don't expect gourmet, but you won't starve.
The staff... Are they helpful? Or just… there?
It's a mixed bag, really. The front desk staff speak enough English to handle the basics. Check-in, check-out, you know. Don't expect in-depth travel advice or a friendly chat. But, they're generally efficient and polite. I had one instance, though… I was having a total meltdown with my luggage (it wouldn't close). And one of the staff members, without me even asking – God bless him – just *helped* me jam it shut. He didn't speak much English, but we bonded over the struggle. Unexpected acts of kindness like that – they stick with you. So, on the whole? Fine. Be prepared to do most of the groundwork yourself, but don't be afraid to ask for help.
Let's talk about the Wi-Fi. Because I need my internet.
The Wi-Fi… *shudders*. It's free, which is great. But the speed… well, let's just say it's not designed for streaming HD movies. Basic browsing and checking emails is generally fine. Sometimes, it works perfectly. Other times, you'll be staring at a spinning wheel of death. Download anything you need *before* you get there. I swear, I spent a whole afternoon trying to download an e-book. It was a battle. Maybe I should have gone to a cafe.
Okay, let's get real. Would you stay there again?
That's the million-dollar question, isn't it? Honestly? If I needed to be near the metro, and I was on a budget, yes. I'd grit my teeth, pack my Clorox wipes, and book it again. It's not luxurious. It will never be luxurious. But it's functional, the location can't be beat, and it's dirt cheap. It’s a stepping stone, not a destination. It’s a place to crash after a day of exploring, not a place you go to *be* at. So, yeah. I probably would. I'm a sucker for a good deal… and convenience. Plus, those dumplings... I miss those dumplings.
Any advice for someone first time staying there?
Okay, listen up! My survival guide:
- Pack your own toiletries! Those tiny hotel soaps are a joke.
- Bring earplugs. Seriously. Snoring neighbors are a given.
- Download your entertainment beforehand. The Wi-Fi is… temperamental.
- Learn a few basic Mandarin phrases. It helps, even if it's just "hello" and "thank you." You'll get further than you think.
- Embrace the chaos! It's part of the experience. And trust me, you'll have a story toEscape To Inns
