Staying at the Home Inn by Tongzhou Canal: Warm Rooms, Great Value, and Enjoyable Riverside Strolls

Inspired by "Beijing Welcomes You": A Review of My Stay at Home Inn Selected "Beijing welcomes you, like music moves you, let's all strive to surpass ourselves..." Following this familiar melody, I came to Beijing and checked into Home Inn Selected (Beijing Tongzhou Canal Business District Youyi Hospital Branch), ready to embark on a delightful journey. Decoration Style The hotel's decor follows a "light retro + modern style." The lobby boasts a high-ceiling design with brass chandeliers, and the walls are adorned with photographic murals of old Beijing hutongs. Leather sofas and green plants are interspersed throughout, creating an ambiance that blends Beijing's nostalgic charm with a modern feel. The guest rooms feature a Morandi color palette, with light gray bedding complemented by caramel-colored curtains. Smart reading lights are embedded in the headboards, and even the geometric-patterned tiles in the bathroom exude a sense of sophistication. Room Type/Layout I chose a "Canal View Twin Room," and opening the window revealed the glistening waters of the canal. Upon entering, there was a separate entryway cabinet for luggage and shoes. The two 1.35m beds were generously spaced, with an embedded nightstand featuring a wireless charging pad in between. The bathroom had separate wet and dry areas, and the shower area included an anti-slip design, which is very considerate for families with elderly members or children. Activities and Attractions The hotel is a 10-minute walk from Tongzhou Canal Cultural Square, where you can cycle along the riverbank to see the Caoyun Wharf ruins or take an evening boat tour on the canal (the lights at night are incredibly beautiful). A 15-minute taxi ride will take you to the City Green Heart Forest Park, perfect for picnics and kite flying. In the fall, the ginkgo forest there is absolutely stunning for photos. Dining Highlights Breakfast is served at "Rujia Xiaoguan" on the 1st floor. The freshly cooked purple rice porridge is wonderfully thick, and the savory beef buns burst with juicy filling. You can also try the Tongzhou specialty, "Tanghuoshao" (a sweet, layered pastry). Within a 5-minute walk, there are local restaurants where I recommend trying "Canal Vinegar Fish" and "Gezhi He" (a crispy fried snack) – they are sour, fragrant, crispy, and authentically local. Average Cost Per Person Including breakfast, the cost is approx. CNY 350 per person per night. An extra bed can be added to a family room for CNY 200. The value for money is very competitive in the core area of Tongzhou. Other Tips - The hotel has a free laundry room, which is a real blessing for those traveling with children. - You can borrow a "Hand-drawn Beijing Tourist Map" from the front desk, which highlights hutong snacks and subway transfer points. - In the evening, you can watch the sunset over the canal from the hotel terrace. With the melody of "Beijing Welcomes You" playing, I momentarily felt like "a child who grew up in the hutongs," enveloped in an indescribable warmth and the familiar charm of everyday life. This stay felt like finding a "cozy little nest" for my journey. Next time I'm in Beijing, I'd love to hear the sound of the canal water lapping the shore again and continue my wonderful connection with Home Inn.