Beijing Hotels

BUDGET

Red Lantern House No.5 Zhengjue Hutong, Xinjie Kou, Xicheng District +8610 66115771/66169477

(lindyguo@hotmail.com)Absolutely adorable hostel with a genuine Chinese feeling. The courtyard in the middle is a great place to hang out, talk to new friends or just sit by yourself and read. Its location in a classical Hutong adds to the feel of experiencing the real China.

They offer airport pickup for ¥160 Dorm beds from ¥45, singles from ¥130, doubles from ¥140. Official WebSite in English.

Qiao Yuan Fandian Located not far west from Beijing South train station.

About ¥20 from Beijing Zhan (Beijing Train station) by taxi, or take buses 744 or 20; best from Qianmen near Tiananmen Square. There's a whopping ¥200 deposit but 4 bed dorms with a/c are reasonably priced at ¥31 or ¥260/360 for standard suites, the more expensive option in the building in the back (newer). Level 6 has a laundry, kitchen, and travel agency.

Internet access is located towards the train station (look for the fish net character (?) on the signs, or ask for 'wang ba') or a few blocks away to the west near KFC, McDonalds and a supermarket. Plenty of eating is nearby, and also don't miss the Art Deco interior of a hotel/restaurant when its lit up at night (head towards KFC).

Beijing City Central Youth Hostel Located directly across from Beijing Zhan (Beijing train station)

Dorms ¥60 (4-8 beds). Doubles with shared bathrooms ¥160..

Beijing Saga International Youth Hostel No. 9 Shijia Hutong, Dongcheng District. 86-10-65272773, 65249098

Sagayangguang@yahoo.com. This place is about a 15 minute walk from the Beijing Main Railway Station. From the station, follow the road North past the Beijing International Hotel. After about a ten minute walk look for the hostel sign with an arrow pointing down one of the hutongs on the left side. The hostel is very popular with backpackers.

They charge ¥180 for a triple room, ¥160 for a double room and ¥40-50 for a bed in a dormitory (the price depends on how many beds are in the room). There's a restaurant on the top floor. The staff speaks some English.

Beijing Far East Youth Hostel 90 Tie Shu Xie Jie, Xuan Wu District. 86-10-51958811

It's in a traditional Chinese courtyard, about 10 minutes walking from Tiananmen Square. The Far East Youth Hostel has become very famous after having been added to major travel guides. During summer time you should book one week in advance. Official WebSite in English.

Leo's Hostel

A good alternative to the Far East and is just around the corner. Leo's Hostel is in the same road as the Far East, has a free Playstation 2, Internet, Pool, lockers, maps, guides, magazines etc. It is well known for its friendly staff and lively bar atmosphere. It has a beautiful courtyard, with dorm rooms (¥45-70) as well as private rooms (¥160-200) Tel: (10) 63031595 or (10) 63033318. Official WebSite in English.

Changgong Hotel

One of the cheapest places in the Qianmen Hutong. It has an traditional arichitecture and is just next door from Far East and Leo's. Don't try to find any of the narrow roads on the map. Navigation is only possible by asking or in a rickshaw. Dormbeds are ¥35, a triple room is ¥210. Tel: (10) 63015088 or (10) 63032665.

MID-RANGE

A number of mid-range hotels are located east of the Dongzhimen subway station. From the subway stop, walk around 800m eastwards to the next big intersection. On the northern side of the street, half a dozen large hotels can be found. A double costs ¥150-250 a night depending on the season.

It's worth haggling and comparing with the other hotels around before you book. Although its already placed at the outer ring road, the subway provides for a convenient and quick access to the inner city. Right next to the subway station there is a McDonalds, and - more interestingly - a large shopping center with a food court hidden in the lowest floor.

Kaifeng hotel, telephone 64651177, ranging between ¥180-320 per day per double.

Xinxing Hotel

Moderately priced. About $50 per night. Free Internet access, but you need to ask for a room with it (you should also ask in advance too). The staff are friendly, but their English is just acceptable. Mostly Chinese internal tourists and businessmen stay here. Chinese breakfast is served on Floor 2 in the morning until 9 a.m.

There is a swimming pool in a separate building. Staff will clean your room twice per day. Hotel is a several block walk from the Gongzhufen subway station (Line 1) which is on the West side of town. Mind the traffic when crossing the street. Address: No.17 the 3rd Ring Road Middle West, Beijing. Telephone: 86-10-68166688

Bamboo Garden Hotel (Zhu Yuan Binguan)

Bamboo Garden Hotel, 86-10-640 322 29, a stone's throw from the lake district, it is one of the most interesting hotels in Beijing. It located in a large complex of courtyards, was residence of Sheng Xuanhuai, a Qing Mandarin, later residence of Kang Sheng, head of secret police of communist China.

SPLURGE

Some 'expensive' hotels are in the city centre and on the eastern 3rd Ring Road, however by western standards these hotels are very cheap. These include:

Kempinski Hotel

The centre of Lufthansa District. A great choice for business and leisure travellers alike. The lobby and adjacent Friendship store contain some good shopping opportunities. There is a also supermarket in the basement with a variety of local and imported food and beverages. The hotel boasts 5 international restaurants and the Paulaner Brauhaus is well frequented. Official WebSite in English.

Grand Hyatt Beijing

Privately-owned, exquisite, and expensive. This is a 5 star hotel. Rooms can go for $150 per night. There is an enormous swimming pool in the basement that is decorated in very tropical manner, but the deepest part is only 1.5 meters. The jacuzzi and wet sauna are excellent, but the steam room is hot enough to cook a lobster. Great hotel and great location, if you can afford it. Official WebSite in English. See it on Map.

Beijing Hotel

State-owned (and thus presumably less expensive). Located near the Forbidden City, there is a view of Tiananmen Square from the hotel. Official WebSite in English. See it on Map.

Great Wall Sheraton Hotel

Less expensive, comfortable, with rotating restaurants. Located on the eastern 3rd Ring Road, it is only 45 minutes from the Beijing Capital Airport by taxi. Hard Rock Cafe Beijing is located between the Sheraton and the Kempinski hotels.

Sino-Swiss Hotel

The Sino-Swiss Hotel is located very close to the airport, well away from downtown. It is presently the only major hotel in Beijing that allows pets. Features a very elaborate indoor and outdoor pool, as well as playground for the kids. Choose this hotel for its location if you must be close to the airport or if you have pets. Around US$120 per night.

The Peninsula Beijing

The Peninsula Beijing is located within walking distance from Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden City, and is within easy access of Beijing Railway Station. Official WebSite in English.