Accommodation

Accommodation in China: Hotels, Hostels & Unique Stays

Find the perfect place to stay in China — from luxury hotels to boutique guesthouses, with booking tips and recommendations.

7 min read

Hotel Categories

International chains: Marriott, Hilton, Hyatt, InterContinental (consistent quality, English service, $150-400/night). Local 5-star: Shangri-La, Jin Jiang, Grand Hyatt (good value, $100-250/night). 4-star hotels: Reliable comfort, $80-150/night. 3-star/budget: Basic but clean, $30-60/night. Your tour operator selects quality hotels within your budget.

Boutique & Unique Stays

Hutong hotels in Beijing: Traditional courtyard homes converted to boutique hotels ($80-200/night). Water town guesthouses in Suzhou/Hangzhou: Canal-side charm ($60-150/night). Tibetan guesthouses in Lhasa: Authentic experience ($40-100/night). Bamboo lodges in Yunnan: Eco-friendly stays ($50-120/night). These offer cultural immersion.

Booking Platforms

Trip.com: Best for foreigners, English interface, accepts international cards. Booking.com: Limited China inventory. Agoda: Good for Asia. Ctrip: Chinese platform (largest inventory, Chinese only). Direct hotel websites: Sometimes offer better rates. Your tour operator handles all bookings for package tours.

Check-in Requirements

Foreigners must register accommodation within 24 hours. Hotels handle this automatically — present passport at check-in. Guesthouses may not be licensed for foreigners — verify before booking. Keep registration forms for visa extensions. Some hotels refuse foreigners without proper licenses — book through reputable platforms.

Amenities to Expect

Standard: Air conditioning, hot water, TV, WiFi (may need VPN), toiletries, slippers, kettle. Mid-range+: Minibar, bathrobes, better WiFi, breakfast included. Luxury: Pool, gym, spa, concierge, multiple restaurants. Note: Many Chinese hotels don't provide toothbrushes/toothpaste due to environmental regulations — bring your own.

Staying Safe

Use hotel safes for valuables. Lock doors and windows. Verify visitor identity before opening doors. Keep hotel business card for taxi returns. Know emergency exits. Report suspicious activity. Choose hotels in safe, well-lit areas. Read recent reviews for security mentions. Your guide recommends safe accommodations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can hotels refuse foreign guests?

Some smaller hotels aren't licensed to host foreigners. Always verify before booking. International chains and 4+ star hotels always accept foreigners. Trip.com filters for "foreigner-friendly" properties. Your tour operator ensures proper licensing.

Is breakfast included?

Varies by hotel. International chains usually include breakfast. Local hotels may charge extra (¥30-80). Chinese breakfast includes congee, baozi, eggs, noodles. Western options (toast, cereal) available at upscale hotels. Ask when booking.

What about power outlets?

China uses Type A (two flat pins) and Type C (two round pins), 220V. Most hotels have universal outlets. Bring a universal adapter. Voltage is 220V — check your devices support this. Most modern electronics (phones, laptops) work fine.