Party, Eat, Sleep, Repeat: Beijing Jiangnanyi Boutique Hotel
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I love weekend retreats away: a chance to rest, recharge, and rejuvenate. Everyone needs time to escape away from the concrete jungle we call home, soak in some sun and fresh air, and spend some getting back in touch with nature. We often forget that surrounding the city of Beijing is a mountainous oasis, filled with pebbled brooks, lakes, and even waterfalls. If hopping on a plane to more restful shores is out of the question for you and the family, there are plenty of options to get away from it all, right here on your doorstep.
Last week it was my birthday. I wanted to celebrate the occasion with an intimate affair with close friends and I couldn't think of a better way to have a momentous party than to escape from the city for a night, swim, eat, sleep, and repeat. If this sounds like your kind of ideal break from city life, then Beijing Jiangnanyi Boutique Hotel has what you're looking for. Perfect for couples, groups, and families, it's a place I couldn't recommend more.
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I decided that an evening BBQ followed by a pool party the following day and a long table afternoon lunch with friends would be an ultimate way to say goodbye to another year and say hello to a new one. I not only wanted to gather all my friends for an epic celebration but also wanted to take advantage of the idyllic setting by having the hotel to ourselves. The manager of the hotel and staff were extremely accommodating, and from start to finish did their utmost to meet my needs and then some.
We were given access to their private BBQ area and balcony terrace. Upon our late night arrival, all that I had requested, including coal ready to be lit, salads, snacks, mixers, and ice were made available and set out. The family-owned business ran like clockwork and everyone chipped in to help ensure that everything went smoothly. Nancy the hotel manager was warm and welcoming, along with her husband, brother-in-law, and daughter who later joined in the celebrations with a few shots of baijiu and the shaking of a leg or two. The BBQ was lit, place settings set, speakers plugged in, and the party got started.
Stunning gigantic mountains are the backdrop to a beautifully manicured hotel. In the center of the courtyard is a pond with a soothing water feature surrounded by pebbled pathways. By the pool is a wooden terrace pagoda, where the gang and I snacked on chips and guacamole and entered into a heated competition of charades – yes, I'm partial to little organised fun!
Just a short walk away is a lake where we went swimming, and a further 30 kilometers off there's an impressive waterfall. Guests can go walking or hiking at their leisure, and a trip to the Mutianyu Great Wall is easily accessible and can be arranged by the hotel.
Rooms were fully stocked with soft fluffy towels, bathroom vanity set, widescreen TV, wi-fi, and tea and coffee. The rooms were also beautifully finished and, unlike most places on the outskirts of the city, had fully functioning shower rooms, with 24 hour hot running water. Water pressure was pleasantly up to par and I slept extremely well on a bed adorned with more than just a sheet of bamboo! A comfy mattress and fluffy pillows made for a night where I slept like my baby usually does.
The pool, although well maintained and clean, was only a few feet deep, so if the pool is one of the main features that gets you booking (as it was for me), than be aware that it's a great cooling tool when the sun is high but you won't be doing any laps before breakfast. This was a slight disappointment, however our swim in the lake adjacent to the hotel made up for this and the grounds and staff are awesome. Fully stocked with cold beer, soft drinks, and water, the boutique also has a restaurant with tasty Chinese options. You can order breakfast, lunch, and dinner for the duration of your stay, or like us, you can bring your own items for a BBQ or cooking. If not, there are plenty of other options for you and the family at the hotel or local restaurants.
Top Tips: Ask for bottled water for your room if you wish to use the tea and coffee facilities. The hotel struggled slightly to supply the amount of ice we needed, so bring a couple of bags of your own in a cooler.
Rooms start at RMB 385 per person. Beijing Jiangnanyi Boutique Residence, Shicheng Town, Miyun District (North of Penghe Village). 酒店名字北京江南驿精品民宿 地址北京市密云区石城镇捧河沿村北1000米. WeChat: Nancy01234624
Photos: Nicole Bonnah
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