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| Details | |
|---|---|
| Bedrooms | 2 |
| Bathrooms | 2 |
| Sleeps | 4 |
| House | |
| Suitability |
|---|
| Pet Friendly |
| No Smoking |
| Suitable for Elderly |
| Wheelchair Accessible |
| FlipKey traveler rating |
| 29 reviews |
| Stayed here? Write a review. |
Get the real scoop!
All reviews are written by verified travelers
Details
| Rental type | House |
| Minimum Stay | 1 night |
| Bedrooms | 2 Total |
| Bathrooms |
2 Total
Show Details ►
|
| Sleeps | 4 |
| Suitability |
Pet friendlyYes Smoking allowedNo Suitable for childrenAsk Suitable for the elderlyYes Wheelchair accessibleYes |
Description from the owner
Grandma's Place was designed by Jim Spear for his mother who lives most of the year in Phoenix. It started out as a peasant house but now has all the modern amenities, a private garden, and wireless internet.
USD Rate is info only. Nightly rate in 2009 is Rmb 1,800.
Our website contains full image gallery, floorplan, and features.
Amenities
Location
Grandmas Place at Mutianyu Great Wall
Beijing, Beijing Region, China
located in Beijing, Beijing Region, China, but cannot be displayed on a map. Contact the owner for more details
Additional Location Information
Rates
Rates shown in $ USD (Rental listed originally in CNY) (change)
| Date | Weeknight | Weekend Night | Weekly | Monthly | Minimum Stay |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rate Summary | $456 | $456 | $0 | $0 | 1 night |
| All Dates | $456 | $456 | - | - | 1 night |
| Can't find rates for your travel dates? Contact the owner | |||||
Availability
AvailableUnavailable Last updated: March 22, 2013 ◀▶
What Past Guests Are Saying
Overall Rating
ExcellentVery Good
Average
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Rob
BeijingAbsolutely perfect.
Left on 12/31/2012 for a stay in December 2012
I wanted to take my girlfriend to see the Great Wall before she left Beijing, so we ended up in Mutianyu in the middle of Winter. There would have been many good excuses for a bad experience, but everyone at the Schoolhouse came through. The staff were friendly and accommodating - they kept the kitchen open just for the two of us while still remaining all smiles. Grandma's house itself was warm and comfortable, and with the sleepy village hushed even further by the snow it felt very far from the bustle of the city. It's not cheap, but I will definitely be going back again.
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A. Bond
LondonA Wonderfully Calm Place to Stay at the Foot of the Wall
Left on 08/05/2012 for a stay in July 2012
A superb little place to stay and experience life around the wall. Excellent service from the Schoolhouse across the road along with facilities good enough to make this a little home away from home.
Highly Recommended. -
Allaster Cox
Canberra, AustraliaStaying at the Wall like your own holiday house
Left on 07/16/2012 for a stay in July 2012
We had a great time at Grandma's house. It was like staying at our own holiday house; but at the Great Wall of China. The house was very well set up for our family of four. The garden too was beautiful; private and a great place to relax and enjoy the sun and fresh air with terrific views up to the Wall. The staff at the Schoolhouse management were terrific. Very enthusiastic and helpful. And we had a good dinner there. There are some great walks around the area too and other restaurants nearby with friendly locals. We loved Mutianyu in general the Schoolhouse and Grandma's place in particular. Highly recommended.
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Lisa
Fairfield, CaliforniaPicture Perfect Great Wall Location
Left on 05/01/2012 for a stay in March 2012
Our family recently enjoyed two great nights at Grandmas Place. The outdoor courtyard space was spectacular with views of the wall. The service was attentive and genuine. Breakfast was delightful and our teenage boys had plenty to eat. The home is well appointed and comfortable. We will cherish our memories of The Schoolhouse and Grandma's Place.
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Ladd
Peru, New YorkMagical
Left on 03/20/2012 for a stay in March 2012
My fiance and I had the most wonderful stay in "Grandmas Place."
We made meals in the beautiful kitchen and viewed the stars at night from the courtyard. We hiked to the Great Wall and had an experience we will always remember with great appreciation. -
Jessica
San Francisco, CACozy Winter Comfort by Mutianyu and the Wild Wall
Left on 02/01/2012 for a stay in January 2012
We originally had booked a Brickyard Inn, but we were moved to Grandma's place. There was only two of us, but the house was cozy and so great to come back to after long hikes on the wall with the radiant heating and Kong bed.
There is a kitchen and just up the street a store and also fresh, local vegetables for sale. We cooked one night and ate at the restaurant another night - the food was delicious. The breakfast is incredible!
