Unbelievable Views! Cao Courtyard Hostel: Your Badaling Great Wall Escape (Beijing)
Alright, buckle up, buttercups, because we're about to dive headfirst into the rollercoaster that is Unbelievable Views! Cao Courtyard Hostel: Your Badaling Great Wall Escape in Beijing. Forget those sterile, cookie-cutter reviews – this is the real deal, told by someone who's probably spilled coffee on the bedsheets and spent too much time trying to decipher the Chinese menu.
First Impressions – Or, How I Almost Missed the Great Wall Because of a Terrible Taxi Driver:
Getting there? Ugh. Let's just say my taxi driver probably flunked GPS 101. But hey, once I finally rolled up to the hostel, any residual road rage melted away. The view, folks, the view. The name isn't kidding. Legit, unbelievable. From the moment you step out, you're surrounded by… well, the Great Wall, dominating the horizon like a majestic, ancient dragon. Seriously, picture postcard stuff. And after the nightmare of the taxi ride, that first glimpse of the wall? Pure, unadulterated relief.
Accessibility – A Mixed Bag, Honestly:
Okay, honesty time. I didn't personally need the wheelchair access, but I did poke around. The hostel does have facilities for disabled guests, that's a plus, but… I'm not entirely sure how seamless it would be. The website doesn't go into crazy detail, but the elevator is a good sign. Best call ahead and triple-check if you need full accessibility. Don't be afraid to email; they seem pretty responsive… eventually.
The Room: Cozy, Quirky, and Surprisingly Comfortable
My room! I will say, for the price, this place is a steal. I had a room on a higher floor (score!), with a window that opens (vital for fresh air!). It came with all the usual suspects - air conditioning (praise be!), a mini-bar (stocked with water, but I added my own snacks… priorities, people!) a coffee maker. And I’m a sucker for a good reading light—which they have! Blackout curtains? Check! Perfect for those epic jetlag naps.
Internet and Wi-Fi – The Digital Nomad's Prayer Answered
Free Wi-Fi across the board? Yes, please! Wi-Fi in the rooms? HECK YES! And the signal was surprisingly strong even in the more remote parts of the hostel. Plus, they also have internet access [LAN] if you prefer to plug in with your own cables. Perfect for uploading those Instagrammable Great Wall selfies.
Food, Glorious Food (and the Occasional Hiccup):
Alright! Let’s talk food. They offer Asian and Western breakfast! There's a restaurant, a coffee shop and a snack bar at the hostel but the best is the restaurant! I tried the breakfast buffet one morning (they have Asian and Western options!) and it was… serviceable. Not the best buffet I've ever seen, but enough to fuel a morning of Great Wall hiking. The coffee, though… well, let's just say I'm glad they also had a coffee shop. The drinks here were great, they also serve a range of desserts and happy hour drinks. The food is cooked in a safe environment as they have hygiene certification in the kitchen. I also tried the à la carte menu in the restaurant one night, I actually enjoyed it. They also have a poolside bar, so even better!
Things To Do and Ways to Relax – More Than Just the Wall!
Obviously, the main draw is the Great Wall. Get out there! Walk! Climb! Take a million photos! It's breathtaking. Aside from exploring the Wall, you can relax at the Spa/sauna. I did not try the spa, but they have a massage service. All the facilities are there: Sauna, Spa, Steamroom, Gym/fitness, Foot bath. They also have a Pool with view! If you’re feeling energetic, they even have a Fitness center, which I did not attempt (I was saving my energy for the wall, naturally).
Cleanliness and Safety – The Post-Pandemic Stamp of Approval
I was very happy to see the focus on hygiene. They take it seriously and it shows. Here is a list of their safety measures:
- Anti-viral cleaning products.
- Daily disinfection in common areas.
- First aid kit.
- Hand sanitizer.
- Hygiene certification.
- Individually-wrapped food options.
- Physical distancing of at least 1 meter.
- Professional-grade sanitizing services.
- Room sanitization opt-out available.
- Rooms sanitized between stays.
- Safe dining setup.
- Sanitized kitchen and tableware items.
- Staff trained in safety protocol.
- Sterilizing equipment.
- Cashless payment service.
- Staff trained in safety protocol.
They are quite focused on safety, which is the most important.
Services and Conveniences – Above and Beyond?
