We visited the Red Capital properties in July and August of 2009. The staff at the Red Capital Club in Beijing, the House of Shambala in Lhasa, and the Red Capital Ranch near the Great Wall were exceptional. All properties are similar as far as rooms and restaurants go. We only had dinner at the Red Capital Club but we stayed at the other two properties.
Rola at the Club and the Ranch is an amazing person! She was great help to us with all of our reservations, which included lots of changes! She is very knowledgeable but above all, very friendly and always ready to help no matter what you need.
In Lhasa, Lobsang was the greatest! He worked with me to get a travel permit to Tibet and had the permit sent to my hotel in Beijing. His English skills are great both written and spoken and he knows what he's doing. Lobsang is also one of the nicest people I've ever met!
All in all, the Red Capital experience was GREAT! It's not the Ritz so if you're looking for the Ritz, book the Ritz. These properties are nice, clean, friendly, and a "cultural" experience. If you're looking for nice friendly people, small numbers of guests and local flavor these properties are for you!

As others have mentioned decor is cute. Room was good size (#201). Has in room internet. Would have loved better if had been quiter, remember this is an old house and rooms are not sound proof. Some of the quaint sounds where OK like dog barking in the distant- but when someone came in at 2:30am and had to ring bell and knock on door- whole hotel hears. Staff very helpful and friendly

We have just got back from Lhasa having stayed in the House of Shambhala. From their web sites, trip advisor members comments and other guides it seemed like the place we wanted to be.
If you are expecting western hotel facilities and amenities don't stay here. In fact to be honest you will find it difficult to find anywhere that would suit you in Lhasa. This is Tibet, the top of the world and not London.

The House of Shambhala was clean, friendly and convenient, however we found it to be expensive too. We had booked through an agency and were charged 600 yuan per night for a standard room. We founbd that room to be too small and so 'upgraded' to a large room for which we were charged an extra 350 yuan a night. After converting to pounds this worked out at about £100 a night for what was not much more than a 'trendy' hostel. The sheets were not changed at all during our 5 night stay, the breakfast was just ok, eggs, toast, fruit (if they can get it). tea or coffee, pancakes and yak yoghurt (not really to my taste but hey!!)

The staff were very friendly and helpful, the positioning of the hotel was perfect being a 2 minute walk to the main market area and old Lhasa. the decor is warm and cozy with plenty of Tibentan antiques and artworks dotted around.

I would definately recommend to anyone who wants something different but expect to pay 4 star hotel prices for a definately not 4 star experience. In fact we had come from the Shangri la in Beijing having spent less on a premier room in the Valley club wing of the hotel.

A nice stay at the House of Shambhala in early Nov. 2007. You can't come to Tibet and expect a five-star experience. However, this location provides a nice, comfortable respite from the loud and crowded streets of Lhasa.

The room was good sized (do stay on the second floor - we were in 202 and it was nice and spacious). Internet in room (to get it working, I had to re-wire the jack, which was not easy, but not difficult, either).

Staff very helpful and friendly, and did the best they could with limited English. After all, we ARE in Tibet, and not everyone speaks perfect English. We got everything we needed, and the staff was very attentive.

Yes, the toilet was a bit whiffy, but easily rectified by simply closing the door to the bathroom. A little patience goes a long way - the staff tried as best they could to make our stay very comfortable.

Our breakfast was also quite good - a full menu starting with yogurt, eggs, fresh fruit, pancakes, hot beverages, toasts and breads, and fresh juice.

Bed was also very comfortable, and even in November (snow this morning!) our room was warm with a space heater inside.

It does seem a bit overpriced, but we'd stay here again. It's a great location.

Link to video from the rooftop at the House of Shambhala:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S_R6_uMmDkk