I stay at the XiZhao Temple hotel whenever I am traveling in Beijing. It is located in a traditional Chinese neighborhood, and has many good restaurants within walking distance. The hotel offers a nice breakfast buffet, but you can save a lot money if your willing to eat the local food. All of the food in the neighborhood is good, and priced from cheap to reasonable. You can eat dumplings and porridge as breakfast for 2 for around USD$2.00. Lunch or dinner for 2 will cost you between USD$20-$30 at most of the local eateries up and down the street. There is a local laundry within 100 yards of the hotel that takes one day to wash your clothes. The owners are nice and the prices are fair, so give the local guy some business while in town. The neighborhood is safe. Feel free to walk around an explore the local restaurants and stores. FYI - Most restaurants in China have pictures and prices on their menus, so don't be afraid to try eating something new. This hotel is located near Tiananmen Square, The Forbidden City, Summer Palace, Yonghe Gong Buddhist Temple, Confucian Temple, Heaven Temple. Spend the extra money and book the Superior Room it is worth the money. Another FYI - NO BODY TIPS IN CHINA EVER, so don't feel you have to start an new trend!!!! Enjoy your stay.