Beijing hotels?

Question

I'll be travelling to Beijing next year. Can you suggest me hostels or hotels or whatever? Considering also ease for "sightseeing" Thanks a heap in advance.

Answer 1

I think the Forbidden City, Summer Palace, Ming Tombs and Great Wall are must sightseeing in Beijing. So you can go to those attractions.I can recommend you the Xihuazhide Hotel which is near the Forbidden City, and the price is not so high.

Answer 2

I'm a retired American and have been living in Beijing for 5+ years now. Your question has no simple answer as so much depends upon your budget.
The best location for sightseeing is Wangfujing. There is a subway station there and it is within walking distance, or a 40 cent subway ride, to Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City. All hotels offer day trips to the Great Wall. No hotel reservations are necessary in Beijing unless you make the fatal mistake of coming here during the Fall Festival (in October) or the Spring Festival (in late Jan to early Feb). Avoid those dates at all costs as it is sheer lunacy, no fun and so crowded you cannot move, eat, sleep, shop or think. Some 30-50 million Chinese visit Beijing during each of these national holidays. Yes, I said 30-50 million. Best time for a visit is right now.(Aug.-Sept.) or Nov. to Jan. 15. If money is an issue, book a 7-9 day tour from LAX during Nov.1 to Dec. 31. You will get hotels, meals, tours and hotels for the price you would pay for just the hotel.
Feel free to email me at [e-mail] if you have further questions. You will get an honest and learned answer.

Answer 3

Hi!

I'm in Beijing right now. I checked out three hotels when I got here before deciding on the Huguosi Hotel. It's located very near the Forbidden City and Beihai Lake Park, and is found just about 10 yards down a traditional hutong (alleyway) off Huguosi Jie (the main street). That means you will not only get to see the tourist's Beijing, but also the local's Beijing AND the traditional old'style Beijing! The main street is known most for it's music stores but it's also jam-packed with little clothing vendors, jewelry, food (which is wonderful, wonderful!) etc.

The staff in this hotel have been terrific. The morning crew speak a little English and that has been helpful. They can exchange traveler's cheques (not an easy thing to do here - if you bring them, get them exchanged for yuan at the airport right away for the best exchange rate), call a taxi for you, etc. But you won't need the later - just walk out to the main street and there will be a taxi driving by.

The restaurant has very good food for very good prices, but you'd be wise to mostly eat out and experiment. As far as cost of food in the restaurant, last night I ordered a plate of dumplings, a wok full of chicken in a lovely sauce, and a big plate of broccoli - enough for two people - and paid Y46 - about $5.50. There is a great cafeteria-style restaurant down the hutong a bit that is always packed with locals because the food is so great. I eat there quite often. (My stay is 3 weeks long so I've had lots of time to find food/travel/sights.)

And the cost? I've been here for 12 days so far and have to date paid Y2200, or about $250. That's $25/night for a lovely room. Try and find that in any big city in the US. I'm really happy I ended up here. Go to http://www.hgshotel.cn.net. Also, I think if you use the internet to book, you get a discount. That might be why I'm paying so little. I'm paying for the larger double room so I can have high-speed internet, but if you don't need that, you can cut the cost even further by getting a single room. Their address is No. 123 Huguosi st., XiCheng District.

There are tons of other hotels, many expensive and beautiful, many with moldy walls and very cheap. Friends of mine came here and stayed in a hostel that cost them 3X what I'm paying here at Huguosi, so I'd check carefully if you choose to stay in a hostel. This place is clean, friendly, and has a central location. Lord, you'd think I worked for them... not so. I'm just really impressed.

Enjoy your trip! Beijing is a very busy city, under a lot of construction for the Olympics. Taxi's are very inexpensive, so hop in one and take off to see as much as you can. Also, check out Lonely Planet for a guidebook to Beijing. It's well-worth the $18.

Ni-how!

Answer 4

I really liked "Leo Hostel" located just a little away from Qianmen (just down the street from tiananmen and the forbidden city). There is a close by subway stop, a major bus hub, and many taxis. It was also fairly cheap - 50RMB/night (about 6.25USD). The staff was really friendly and helpful, they also arrange tours and shows.
I DO NOT recommend the temple of Heaven Hostel.
If this is not quite what you are looking for, check out http://www.hostelbeijing.com
It has all the hostels listed, plus many of the other hotels.

Answer 5

I'm Chinese and I visit Beijing (my birthplace) very often. I usually stay at the Beijing Hotel, which isn't far from Tananmen Square and the Great Wall.

Answer 6

Beijing Airport backyard inn is placed south of the Airport Terminal construction contained in the Beijing Capital international Airport, next to the Airport business section. there is the Capital Airport parkway interior the front of the inn, and the proper nation-state contained in the back.

Answer 7

wangfujing is probably your best bet....there are some cheap as well some high class (4+stars) hotels there.
have fun!