(urbanatomy.com)
Updated: 2008-05-14 13:53

The 14 rooms of different configurations range around a central courtyard, connected by intricately painted corridors. But the design is not all traditional. The ancient Chinese canvas is offset with plenty of quirky flourishes creating a delightfully cheery and liveable space. A candy-pink garden bench sits opposite a 200-year-old date tree, while Imperial-yellow sun umbrellas surround a goldfish pond. The whole place is wired and unbelievably quiet; indeed, guests will find it hard to believe they're in central Beijing.

Everywhere you turn, you can see that the creator of this cosy hideaway has a keen eye for detail and style. The traditionally dark rooms are brightened with olive walls and bathrooms feature emerald mosaic. Tall beds are made with fine linen and TVs are of the flat screen variety with an impressively wide selection of international channels. In a short time, you will feel so at home that you'll leave your door open as you wander about the residence, or chat with the proprietor through the open window while reclining on your bed.

Breakfast is taken in the lounge, a whimsical space strewn with silk-cushioned armchairs, a giant birdcage and a room-length mural painted by daring contemporary artist Chi Peng. Morning sunlight streams through six-meter glass panes as you tuck into organic muesli and yoghurt, fresh-baked scones, tropical fruit and coffee strong-brewed from the gleaming espresso machine sitting on a lime sideboard.

It's only a short walk from the hotel to the Chao Nei Nan Xiaojie end of the hutong and a 10-minute taxi ride to the historic center. Though with its own host of hutong features, and colorful personalities, you may just decide to stay put in Hotel Cote Cour SL and soak up Beijing life from one of the city's loveliest old courtyards.

   1 2   

   1 2