The staff were helpful, there is daily housekeeping! I’m not sure if they offer 24-hour front desk services, but there is a front desk! The facilities are there, there are Air conditioning in public area, Air conditioning, Alarm clock, Bathrobes, Bathroom phone, Bathtub, Blackout curtains, Carpeting, Closet, Coffee/tea maker, Complimentary tea, Daily housekeeping, Desk, Extra long bed, Free bottled water, Hair dryer, High floor, In-room safe box, Interconnecting room(s) available, Internet access – LAN, Internet access – wireless, Ironing facilities, Laptop workspace, Linens, Mini bar, Mirror, Non-smoking, On-demand movies, Private bathroom, Reading light, Refrigerator, Safety/security feature, Satellite/cable channels, Scale, Seating area, Separate shower/bathtub, Shower, Slippers, Smoke detector, Socket near the bed, Sofa, Soundproofing, Telephone, Toiletries, Towels, Umbrella, Visual alarm, Wake-up service, Wi-Fi [free], Window that opens
For the Kids – I Saw a Few Happy Little Explorers:
I don't have kids, but I saw several families enjoying the place. Babysitting service is there, so I am assuming that it is Family/child friendly. They also have Kids facilities, Kids meal!
Getting Around – The Great Wall Taxi Roulette
Airport transfer is available, but you can also take a taxi. Be prepared for the journey and the taxi roulette. Car park [on-site] is available for free, Car power charging station!
The Heartbreak of a Missed Spa Day (and Other Minor Flaws):
Okay, here's the downside. I'd planned on a full-on spa day. But I messed up and booked the wrong timeframe so I couldn't experience the spa!
My Emotional Verdict: A Glorious Getaway!
So, would I recommend Unbelievable Views! Cao Courtyard Hostel? Absolutely. Despite the minor hiccups, the overall experience was fantastic. The view alone is worth the price of admission. It's a comfortable, characterful base for exploring the Great Wall, and the staff, while not always perfect, were genuinely friendly and helpful. Just maybe double-check your taxi directions before you go!
SEO Optimized Offer (and why you should BUCKLE UP and BOOK NOW!):
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Tired of the ordinary? Crave adventure? Then prepare to be blown away at Unbelievable Views! Cao Courtyard Hostel, your gateway to the majestic Badaling Great Wall in Beijing! Forget generic hotels – we offer an experience!
Why Choose Us:
- Unbelievable Views: Wake up to the breathtaking sight of the Great Wall right outside your window. (Seriously, the only thing better is actually being on the wall)
- Comfort & Charm: Cozy, well-equipped rooms with free Wi-Fi (because you need to Insta-brag) and all the essentials.
- Delicious Dining: Fuel your adventures with a range of options.
- Relax & Recharge: After conquering the Wall, unwind with a spa treatment or take a dip in our pool with a view.
- Convenient Location: Minutes from the Great Wall and well-connected for easy exploration of Beijing.
- Safety First: Rigorous hygiene standards ensure a worry-free stay.
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Uncover Angkor's Secrets: Ry Boutique's Hidden Gem Awaits!
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because this isn't your sanitized, pre-packaged Beijing trip. We're diving deep into the messy, glorious, and utterly unpredictable reality of conquering the Great Wall and surviving the caffeine withdrawal that is the Cao Courtyard Hostel. Prepare for a journey, not just a schedule.
Beijing Badaling Great Wall & Cao Courtyard Chaos: A Chronicle of Survival (and Maybe Some Fun)
Day 1: Arrival, Hostel Havoc, and the Existential Dread of Noodles
- Morning (8:00 AM - 12:00 PM): Landed in Beijing. International flight, a blur of stale airplane air and questionable airplane food. Seriously, I swear that chicken was plotting against me. Got through customs – thankfully, no "random security checks" this time. Found the airport express train okay. Beijing's already an assault on the senses, in a good way, kind of.
- Afternoon (12:00 PM - 4:00 PM): The Great Hostel Hunt begins! Cao Courtyard Hostel. Found it, eventually. After a minor panic attack involving tiny alleyways, aggressive mopeds, and the distinct smell of… well, everything. The hostel itself is charmingly ramshackle. Think, "bohemian grandma's house meets backpacker haven". They’ve got walls plastered with travel photos – a constant reminder of my own inadequacies.
- Late Afternoon (4:00 PM - 6:00 PM): Check-in, dropped my bag, and immediately started wondering if I should have packed more bug spray. Then, the Noodle Predicament. Tried to find a decent noodle place nearby. Ordered something that looked amazing on the menu, received something that looked… a little less amazing. Let's just say, the language barrier and my utter lack of chopstick skills combined for a truly dramatic (and noodle-splattered) dinner.
- Evening (6:00 PM - 10:00 PM): Wander around Hutong alleyways. The air is thick with history and smells. Found a bar, had a Tsingtao. Met a couple from Germany, and a guy who claimed to be a time traveler from the future, but he was probably just drunk. Attempted to learn a few Mandarin phrases. "Ni hao" felt so insufficient. Fell asleep early, dreaming of noodles.