We also met Jim Spear, the architect and owner who was quite inspiring. He is clearly committed to sustainable development, including the slow food movement and also ecotourism which flows with local architecture. His daughter, Lauren, and Sandhir, the executive chef were also both extremely kind and hospitable.
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Jen
California, USA (currently living in Beijing)We had an amazing time at Mutianyu! Grandmas Place was perfect
Left on 01/30/2012 for a stay in January 2012
We stayed at Grandmas Place on CNY and had a fantastic time. We were invited to their CNY celebration at the BrickHouse and had an amazing Hot Pot meal... they treated everyone like family. Grandmas place has a large yard which was perfect for our 3 kids. They loved the roosters too! It was also a short walking distance (approx 15-20 minutes) to the chair lift / access to the Great Wall. We will definitely be back!
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Morgan Beijing
New YorkPerfect Getaway
Left on 01/09/2011 for a stay in January 2011
I had the pleasure of staying at The Schoolhouse this past weekend. Grandma's Place was the perfect escape from the capital. The home is a gem, and somehow feels more like home than home. An unforgettable evening, and The Schoolhouse at Mutianyu is an unforgettable experience in an incomparable location nestled under the Great Wall.
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Ouyang
Ningbo, ZhejiangUnique and wonderful
Left on 10/26/2010 for a stay in October 2010
Where else do you get the chance to stay at the foot of the Great Wall, in a modern-equipped traditional village home beside an excellent restaurant? We were at Mutianyu on a national holiday, and while the wall was very busy during the day, we were able to hike up to it at dawn, at the same time the hawkers were bringing up their wares by donkey. For a brief period, we had the Wall to ourselves! Combine this with the friendly people at the Schoolhouse, the ability to get local produce and cook our own meals, and the yard outside for our children to play in, and this was an excellent break at a wonder of the world. Yes, it's expensive, but it's also worth it.
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Anne Thomas
Melbourne, AustraliaAmazing
Left on 09/10/2010 for a stay in August 2010
Had an amazing 3 nights at Grandma's house. My husband and I travelled from australia and were so delighted with our accommodation the friendliness and helpfulness of the staff. Lauren and Gregory thank you for making our stay so special. The area around Mutainyu is so picturesque The walks detailed in Eloise's book were an insight into the area. This stay was an absolute highlight into our 3 week holiday in China. Would recommend to all. Thanks Lauren for such a wonderful chance to meet you and share your little town. Anne & Peter Thomas
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Paige Goettel
ChicagoOutstanding!
Left on 09/04/2010 for a stay in July 2010
My husband and I stayed here for three days in late July after two weeks in Shanghai and Hong Kong. We loved every aspect of our visit, from the charming, cozy, well-appointed cottage to the good food and conversation we enjoyed with the owners and staff. We will definitely come back here and hope to bring our adult children with us on our next trip to this amazing place.
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Vivian
ChinaGreat Place
Left on 09/01/2010 for a stay in August 2010
Definitely we will come back again! Great place, beautiful view, and wonderful food! I love the Grandmother's Place!
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mom of three
hong kongcozy and charming
Left on 08/19/2010 for a stay in August 2010
At first, I was reluctant to stay based on the photo. Thought it looked a bit dark. But it turned out to be a very comfortable, warm, and airy house. My 7 year old daughter didnt want to leave. Only thing, I wish there were better amenities to go with the charm. Maybe a touch of homemade cookies since there is such a wonderful kitchen of delicious foods.
mom of three -
Yvette
NYC/Hong KongGreat escapes
Left on 08/02/2010 for a stay in July 2010
What a great way to escape the urban jungle and relax with some fantastic people. The houses are beautiful, staff friendly and the great wall was just a hop, skip and jump away. Highly recommended for a couple, family or group of friends.
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Maryanne
Tokyoa fantastic way to visit the Great Wall
Left on 07/26/2010 for a stay in July 2010
We loved having a private garden complete with patio table and chairs. It's where we ate our take-out meal from the Schoolhouse canteen after a late afternoon visit to the Wall. The place has very comfortable beds, and a nice layout (kids slept at one end of this single story farmhouse, my spouse and I at the other, with a living room/kitchen in the middle). Bathrooms are enormous and modern and clean; staff is friendly and accommodating. And it's only a few minute's drive or 15-minute walk up the road to the Great Wall access point (cable car and chair lift, ticket booths, souvenir hawkers, fruit vendors). My only complaint is that the breakfast that was included in the room charge was served for only a limited time (9am to 10am) and so we skipped it as we wanted to get back to the wall early that morning and beat the tour groups. (We were able to make coffee and tea in our kitchen, though, and the staff put some milk in the fridge, a nice touch.) I have to also quibble with the canteen's closing time -- 6pm! -- which forced us to end our late afternoon wall visit earlier than we wanted to in order to get our take-out orders in on time, or be stuck with the slim pickings from vendors up the road. Perhaps there are too few evening customers to make it worthwhile. In any case, the food is great, and reasonably priced, and the menu seems to have something for everyone, including some asian inspired dishes. The kitchen in Grandma's Place is well equipped so you can cook your own meals, but that requires advanced planning and a stop at supermarket in town, before you arrive in Mutianyu.
