We did it, we made the reservation for an Airbnb in Chaoyang Beijing and we booked the tickets. We were finally going to see the Great Wall! But before that, we had to be in the closest proximity to everything within our budget. Now I can’t tell you where exactly the Airbnb is because that’s how they operate. However, I have linked it right here: Airbnb in Chaoyang Beijing- https://abnb.me/0Bk31penjnb

I have my own pictures or media of the place I will share with you because I’m very picky and particular about places I choose to inhabit. In my opinion, some places on Airbnb look and feel exactly the way they do in the pictures uploaded by the hosts and others……?? Well….not so much. For this reason, none of the photos in the Accommodation category are edited after the photos have been taken. One of the first things I search for when booking accommodation is the bathroom. I’m sorry but a clean bathroom and kitchen help to decide if I really will be paying to stay there.

Sometimes hosts don’t upload a bathroom picture and I dislike that. I mean, no picture makes me wonder “Does a missing bathroom picture mean your bathroom is unclean or looks hideous”? When I don’t see a good pic, I message the host asking for one and some will show and some won’t. I dislike mold so if the bathroom just doesn’t look right, I’ll skip that place for another that does show a better one.

Unfortunately, I didn’t get the warmth I hoped to feel when we arrived at the Airbnb. The pictures online gave a bright, cozy vibe and I expected to feel that way when we arrived— but the weather though ​😭​. Even though we went in summer, the weather was rainy, overcast, and just overall bleaky.

Please bare in mind I took shots on the day before we left so excuse our mess. Rest assured that’s not how the host showed us the residence when we arrived, all things were neat and in their place.

“One of the first pictures I search for when booking accommodation is the bathroom”

Synopsis : 2 bedroom apartment with a double bed in each room. There is Wi-Fi, 1 kitchen and 1 bathroom with a living room. This Airbnb in Chaoyang Beijing has a small balcony with a line to hang damp clothing after taking them out of the washer which is located in the bathroom. The apartment is in a residential gated community. There is a self-check-in with a smart lock on the door and a mini fridge to boot.

The Pros

• Gated Residential Area

• Parking is available on premises.

• Proximity to PEK airport—You can get to your accommodation within minutes to an hour depending on the time of day. Avoid peak hour traffic if you can, trust me on this.

• Close proximity to Beijing United Family Hospital. This is a private hospital that has staff who speak English. If you’re looking for a COVID test to get within a day of testing, in both English and Chinese-this is a great hospital to visit in my opinion. You can get here in under half an hour (again only if there isn’t heavy traffic)

• Cleanest Airbnb I rented for that year if I disregard the details in the bathroom. Excluding that, the housekeeper deserves props for a spotless apartment. There was no dust on any surface.

• Washing Machine—Before the rona, I loved leaving a trip with clean clothes so a washer is a definite necessity for me, especially now.
  
  
• Bathroom necessities—You can find a blow dryer, combs, toothbrushes, and razors in the cabinets. There is shampoo, conditioner, and body wash near the shower head. The host also provided toilet paper and laundry detergent.

• Friendly and Efficient Host—We communicated using a translator and if we ever needed anything, she was sure to get it for us or tell us where to go. The first night she showed us where to find a mini-mart which is in the same residential area maybe 5 minutes (walking distance) away from the complex.

The Cons

• The bathroom light is too dim—personally, I prefer the bathroom light to be brighter than it is there.

• Stained shower-curtain—the shower curtain is stained from use. It looks dirty and unpleasant especially the tassels. The floor tiles are stained as well. Be sure to always bring a pair of sandals to wear in the shower whenever you go somewhere. I’m a germaphobe so it really creeps me out when I notice these things. Cooties man, I don’t want cooties.

A thing to note about many Chinese showers is that you won’t always find a dedicated shower space like we’re used to back home. Sometimes all you will have is the 🚽 toilet, face basin, and shower head 🚿. For this bathroom, luckily there was a shower curtain. When you shower, water will get everywhere so for it to be dry-the bathroom vent must be on until the tiles are dry. You can see what I mean in the video right here: https://youtu.be/uiZXbYUszQI

Let me know if you decide to book a trip to Beijing, and don’t be afraid to ask questions. If you don’t ask-you’ll never know. Also be sure to take a look at the Adventure Article which highlights the trip to the Forbidden City and more: https://crimson21.com/historical-landmarks-in-beijing/ Thanks for reading this simple airbnb review, be sure to be on the lookout for the next one.