A good hostel. The antique furniture is a great touch to the rooms. Rooms are clean. There was some construction going on behind the hostel, though it started after we were awake in the morning.

Staff were nice. We played a game of foosball with a woman working there. The manager (who speaks English very well) arranged a bus ride to Xi’an for us when the train was sold out and a few staff members took us to the side of the highway where our bus was to pick us up.

Be aware that there are two locations to this hotel, a couple of doors down from one another. A taxi let us off at one of the locations that was locked up and dark when we arrived to the town at 6 a.m. Because we didn’t know about the second location, we stood in the cold and rain for some time until a local passerby felt pity on us and banged on the window.

After being let into the other location, the person who let us in quickly went elsewhere. We sat on the couches alone in the lobby (at least it was warm and dry) for an hour until people started coming and going and we were informed that our location was elsewhere. I'm thinking the taxi driver knew this location would be closed and was getting a commission from another nearby hostel, which he encouraged us to stay in.

Staff were a bit pushy, always trying to get us to sign up for tours, to get in-room massages, and bike rental etc. (although bike rentals are very cheap at 10Y with no deposit!)

We weren’t able to try the food as food was no longer available at around 9 p.m. when we were looking for something to eat.

The hotel was still a good value for a good sleep in a private room as opposed to a dorm.

To give the sort end of it: As there is, anything inside Pingyao's old city walls is a great location (the whole city is only 1 square mile). This hostel/hotel has clean, fairly nice rooms. The one con is the front desk (very little English unless the [owner?] Bob is around). That said...Lonely Planet #1 recommended Yama Hostel is right across the street. So what we planned in advance, and liked - stay here, cheaper and seemingly nicer rooms, and definitely nicer courtyard. If you need to book anything (onward bus tickets, etc)- just stroll across the street to Yama Hostel. If you need breakfast too - stroll onward, better menu and lower prices.

Pros: Location, nice rooms for the price/location, interesting courtyard.

Cons: Front desk a bit unhelpful for booking onward tickets/etc. Bathroom had low water pressure.

Bottom line: I'm happy we stayed here. Use Yama's services (excellent), but enjoy Zhengjia's seemingly nicer, and definitely bit cheaper rooms. I also offhand, like staying in a hotel/hostel that doesn't seem to contain 95% of Pingyao's western visitors, as Yama seems to...though many would enjoy that, especially those traveling solo/without knowing Mandarin I imagine.

We really loved this hostel. You know how when your travelling it's the personalities you meet who really make a place special and help them to stick out in your memory. Well Alice, who works at this hostel (there are 2 buildings to the hostel and she was working in the left one as you look at it) is a gem. She is such a character that she made our stay here truly memorable. Pingyao is a fantastic town to visit anyway. When I thought about what I expected ancient China to look like Pingyao fits my mental image to a T. This hostel is in a building that is apparently 200 years old and it has bags of character. the central courtyard is small and tranquil. The communal area is a lovely place to catch up on your emails, play pool or just banter with the staff (eg Alice) who make the place feel like a family home rather than a hostel.The food they served was delicious (definitely try the beef). It is on one of the loveliest streets in Pingyao but not the most busy and it is very easy to walk or cycle to get to all parts of the old town. You can hire bikes (in fact Alice will insist) here and arrange tours to surrounding area or you can just relax in this lovely town. If you like a friendly, family feel and meeting others when you travel then this is an excellent choice.

I booked an ensuite room but toilette is not a really toilette..no shower box..just a shower in the middle of the room between basin and wc..
Reception..no english spoken..
Smoking is allowed in the lobby...