Beijing's hutong hotels

The Orchid is a 10-room boutique property with rates from $113 (www.theorchidbeijing.com).

Traditional rosewood furniture fills the bright rooms facing tranquil courtyards at Courtyard 7. Rooms from $113 (www.courtyard7.com).

At Old Beijing Square, in a 300-year-old house in an up-and-coming hutong, Chinese musical instruments adorn the glass-covered courtyard. Rooms from $32 (no website; at A 38 Baochao Hutong).