Quick Answer
Where to stay in China's major cities from five-star luxury hotels to budget hostels and boutique accommodations.
Why it matters
China offers diverse accommodation options from international luxury chains to local budget hotels. This guide helps you choose the perfect place to stay based on your budget and preferences.
Accommodation Guide for China
China offers diverse accommodation options from international luxury chains to local budget hotels. This guide helps you choose the perfect place to stay based on your budget and preferences.
Hotel Categories Explained
Luxury (¥800-3,000+/night)
- International Chains: Hilton, Marriott, Hyatt, Four Seasons
- Chinese Luxury: Peninsula, Shangri-La, Mandarin Oriental
- Features: Concierge, gym, pool, breakfast, English staff
- Best For: Business travelers, special occasions
Mid-Range (¥250-800/night)
- 3-4 Star Hotels: Local chains, international budget brands
- Brands: Holiday Inn, Ibis, Novotel, Jinjiang Inn
- Features: Private bathroom, WiFi, basic breakfast
- Best For: Most travelers, good value
Budget (¥80-250/night)
- Budget Hotels: 7 Days Inn, Home Inn, Hanting
- Hostels: Dorm beds ¥50-100, private rooms ¥150-250
- Features: Basic but clean, WiFi, no frills
- Best For: Backpackers, budget travelers
Top Hotels by City
Beijing
Luxury:
- The Peninsula Beijing: ¥2,500+, near Forbidden City, legendary service
- Four Seasons Beijing: ¥2,000+, central location, modern luxury
- Waldorf Astoria: ¥1,800+, Forbidden City views
Mid-Range:
- Novotel Peace Beijing: ¥600-900, Wangfujing area
- Beijing Hotel NUO: ¥700-1,000, historic property
- Swissotel Beijing: ¥500-800, business district
Budget:
- Leo Hostel: ¥80-200, near Forbidden City, social
- Beijing Downtown Backpackers: ¥100-250, hutong location
- 7 Days Inn: ¥150-250 chain hotels throughout city
Shanghai
Luxury:
- The Peninsula Shanghai: ¥3,000+, Bund location, Art Deco
- Fairmont Peace Hotel: ¥2,500+, historic jazz bar
- Park Hyatt Shanghai: ¥2,000+, floors 79-93 of Shanghai Tower
Mid-Range:
- Indigo Shanghai: ¥600-900, boutique style
- Courtyard by Marriott: ¥500-700, reliable choice
- Citadines: ¥400-600, aparthotel with kitchen
Budget:
- Mingtown Hiker Youth Hostel: ¥80-180, social atmosphere
- Captain Hostel: ¥100-200, Bund area, rooftop bar
- JinJiang Inn: ¥180-280, Chinese budget chain
Xi'an
Luxury:
- Sofitel on Renmin Square: ¥1,200+, central, French luxury
- Grand New World: ¥800+, near city wall
Mid-Range:
- Ibis Styles: ¥300-450, near Muslim Quarter
- Bell Tower Hotel: ¥400-600, perfect location
Budget:
- Han Tang Inn: ¥150-250, traditional courtyard
- Citywalls Hostel: ¥70-180, backpacker favorite
Booking Platforms
International Sites
- Booking.com: Best for international hotels
- Agoda: Good for Asia, frequent deals
- Hotels.com: Loyalty rewards
- Airbnb: Apartments, local experiences
Chinese Sites (Better Prices)
- Ctrip (Trip.com): Largest, English version available
- Meituan: Chinese only, best prices
- Fliggy: Alibaba's travel platform
- Advantages: 20-40% cheaper, more options
What to Know
Check-In Requirements
- Passport required: All foreigners must show passport
- Registration: Hotels register you with police (automatic)
- Not all hotels accept foreigners: Book through verified platforms
- Check-in time: Usually 2 PM, checkout 12 PM
Deposits
- Most require deposit at check-in (¥500-1,000 or credit card)
- Returned at checkout after room inspection
- Cash or credit card accepted
Breakfast
- Luxury: Usually included, buffet style
- Mid-Range: Sometimes included, check when booking
- Budget: Rarely included
- Chinese breakfast: Congee, baozi, noodles, pickles
- Western options: Available at international hotels
Alternative Accommodation
Airbnb
Pros:
- More space than hotels
- Kitchen facilities
- Local neighborhood experience
- Better for groups/families
Cons:
- Registration can be complicated
- No daily housekeeping
- Host may not speak English
Boutique Hotels
- Converted courtyard homes (hutongs in Beijing)
- Heritage buildings
- Unique design hotels
- Price: ¥400-1,500/night
- Book through Trip.com or direct
Capsule Hotels
- Space-efficient pods
- Mostly in airports/train stations
- Price: ¥80-150/night
- Good for transit stays
Location Tips
Choosing Neighborhood
Beijing:
- Best: Dongcheng (near Forbidden City, walkable)
- Business: Chaoyang (CBD, modern)
- Budget: Near metro lines 1, 2
Shanghai:
- Best: Former French Concession (charming, central)
- Luxury: Bund area (iconic views)
- Budget: Jing'an, Xujiahui (good metro access)
Metro Access
- Stay within 500m of metro station
- Check metro lines serve major attractions
- Saves time and money on transport
Money-Saving Tips
- Book in advance: 2-3 weeks for best rates
- Midweek cheaper: Sunday-Thursday rates lower
- Chinese platforms: 20-40% cheaper than international sites
- Long stays: Negotiate weekly rates
- Compare sites: Prices vary significantly
- Off-season: November-March (except CNY) much cheaper
- Skip breakfast: Eat outside for ¥10-20 vs ¥80-150
Red Flags to Avoid
- ❌ Too cheap (¥50-80 for "hotel" in major city)
- ❌ No reviews or only Chinese reviews
- ❌ Unclear location or "near airport" (could be 30km away)
- ❌ No online presence
- ❌ Only accepts foreigners with special permit
- ❌ Photos don't match reality (read recent reviews)
Conclusion
China offers excellent value accommodation across all budgets. Book through reputable platforms, stay near metro stations, and read recent reviews. Whether you choose luxury international chains or cozy boutique hotels, you'll find comfortable options throughout China!
