Beijing offers a wide variety of hotels and accommodations, ranging from luxury hotels to budget-friendly options. Throughout the city, visitors can find everything from high-end hotels to traditional courtyard-style hotels that reflect the charm of old Beijing, as well as youth hostels and affordable guesthouses, catering to different budgets and preferences.
For travelers, the most convenient option is to stay near their primary sightseeing destinations. Hotels near transportation hubs tend to be more expensive but can save both travel costs and valuable time. Chain hotels offer reasonable prices and are generally more comfortable and secure compared to similarly priced small inns. For young backpackers, youth hostels or university guesthouses are great choices.
Tiananmen – Wangfujing Area
Located near the central Tiananmen-Forbidden City scenic area, this district offers the convenience of reaching Tiananmen Square on foot, making it ideal for those who wish to witness the early morning flag-raising ceremony. It is a major transportation hub where Subway Line 1 (running east-west), Line 5 (running north-south), and Line 2 (looping around the city center) intersect, providing excellent connectivity.
This area is home to large shopping malls and five-star hotels along the main streets, while affordable budget hotels can be found tucked away in the hutongs. The shopping streets here are impressive in both size and vibrancy, allowing visitors to shop right at their doorstep, saving both transportation costs and time.
Beijing Hotel (北京饭店)
Beijing Hotel is centrally located in Beijing, adjacent to the historic Forbidden City. A five-minute walk brings guests to Tiananmen Square, the Great Hall of the People, the National Centre for the Performing Arts, and other cultural landmarks. It is also just steps away from the bustling Wangfujing shopping street. With over 700 rooms of various styles, the hotel provides a luxurious and comfortable experience for every guest.
- Phone: 010-65137766
- Address: No. 33, East Chang’an Avenue, Dongcheng District, Beijing
- How to Get There: Take Subway Line 1 and exit at Wangfujing Station (Exit A). Alternatively, take buses 103, 104, 201, 211, 420, Special 11, or Express 2 to Wangfujing Lukou North Station, or buses 1, 52, 99, or 728 to Dongdan Lukou West Station.
The Emperor Qianmen Hotel (Royal Inn) (皇家驿栈)
This is the only hotel in the world offering an up-close panoramic view of the Forbidden City. Its spacious rooftop terrace provides an east-west alignment directly facing the Palace of Heavenly Purity (Qianqing Palace). Looking north, guests can admire a breathtaking sequence of Beijing’s most iconic landmarks, including the Forbidden City, Jingshan Park, Beihai Park, and the Corner Tower.
- Phone: 010-65265566
- Address: No. 33, Qihe Lou Street, Dongcheng District, Beijing
- How to Get There: Take bus 2, 60, or 82 to Beijing Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital Station. Alternatively, take buses 101, 103, 109, 111, 202, 211, 609, 614, 619, or 685 to Shatan Lukou West Station.
Qianmen – Chongwenmen Area
For those who enjoy Beijing’s folk culture, staying in the Qianmen and Chongwenmen areas is a great choice. Qianmen Street is one of Beijing’s most famous commercial streets, while Dashilan retains the charm of the Republic of China era, bustling with crowds and activity. Early risers can walk to Tiananmen Square to watch the flag-raising ceremony.
The Qianmen and Dashilan areas are home to many budget hotels, though they are often located within small hutongs, making them somewhat difficult to find. Chongwenmen, on the other hand, is a convenient transport hub where Subway Line 1 and Line 2 intersect, providing easy access to shopping and transportation.
Beijing Bellt Hotel (Beijing Bellt Hotel)
- Recommended for: Well-equipped, clean rooms and a convenient location surrounded by shopping areas.
- Phone: 010-67081188
- Address: No. 3-18, Chongwenmen Outer Street, Dongcheng District, Beijing
- How to Get There: Take Subway Line 2 or Line 5 to Chongwenmen Station, Exit D2.
Beijing Far East International Youth Hostel (北京远东国际青年旅舍)
Located in the bustling Liulichang Cultural Street, this hostel is just 1 km from Tiananmen Square, allowing easy access to Dashilan Commercial Street and Qianmen Pedestrian Street. Its prime location ensures convenience for both sightseeing and transportation.
- Phone: 010-51958607
- Address: No. 90, Tieshu Xiejie, Xuanwu District, Beijing
- How to Get There: Take bus 7, 14, 15, 66, or 70 to Liulichang Station, or take Subway Line 2 to Hepingmen Station, Exit C2.
Houhai – Gulou – Nanluoguxiang Area
For those who appreciate a romantic and artistic atmosphere, the Houhai – Gulou – Nanluoguxiang area is an excellent choice. This district blends classical and modern elements, mixing Eastern and Western cultures. It is surrounded by former royal residences, gardens, and well-preserved hutongs and courtyards.
Houhai is famous for its lively bar scene. A short walk east leads to the Drum Tower (Gulou), and from there, a southeastern stroll takes you to Nanluoguxiang, an 800-meter-long alley lined with eight symmetrical hutongs. Accommodations in this area are primarily high-end courtyard hotels, offering an authentic Beijing hutong experience, highly regarded by both domestic and international visitors.
