One of the biggest advantages of traveling in China is outstanding value for money. You can enjoy much higher quality hotels and apartments for the same (or lower) budget compared to Europe, North America, Australia, or Japan.
Hotel Price Guide (per night, double room)
- Budget / Good 3-star: $35 – $65
- Comfortable Mid-Range: $70 – $120
- Upper Mid-Range / Nice 4-star: $130 – $220
- Luxury 5-star: $250 – $450+
These prices are significantly lower than equivalent hotels in New York, London, Paris, Sydney, or Tokyo.
Great Value Note: A nice 4-star hotel in China often costs less than a standard 3-star hotel in many Western cities, while offering more space and modern facilities.
Our Recommendation by Travel Style
For Families:
Look for hotels with family rooms, connecting rooms, or apartments. Many mid-range hotels offer excellent value with breakfast included and good locations.
For First-Timers:
Stay close to major metro stations and attractions. Location is more important than luxury.
Important Note About Smoking in Chinese Hotels
Smoking is still quite common in China, even in 2026. Many hotels - including some 5-star international chains — still allow smoking in common areas and in the rooms or designated floors.
Our strong recommendation: If smoking is an issue for you
- Always explicitly request a non-smoking room when booking.
- Confirm the non-smoking request again when you check in.
- If you are very sensitive to smoke, mention it clearly and ask to be on a completely non-smoking floor.
Tip: International brands (Marriott, Hilton, IHG, Shangri-La, etc.) generally have better control over smoking in common areas and non-smoking rooms than many local Chinese chains.
Best Areas to Stay by City
Beijing
- Best Area: Wangfujing, Qianmen, or near Lama Temple
- Why: Walkable, great food, easy metro access, close to major sights
- Value Tip: You can get excellent 4-star hotels here for the price of a 3-star in Europe.
Xi'an
- Best Area: Inside or near the Ancient City Wall (Bell Tower / Muslim Quarter)
- Why: Walk to major attractions and enjoy vibrant nightlife and street food.
Shanghai
- Best Area: The Bund / People's Square / Nanjing Road East
- Why: Perfect location for first-timers — walk to The Bund, easy metro everywhere.
- Value Tip: You can stay in a stylish 4-star hotel with Bund view for less than a basic hotel in many Western cities.
Guilin / Yangshuo
- Best Area: Yangshuo West Street or along the Li River
- Why: Relaxed atmosphere with beautiful scenery. Great for families who want to slow down.
Chongqing
- Best Area: Near Jiefangbei or Hongya Cave
- Why: Dramatic night views and convenient location.
Chengdu
- Best Area: Near Chunxi Road or Jinli Ancient Street
- Why: Lively, walkable, close to good food and pandas.
Recommended Hotel Chains
Here's a practical overview of the best and most reliable hotel chains for international travelers and families in China.
These are general guidelines for mainland China. Prices vary significantly by city. Shanghai and Beijing are more expensive, while Chengdu, Xi'an, and Guilin are noticeably cheaper for the same quality.
International Chains (Most Reliable for First-Timers)
JW Marriott Hotel Xi'an
| Chain | Best For | Price Range (per night) | Strengths | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Marriott incl. JW Marriott, Sheraton, Courtyard | Luxury & consistent quality | USD $120 - $450+ | Excellent loyalty program, reliable standards | Very widespread in major cities |
| Hilton incl. DoubleTree, Garden Inn | Families & comfort | USD $100 - $350 | Good family rooms, reliable service | Strong presence |
| IHG incl. InterContinental, Holiday Inn, Crowne Plaza | Mid-range and families | USD $80 - $300 | Good value, many family-friendly options | Holiday Inn is solid mid-range |
| Shangri La | Luxury & service | USD $180 - $500+ | Outstanding service, beautiful properties | One of the best in China |
| Accor incl. Novotel, Mercure, Sofitel | Mid-range comfort | USD $70 - $250 | Good value, modern rooms | Growing fast |
Major Local Chinese Chains (Great Value)
Atour Hotel Chengdu Taikoo Li
| Chain | Best For | Price Range (per night) | Strengths | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jin Jiang International incl. Jin Jiang, Radisson, and others | Mid-range & Budget-concious travelers | USD $55 - $110 | Reliable, widespread, excellent value | One of the largest chains in the world |
| H World Group (Huazhu) incl. Ji Hotel, Hampton, Mercure, and many others | Families & comfort | USD $75 - $130 | Very consistent quality | Widespread |
| Atour Hotels | Popular with younger travelers | USD $65 - $120 | Modern, stylish, excellent design and great value | Growing fast |
| GreenTree Inns | Solo Travelers, backpackers | USD $35 - $70 | Basic but clean and functional | One of the best budget options |
Ultra-Luxury Hotels in China
Four Seasons Hotel Hangzhou at West Lake
If you want to splurge, China offers exceptional value in the true luxury segment. World-class international brands such as Mandarin Oriental, The Peninsula, Four Seasons, Ritz-Carlton, St. Regis, and Waldorf Astoria have beautiful properties in Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and other major cities.