Day 2: The Great Wall – Or, My Body vs. Ancient Stone
- Morning (6:00 AM - 7:00 AM): Alarm. Hit snooze. Twice. Then (reluctantly) ripped myself out of bed. Coffee, coffee, MUST HAVE COFFEE. The hostel's offering was… weak. Needed a double shot.
- (7:00 AM - 9:00 AM): Travel to the Great Wall. Got the early bus. Saw the countryside – fields, factories, the occasional water buffalo. Realized I was vastly underprepared for this. No water, no hat, just sheer, dumb, tourist enthusiasm. The ride was okay, but nothing can prepare you for the sheer scale of the Great Wall.
- (9:00 AM - 1:00 PM): The Wall. The climb. Oh, sweet Jesus, the climb. Badaling section. Packed, but still, it was grueling. Those steps! They're relentless. I wheezed, I sweated, I considered giving up approximately every five steps. But then… the view. Breathtaking. The curve of the wall snaking through the mountains, the panorama of the landscape… You can see the scale of history. Made it to a watchtower, sat down, and just… breathed. Was it worth it? Absolutely. Did I feel like I was going to die? Also, yes. This is a memory.
- (1:00 PM - 2:00 PM): Lunch. Found a small makeshift stand that offered some awful fried chicken, so I ate some while looking at the world around me. It filled me up.
- (2:00 PM - 4:00 PM): Back to Beijing. Bus was crowded. Slept, drooled I am sure.
- (4:00 PM - 6:00 PM): Back to the hostel. Shower. Attempted to remove the grime, but it was deeply embedded.
- (6:00 PM - 8:00 PM): Dinner. More noodles. This time, slightly less disastrous. The community tables at the hostel were great. Conversation and laughter.
- (8:00 PM - 10:00 PM): Tried to learn Chinese again, but the exhaustion from the Wall made my brain mushy. Bed.
Day 3: Temple Temptation & A Lasting Good Impression.
- Morning (8:00 AM - 12:00 PM): Explore the Lama Temple. Magnificent. Smell of incense, the hushed reverence, the bright colors. Absolutely enchanting. The sheer artistry of the place. Found my inner zen… for about 15 minutes. Then the tour groups kicked in, and the serenity was gone.
- Afternoon (12:00 PM - 4:00 PM): Wandered around the Hutongs again, getting lost, buying souvenirs, and trying to barter with the locals. Found a small tea house and had jasmine tea. The taste. The smell. So soothing.
- Late Afternoon (4:00 PM - 6:00 PM): Back to the hostel. Packed. Said goodbye to the time traveler (still claims to be from the future).
- Evening (6:00 PM - 8:00 PM): Final dinner at a restaurant! This one was highly recommended by the hostel staff. I ate… everything.
- Night (8:00 PM - 10:00 PM): One final stroll through the Hutongs. One last Tsingtao. Reflecting. Beijing is… intense. But it's also incredible. Exhausting, but incredible.
Departure: (Early)
- Morning (6:00 AM): Cab to the airport. Left early to avoid traffic.
- Morning (8:00 AM): Check-in, security, flight.
- (Departure): Remembering the Great Wall, the food, the hostel. A chaotic adventure.
Okay, Disclaimer: This isn't a "perfect" itinerary. The Great Wall nearly killed me. The noodles were hit-or-miss. But that’s part of the fun, isn’t it? Beijing is beautiful, challenging, and completely unforgettable. And I wouldn’t trade it for a perfectly planned, cookie-cutter vacation. The best way to travel is the way that feels real. So, go. Get lost. Get sweaty. Eat the noodles. And remember, embrace the chaos. It makes the memories.
(Now, where's that coffee…?)
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Unbelievable Views! Cao Courtyard Hostel: Your Badaling Great Wall Escape (Beijing) - FAQ's! (Because You *Will* Have Questions)
Okay, spill. Is this place *really* as amazing as the pictures make it look? (Because, you know, Photoshop...)
Alright, let's get real. The photos are…pretty damn good. But here's the truth: it's BETTER. Seriously. I mean, I stared at the Great Wall from my window for, like, an hour the first morning. Just...staring. The scale is breathtaking. You're not just *seeing* the wall; you're *feeling* the history, the effort, the sheer audacity of it all. And the hostel itself? Cozy, rustic, charming. Think less sterile hotel and more "grandma's ridiculously adorable country home" – if grandma had a killer view of a world wonder.
Now, did I mention the sunsets? Forget Instagram filters. Actual life is brighter. Just prepare to want to shout at strangers, "LOOK! LOOK AT THAT!"
Getting there seems…complicated. How do I *actually* find this place? (And am I going to get lost and eaten by a Beijing street cat?)