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Andski4
BeijingRelaxing at the Great Wall
Left on 05/04/2010 for a stay in May 2010
Great food, welcoming staff and lots of relaxation in the cleaner air of Mutianyu. The
Schoolhouse experience is one worth repeating. Grandma's Place was a perfect
escape for the family, where we could cook our own food and the kids could play in
the garden. -
Gellyshed
BeijingFantastic!
Left on 05/04/2010 for a stay in May 2010
What a lovely little house, everything that we needed. Garden was gorgeous, secluded and secure. Felt like a million miles from the big city and yet was in fact only an hour from Shunyi district, Beijing. Our dog had the time of his life. Great location in Mutiaynu village just opposite the School House, easy to walk to both the restored section and sections of the wild wall.
Beds were very confortable and the bathrooms were spacious and clean. Showers great.
If we HAD to pick a negative it would be lack of work space in the kitchen.
We can't wait to go back and in fact will be booking again today. A real find with plenty of quiet country walks on the doorstep. -
R & S
UKWonderful setting for a wonderful wedding
Left on 04/21/2010 for a stay in April 2009
Family and friends from all over the world travelled to Mutianyu for a uniquely blessed wedding in a unique setting.
The Schoolhouse comprises of state of the art architctural designed accommodation juxtaposed to the wonder of the ancient world- the Great Wall. It was surreal almost magical.
The accomodation was luxurious; the setting idyllic and the service impeccable.
What more can I say other than that the owners and their colleagues reflected the friendliness, openess and good humour we found throughout or trip in China. We had a fabulous time and thank them sincerely.
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Ron M
Lichfield Staffs UKWe stayed overnight to attend our Grandaughters wedding.
Left on 04/20/2010 for a stay in April 2009
we stayed at Grandmas Place and found it very good it was very clean and comfortable the beds were very comfortable the tea making facilities were good and the toilets and shower were 1st class.At the time of our visit I was 84 and my wife was 79 and we were accompanied by a lady in her 50s. I would certainly recommend Grandmas Place to anyone who wants to visit the Great Wall at Mutianyu
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Laura Ross
Beijing, ChinaBeautiful accommodation footsteps away from the Great Wall
Left on 04/20/2010 for a stay in April 2010
When you arrive at the Schoolhouse, Mutianyu, you are immediately welcomed by Jim, his family and staff. Throughout your visit staff are on hand to help with any requests- there is a nice balance of being well catered for but left alone in your romantic, peaceful setting. The cottage is a gorgeous old courtyard with lots of outdoor space to enjoy in the summer. The bathrooms are spacious and clean. The showers are 'walk in' style and the water is hot and plentiful.
After a 5 minute walk through the village you are at the foot of the Great Wall. I recommend turning left at the top and heading toward Jinkou which is both quieter and more spectacular. After our walk we went for a late lunch at the Schoolhouse restaurant. I ate lamb curry and my husband had spaghetti bolognaise, both were delicious, followed by some fantastic homemade ice cream. The accommodation includes breakfast, which is not to be missed! A full English and continental combined.
I could not recommend this venue more highly. As someone who has been to The Great Wall a number of times this is by far my favourite location. -
gordyh
BeijingExcellent local, especially in the offseason
Left on 01/18/2010 for a stay in December 2009
With the village virtually devoid of tourists in mid-December, and the sun blazing, a better stay could not have been hoped for. Gradma's Place is modernly decorated, while keeping a rusto-historic ambiance.
Overall I would highly recommend this location during the non-busy winter. -
Vincent Goetz
Napa Valley, CaliforniaWhile looking for respite from the city
Left on 10/22/2009 for a stay in October 2009
we had Grandma's Place recommended to us. We elected to spend two nights
there in the midst of two weeks in China, all of it in Beijing. Mutianyu was
wonderful, as was the house, and the Schoolhouse restaurant. The food was
superb, and the service wonderful. We had no complaints, and enjoyed the
simplicity of staying here! -
Reg&Beatrijs
BeijingGrandma's Place at Mutianyu Great Wall
Left on 10/02/2009 for a stay in September 2009
Very impressive! Recommend anyone who visit's the Great Wall at Mutianyu to pay the School House a visit. The food, accomodations and staff were excellent!