Beijing Han’s Royal Garden Hotel (北京涵珍园国际酒店)
A hidden gem in a quiet location, this hotel is just 200 meters from Nanluoguxiang and next to the Central Academy of Drama, where actress Zhang Ziyi once lived. The hotel is housed in a well-preserved Qing Dynasty courtyard, featuring pomegranate trees in the front yard. The interior offers elegant facilities that rival five-star hotels.
- Phone: 010-84025588 (ext. 2616/2617)
- Address: No. 7 Beibinmasi Hutong (South Gate) / No. 20 Qinlao Hutong (North Gate), Dongcheng District, Beijing
- How to Get There: Take bus 104, 108, 113, 201, 612, or 758 to Luogu Xiang Station, then walk 200 meters west into Beibinmasi Hutong. Alternatively, take Subway Line 6 to Nanluoguxiang Station.
Beijing Sunshine Courtyard Hotel (北京阳光老宅院酒店)
Located right next to Gulou (Drum Tower) subway station, this hotel provides easy access to various attractions, as well as an abundance of local eateries and bars. Upon entering, guests are greeted by a peaceful courtyard with a pond, bamboo trees, and even sunbathing turtles, creating a tranquil retreat. The hotel is within walking distance of Houhai, offering an immersive traditional Chinese-style lodging experience.
- Phone: 010-84021188
- Address: No. 2 Xitao Hutong, Jiugulou Dajie, Xicheng District, Beijing
- How to Get There: Take Subway Line 2 to Gulou Station, Exit B, then walk 50 meters south.
Sanlitun – Gongti Area
Sanlitun is one of Beijing’s most famous nightlife districts, known for its bars, trendy boutiques, and vibrant entertainment scene. It’s a prime spot for those who enjoy nightlife, concerts, and sports events at Workers’ Stadium (Gongti). The area is also near Beijing’s embassy district, making it a convenient location for those needing visa services. Due to the large number of embassies, expats and international visitors are common here.
Beijing Zhaolong Hotel (北京兆龙饭店)
This hotel boasts an excellent location, situated between the Yansha business district and the CBD, at the intersection of Sanlitun Village, the bar street, and Chaoyang Park—the largest urban park in Asia.
- Phone: 010-65972299
- Address: No. 2, Gongti North Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing
- How to Get There: Take Subway Line 10 to Tuanjiehu Station, Exit D.
Beijing Yonghe International Youth Hostel (北京雍和国际青年旅舍)
Just a 2-minute walk from Guijie (Ghost Street), Beijing’s famous food street, this hostel offers easy access to several cultural sites: 8 minutes to Yonghe Lama Temple and Confucius Temple, 15 minutes to Nanluoguxiang bar street, and 20 minutes to the Drum Tower and Houhai. It is also close to the lively Sanlitun bar street.
- Phone: 010-64028663 / 64008515
- Address: No. 56, Beixinqiao Toutiao Hutong, Yonghegong Street, Dongcheng District, Beijing
- How to Get There: Take Subway Line 5 to Beixinqiao Station, Exit B, or bus 13, 117, or 684 to Beixinqiao Lukou North Station.
Xizhimen Area
Xizhimen is a major transportation hub in western Beijing, where Subway Lines 2, 4, and 13 intersect. It is also home to Beijing North Railway Station, the departure point for the S2 train to Yanqing, making travel to Badaling Great Wall very convenient. The area is close to popular attractions like the National Library, as well as the Zoo Wholesale Market, a famous shopping destination. Additionally, affordable accommodation options are widely available here.
Beijing Xiyuan Hotel (北京西苑饭店)
This hotel offers direct subway access from Beijing South Railway Station, making transportation easy. It is also close to the Xinjiang Office, where visitors can enjoy an authentic Xinjiang-style feast. The hotel offers reasonable prices and good service.
- Phone: 010-68313388
- Address: No. 1, Sanlihe Road, Haidian District, Beijing
- How to Get There: Take Subway Line 4 to Beijing Zoo Station, Exit D, or take bus 102, 103, 211, or Special Line 5 to Erli Gou Station.
Zhongguancun Area
Zhongguancun, known as “Beijing’s Silicon Valley,” is a hub for electronics and digital products, offering a wide range of affordable tech gadgets. This area has convenient transportation, with Subway Line 4 and multiple bus routes passing through. It is also close to top universities like Peking University and Tsinghua University, as well as famous attractions such as the Summer Palace and the Old Summer Palace, making it a great choice for family trips.
Park Plaza Beijing Science Park (北京丽亭华苑酒店)
This hotel is located near Beijing Olympic Village, right next to Beihang University, an area with a diverse selection of dining options, ranging from local street food to upscale restaurants. It is just a 5-minute walk from Zhichunlu Subway Station, ensuring easy access to the city’s transport network. The rooms are clean and well-maintained, maintaining the high quality of an international hotel chain.
- Phone: 010-82356699
- Address: No. 25, Zhichun Road, Haidian District, Beijing
- How to Get There: Take Subway Line 10 to Zhichunlu Station, Exit G1.