What's remarkable is that staying at these same 5-star luxury brands in China typically costs 30% to 60% less than in New York, London, Paris, Hong Kong, or Tokyo for comparable rooms and service. You can often experience true five-star luxury - with spacious rooms, outstanding service, and excellent facilities - for prices that would only get you a high-end 4-star hotel in many Western cities.
Perfect for special occasions, honeymooners, or as a treat at the end of your trip. Shanghai and Beijing currently offer the best selection of these ultra-luxury properties.
Quick Recommendations
- Ji Hotel (H World Group) or Jin Jiang properties offer modern rooms, good locations, and much cheaper than equivalent international brands.
- Stylish & Modern: Atour Hotels — great if you want nice design without luxury prices.
- Best Overall Value: Ji Hotel — consistently the sweet spot for most international travelers and families.
- Reliable Choice for Families: Ji Hotel or Mercure.
- Budget Option: GreenTree or basic Jin Jiang properties.
Hotel Booking Tips
- Booking Platforms: Trip.com
(best for China), Booking.com
- Breakfast: Almost always worth choosing hotels that include breakfast.
- Location Matters: In big cities, staying near a metro station is more valuable than a slightly nicer hotel far away.
- Cancellation Policy: Book with free cancellation when possible, especially for your first trip.
- Family Rooms: Many hotels offer large family rooms or apartments at very reasonable prices.
Apartments and Short-Term Rental Options
Apartments and serviced apartments can be excellent for families, longer stays, or travelers who want a kitchen and more space, and that feeling of "living" in China.
Apartment Booking Tips and Important Considerations for Foreign Travelers
- Airbnb no longer operates domestic listings in mainland China (they exited the market in 2022).
- Good alternatives include:
- Trip.com Homes (the most reliable platform for foreigners)
- Local Chinese platforms such as Tujia (途家), Xiaozhu (小猪), and Meituan short-term rentals
- International serviced apartment chains (Ascott, Oakwood, Fraser)
- Important for Foreign Travelers: All foreigners staying in private accommodations in China must be registered with the local police within 24 hours of arrival. Many individual hosts are not willing to handle this registration process, which is why using reputable platforms like Trip.com Homes is much safer and smoother.
Recommendation: Stick with Trip.com Homes or established serviced apartment brands for the fewest headaches.
Hostels vs Hotels in China
Youth Hostel in Beijing
China has a wide range of hostels, especially in touristy and backpacker areas.
Hostels:
- Pros: Very cheap ($15–45 per night), social atmosphere, good locations, many offer private rooms, staff at international youth hostels is more likely to speak better English than the inn-keeper at a small local guesthouse.
- Cons: Quality varies greatly. Some are excellent and clean, others are basic or noisy. Private rooms are often small. Not ideal for families with young children.
- Best For: Solo travelers, young couples, budget backpackers.
- Best booking platforms for international travelers: Hostelworld, Trip.com
Our Recommendation:
- Families and first-time travelers are usually much happier in hotels.
- If you want to save money, choose a good 3-star hotel or serviced apartment instead of a hostel — the price difference is often small, but the comfort and reliability are significantly higher.
Final Tip from Our Family
Don't overthink booking nice 4-star hotels in China - they often cost less than average 3-star hotels in Western countries. You'll enjoy your trip much more with comfortable accommodations.
Practical Information for Your Trip to China
Most Popular Excursions
Book with confidence! Free cancellation: Cancel up to 24 hours in advance to receive a full refund