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jen
BeijingPeaceful retreat that feels like home
Left on 09/09/2009 for a stay in September 2009
My husband and I live in Beijing and my Dad was here visiting on his second trip to China. Having been to Badaling part of the wall previously, he wanted to see Mutianyu as well. After an incredibly busy and very polluted-air summer, we decided we needed a weekend away as well to get out of the city and get some fresh air. So a visit to Mutianyu was perfect and we decided to rent Grandma's Place at the Schoolhouse for the night to give us a little more time there. We had a wonderful visit! We arrived around noon on Saturday and were greeted warmly by the staff, who took our bags until we could check in. After lunch, we set off for the Great Wall - the entrance just down the road. We returned a couple of hours later and checked into our home for the night. Grandma's Place was exactly what we hoped for - simple and comfortable...an old courtyard house that had been renovated inside with kitchenette, rain-style showers - all the modern comforts, but with all the original details of the house with a Kang-style bed, original wooden beams and simple chinese decor. Thankfully there was no tv! We spent the next few hours sitting outside under the date tree at the table in our courtyard, with a view of the Great Wall, reading our books, and listening to the sounds of the village around us--including our neighbor villagers getting ready for their dinner and their donkey braying on occasion. We really felt like part of the village! All three meals we had at the Schoolhouse were excellent, made with all local fresh ingredients. The staff were all very friendly and helpful and made us very comfortable and welcome. This is a very special place and we are already planning to come back for Thanksgiving! Thank you Schoolhouse for a wonderful weekend!
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k.thambi
Beijingcute traditional chinese house - east meets west
Left on 09/01/2009 for a stay in August 2009
Grandma's Place has the outsides of a chinese stone
house, but the inside comforts of a western
cottage. Very comfortable, very cute.
Particularly like the garden, complete with BBQ.
Bedrooms are comfortable, bathrooms spacious and
clean.
This is a great place if you just want a little
relaxation. There is not much to do but breathe in
the calm village air. But if relaxation is what
you want, this is a great place to get it.
Grandma's Place is set in a little village near the
great wall. The village is rather quaint but
clearly has been touched by tourism. -
klyonsnp
MarylandGreat Stay at Mutianyu
Left on 07/20/2009 for a stay in October 2008
We stayed at Grandma's place for 2 nights with our toddler. It was a great respite from the city. The staff was VERY accomodating, food good and in a location that can't be beat. The staff also speaks English very well. I highly recommend this place to anyone who wants to visit a less hectic section of The Great Wall. (Definitley take the tobagin on the way down. It's a blast!)
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Muffet
Beijingchef with an attitude
Left on 07/17/2009 for a stay in January 2009
On the whole our stay was fine. The house was warm and most of the staff were very friendly and helpful.
The lack of comfortable seating was a great shame. The sitting/room kitchen is a lovely room and is desperately in need of a sofa or big arm chairs. There is nowhere comfortable to sit and relax.
The breaksfasts were delivered promptly and were satisfactory however the food in the restaurant was very disappointing. We ate there on the night that we arrived and despite the fact that we had booked, the restaurant was extremely cold, with even the waiting staff wearing their coats inside. We ordered 4 meals and all were disappointing. The children's meals (chicken fingers) were inedible.
We were the only table in the restaurant that evening and spent most of the meal listening to the chef shouting at the kitchen staff. Needless to say, we chose not to return to the restaurant during our stay and have not returned since.
Michelle was extremely helpful, friendly and very efficient.
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Maggie G
Virginia, USAEaster Saturday/Sunday
Left on 07/14/2009 for a stay in April 2009
My Granddaughter and I were ready for a good rest and food after hiking the wall from Jinshanling to Simatai. We were received warmly and shown to our accomadation, Grandma's Place. A small very much refurbished "farm house" walled, with a couryard garden. Very private, a bedroom and bath at each end with a sitting room, eating area and galley kitchen in the middle. We were only staying for one night, but the facility would be comfortable for a week. The Dinner at the Schoolhouse was superb, the area quiet. A loud speaker broadcast a long message in the morning, late sleepers would be disrupted.
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South African family living in HK
Hong KongThis is a very special place
Left on 07/09/2009 for a stay in May 2009
Going to the Great Wall can now be a relaxing experience. No more dashing from and back to Beijing in one day. With accomodation like this you can go for a few days and really enjoy the village, the mountain and, of course: "The wall!". The good thing about sleeping in Mutianyu is being able to access The Wall in the early morning and late afternoon before or after all the day visitors.
The house itself is authentic on the outside and sufficiently modernized and comfortable on the inside. A couch would be a welcome addition but that would be our only suggested improvement. The restaurant at The Schoolhouse is fantastic - very special food indeed. The staff are all welcoming and attentive. Go & enjoy!
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