Okay, so the journey *is* an adventure. It's part of the charm, I swear! Your initial thought might be "OMG, I’m stranded." I highly recommend the train. The train is your friend! The hostel offers a pick-up service from the Badaling Railway Station (praise be!). Listen, walking into a train station in China is an experience in itself. It might be loud. People might stare. Food smells will assault your nostrils. Embrace it. It's a sensory overload, in the best way possible. Then, the pick-up guy (he speaks perfect English, thank god) saves the day. You'll have a driver waiting for you. That's a relief. And the road? Winding, scenic. You’ll pass through some *seriously* authentic villages. Get ready for some beautiful views. The hostel is a gem, totally worth navigating China’s transport system for.
Bonus tip: download a translation app. Seriously. Even simple phrases helped me so much. And no, the street cats are probably more interested in finding a good nap spot than eating you. Mostly.
Are the rooms actually clean? (Because, you know, hostel horror stories…)
Yes! Surprisingly, yes! I, a known germaphobe (okay, maybe exaggerating *slightly*), found the rooms perfectly acceptable. The beds were comfortable, the sheets were clean, and the bathroom (shared, mind you) was surprisingly well-maintained. Forget the greasy hostel nightmares you might be picturing. Trust me, the staff is on top of it. They’re also super friendly. Seriously. They actually *want* you to have a good time. It's a shock, in a world full of grumpy hotel staff.
Food. Tell me about the food. (Because I'm a hungry human.)
Okay, the food. The food is…interesting. Breakfast is included – usually some form of congee (rice porridge), eggs, and random side dishes. It's not Michelin-star quality, but it's filling and gets you going. Plus, it's a great way to experiment with Chinese cuisine without totally freaking out your stomach. They have a restaurant that serves traditional Chinese food, and it's pretty decent. The key is: be adventurous! Try things you normally wouldn't. And don’t be afraid to point and say "that one!" if the menu is in Chinese (which it probably will be at some point). You might get something amazing. Or something… less amazing. Either way, it's part of the experience, right? Just, maybe, bring some Pepto-Bismol. You know, just in case.
What's the vibe like? Is it a party hostel? (Because I'm old…ish)
It's NOT a party hostel. Thank the travel gods! It's more relaxed, chilled out. A place to actually *rest* after climbing the Great Wall (which is much harder than it looks, by the way). People are generally friendly, and there's a communal area where you can hang out, chat, and swap travel stories. I met some amazing people there, and we spent hours just chilling and watching the sun set. It's great for solo travelers because you're almost guaranteed to meet people. Not in a forced, "woohoo, let's do shots!" kind of way, but in a "hey, wanna go explore the wall together?" way. Perfect!
Okay, about the Great Wall itself. What’s the best way to experience it? And is the climb as brutal as they say?
Yes. The climb is brutal. Prepare your legs. I mean, seriously, prepare them. Do some squats. Run a marathon. Anything. You'll be thanking me later. The hostel is perfectly located for Badaling, the most popular section. It's *crowded*. Expect crowds. But it's still worth it. Go early, like, sunrise early. That way, you avoid the worst of the throngs and maybe actually get a photo without a hundred tourists in it. Bring water. And snacks. And a sense of humor. Because you *will* be stopping every five minutes to catch your breath. Consider doing some of the less-visited sections. The hostel can arrange tours. Trust me, it'll be worth it. Just be prepared to feel like an actual explorer (or at least, a moderately fit person who likes to climb). The views from the top? Unforgettable. Like something from a movie. I stood there, wind whipping my hair, and just…stared. It’s a powerful feeling, standing on a piece of history like that.
Are there shops nearby? Things to buy? (Because souvenirs…)
Oh, yeah. The tourist trap of it all! Right next to Badaling are the tourist shops. And I'm going to be honest, it's tempting to buy everything, but don't. You will find a lot of similar stuff in Beijing. And some of the prices are…well, let's just say *negotiate*. You can find t-shirts, jade, tea sets, and every trinket imaginable. It’s a sensory overload. Be prepared for intense sales tactics. But hey, it’s part of the experience. If you're looking for authentic, locally made crafts, you might want to venture off the beaten path. But for standard tourist fare, you're covered. Just don't feel pressured to buy everything. And bargain! Bargain, bargain, bargain!
Anything I should bring? (Besides my passport and a burning desire to see the Great Wall.)
Besides the obvious (passport, comfy shoes, etc.)? Absolutely. Here are a few things I wish I'd brought more:
- **Tissues/Wet Wipes:** Because, trust me, you'll need them. Everywhere.
- **A power adapter:** Specifically for China. Duh.
- **A phrasebook or translation app:** Even knowing basic phrases like "hello," "thank you," and "where is the bathroom?" made a HUGE difference.
- **A reusable water bottle:** Stay hydrated! The climb is no joke.
- **Cash:** Some smaller shops and street vendors may not accept cards.
- **Earplugs:** Just in case you get a snHotel Search Tips
