Xi’an Eastern House Boutique Hotel is our mid-range pick for travellers who want to be inside the old town rather than beside it. It sits on a lane called Fenxiang in the Beilin district, close to the South Gate of the City Wall, and the setting gives it a quieter, more local feel than the big hotels on the ring roads. The property has a restaurant, an elevator and a front-desk safe, and it is rated a Wonderful 9.2 from more than 2,000 reviews on a major booking site, a strong record for a smaller hotel. The location is the main draw: the Bell Tower, the Drum Tower, the Great Mosque and the City Wall are all within a 15-minute walk, and the nearby bar street and coffee shops add evening options. It suits couples and independent travellers who like to explore on foot.
Location and getting around
The hotel is on Fenxiang lane in the Beilin district. The Bell Tower is about an 11-minute walk, the Drum Tower around 12 minutes and the Great Mosque about 13, which places the Muslim Quarter within easy reach for dinner. The City Wall is a 15-minute walk, and Yongningmen metro station, at the South Gate, is eight minutes on foot.
Xi’an West railway station is about 15 minutes by car and the airport about 44 minutes. Starbucks Reserve, a coffee shop and a small restaurant are a few minutes away, and the old-town bar street is a five-minute walk.
Rooms
Does not list room types, so check the current options and photos before you reserve. As a boutique property, expect rooms that are smaller and more characterful than those of a large chain hotel, and confirm bed type, window and noise when you book.
Who it suits
Couples, solo travellers and independent explorers who prefer a walkable old-town base and do not need a pool or a large lobby. It is a good value alternative to the luxury hotels for those spending most of the day outdoors.
Good to know
The hotel has an elevator, a restaurant and a front-desk safe. Check the current breakfast arrangements, parking and facilities before booking, because the booking page gives only a short amenity list. Lanes in the old town can be narrow, so a taxi may drop you at the end of the street, and it helps to save the hotel’s address in Chinese for drivers.
Why stay here
- ✓Restaurant
- ✓Elevator
- ✓Front-desk safe
- ✓Yongningmen metro 8 minutes on foot
- ✓Bell Tower 11 minutes on foot
- ✓City Wall 15 minutes on foot
- ✓Cafes and bar street nearby
- ✓Old-town location
Good questions
Is Eastern House close to the Bell Tower?+
Yes, the Bell Tower is about an 11-minute walk and the Drum Tower about 12. The Great Mosque and Muslim Quarter are a little further, at roughly 13 minutes.
How do I reach the City Wall?+
The wall is about a 15-minute walk, and Yongningmen metro station at the South Gate is eight minutes on foot. That makes it easy to start a wall walk or bike ride.
Does it have a pool or gym?+
The booking page shows a restaurant, an elevator and a front-desk safe rather than a pool or gym. It is best for travellers who spend their time out in the old town.
