I've stayed at the Beijing Hutong Hotel (Zaoyuanju) many times over the past 8 years and it hasn't changed. It's a cheap hotel, with only so-so conditions (small rooms, sometimes smelly, bathroom doors that don't close, etc.), and few amenities except that it's in probably the best place in Beijing if you value being down a hutong that is right next to the metro and a stone's throw from the Drum Tower, with a lot of wonderful restaurants, coffee places, etc. The thing I noticed on my most recent trip, when I came with 5 family members, is that the staff has become increasingly unfriendly and difficult. They must have made a pact lately to try to be unhelpful to guests. They are surly, seem unhappy, and instinctively say NO if you ask them anything. If you speak Chinese, that helps, as it did for us. In the end, we were able to get what we needed most of the time (like changing a room when it smelled like a broken toilet) but if you need a fair amount of help or advice, and/or are picky about good service, this probably isn't your place.