Usually I choose to stay at the Mandarin Oriental in Beijing. But I wanted a more local, down to earth, low key visit. This is why I choose the Aite Xinsu Culture Hotel. I was traveling Solo for work/pleasure to Beijing for a short three nights.
The Hotel location, building itself and staff are absolutely wonderful! From the excellent Front desk staff, to the friendly Ayi, the competent electrician and the friendly breakfast staff, everyone is open, filled with kindness and going out of their way to make the stay as best as they can. Minus points for the bug in the tea tray (picture 3) and the water puddle on the floor in the bathroom when I checked into the room in the evening.
I had booked the "Smart Courtyard Room" with a "courtyard view". I do NOT recommend you take this room. The view is the next door building wall and into their kitchen (1 meter). You have NO sunlight (just a sliver thru the roof gap of 5 cm), because there is a roof over the courtyard. Feels like a prison cell! Avoid at all means (picture 2).
The breakfast room is small, basic but pleasant. The food is local and good. I enjoyed it very much, as I found all my Chinese favorites.
I needed to use the meeting room, which is only available as of 10Am. My meetings started earlier, so Front desk staff kindly accommodated my to a large sun filled room with terrace.
Accessibility of Metro: the metro station Hufangqiao is a mere 300 meters to the left of the entrance. Hop on Line 7 to Temple of Heaven, interchange to Line nr 8, within 15 minutes you arrived at your destination! From Hotel to Tina'anmen Square its 20 minutes by metro, 10 with Taxi (if there is no traffic).
In conclusion: would I stay here again? Absolutely YES!! But I would take a more upscale room to avoid having a dungeon feeling room.