Quick Summary
💰 Luxury Budget: $150+ per night
👍 Mid-Range: $50-$150 per night
🏠 Budget: Under $50 per night
🌟 Our Top Pick: Jen Beijing by Shangri-La
📍 Best Area: Chaoyang District
⭐ Best Value: Beijing Guomao Jingsongqiao Ruibeiting Apartment Hotel
📷 Best Instagrammable: The Puxan Hotel and Spa
👨👩👧👦 Family Pick: Kerry Hotel
🏯 Best Heritage Hotel: Beijing Qianmen Courtyard Manxin Mansion
By now Beijing feels almost like home to us. Every adventure we had so far starts and ends there, and on our last few trips, we've found ourselves returning to the same hotel.
Our absolute favourite is Jen By Shangri-La — not because it is objectively the best, but simply because it was the first hotel there we absolutely enjoyed and saw no reason to find a different one.
Looking for a hotel in a big city like Beijing can be daunting — which is why I want to save you the work I had to do so many times.
In this blog post, I combined a „Best of“ list based on my comprehensive Trip.com research, and I hope it can help you to find your „perfect one“.
Table of Contents
- Best Areas to Stay in Beijing
- Best Luxury Hotels
- Best Mid-Range Hotels
- Best Budget Hotels
- Best Hotels for Families
- Where to Stay for First-Time Visitors
- Tips for Booking Hotels
- FAQs
Our Number One Recommendation
1. Jen Beijing by Shangri-La ★★★★
We simply love this hotel — it feels like home to us by now. A combination of hip young vibe, great fitness facilities (swimming pool and gym), outstanding breakfast buffet, English speaking staff and location, makes it a place we love returning to.
Quick Facts:
- Price Range: From $150/night
- Area: Guomao CBD
- Metro: Guomao Station
What We Love:
- Perfect location connected to mall and subway
- Modern, well-designed rooms
- Excellent gym and pool
- Great breakfast with Western and Asian options
- English speaking staff
- Nearby %Arabica coffe in World China Mall
Room Tip: If you can afford it, I highly recommend one of the top floor rooms with panorama views.
Best Areas to Stay in Beijing
1. Chaoyang District - Best for First-Time Visitors & Families
- Perfect for: First-time visitors, families, business travelers
- Nearby attractions:
- Sanlitun Shopping Area
- Tianmen Square
- Chaoyang Park
- Transport: Lines 1 and 10
- Average hotel price: $120 per night
Our Top Hotel Picks in Chaoyang:
- Kerry Hotel - From $180/night
- Why we love it: Amazing kids' club, family rooms, indoor pool
- Best for: Families with young children
- Notable amenities: Kids' pool, playground, babysitting service
- 🏨 Check rates and availability
2. Dongcheng District - Best for Culture & History
- Perfect for: Culture enthusiasts, history buffs
- Nearby attractions:
- Forbidden City
- Tiananmen Square
- Wangfujing Street
- Temple of Heaven
- Transport: Lines 1, 2, and 5
- Average hotel price: $100 per night
Our Top Hotel Pick in Dongcheng:
- Bejing Heyuanzhixin courtyard - From $150/night
- Why we love it: Stunning Forbidden City views, luxury amenities
- Best for: Luxury travelers, couples
- Notable amenities: Rooftop bar, spa, fine dining
- 🏨 Check rates and availability
3. Xicheng District - Best for Local Experience
- Perfect for: Cultural immersion, hutong experience
- Nearby attractions:
- Beihai Park
- Houhai Lake
- Drum and Bell Towers
- Liulichang Cultural Street
- Transport: Lines 2, 4, and 6
- Average hotel price: $90 per night
Our Top Hotel Pick in Xicheng
- The Ritz-Carlton Beijing Financial Street - From $190/night
- Why we love it: Stunning Forbidden City views, luxury amenities
- Best for: Luxury travelers, couples
- Notable amenities: Rooftop bar, spa, fine dining
- 🏨 Check hotel availability
Best Luxury Hotels in Beijing
1. Aman Summer Palace ★★★★★
Perfect for luxury travelers who want to experience imperial Beijing
Quick Facts:
- Price Range: From $620/night
- Area: Summer Palace Area
- Metro: Line 4, Beigongmen Station
- Airport Transfer: 45 minutes by hotel car
Why Choose This Hotel:
- Private access to Summer Palace before and after public hours
- Traditional Chinese architecture and design
- World-class spa with imperial healing treatments
- Exceptional cultural experiences and tours
Best Room Types:
- Deluxe Pavilion: Perfect for couples
- Size: 55 sqm
- View: Courtyard gardens
- Special features: Traditional Ming Dynasty-inspired décor
- Ideal for: Romantic getaways
2. Peninsula Beijing ★★★★★
Best luxury hotel in central Beijing
Quick Facts:
- Price Range: From $290/night
- Area: Wangfujing
- Metro: Dengshikou Station
- Airport Transfer: 40 minutes by hotel car
Why Choose This Hotel:
- Recently renovated all-suite rooms
- Perfect central location
- Exceptional service
- Amazing Cantonese restaurant
Best Mid-Range Hotels in Beijing
1. Jen Beijing by Shangri-La ★★★★
Our personal favorite and regular choice
Quick Facts:
- Price Range: From $150/night
- Area: Guomao CBD
- Metro: Guomao Station
What We Love:
- Perfect location connected to mall and subway
- Modern, well-designed rooms
- Excellent gym and pool
- Great breakfast with Western and Asian options
Room Tip: Request a high floor room facing the CCTV building for spectacular views.
Best Budget Hotels in Beijing
1. Jingli Hotel (Beijing Heshenghui Dajiaoting Subway Station Branch)
Perfect for budget travelers who want central location
Quick Facts:
- Price Range: From $45/night
- Area: Chaoyang District
2. Beijing Siheju Courtyard Hotel ★★★
Best budget option for authentic hutong experience
Quick Facts:
- Price Range: From $40/night
- Area: Xicheng District
- Metro: Ping'anli Station
What We Love:
- Traditional courtyard setting
- Friendly family management
- Cultural atmosphere
- Good value for money
Best Hotels for Families in Beijing
1. Kerry Hotel
Perfect for families with young children
Family-Friendly Features:
- Dedicated kids' club
- Children's pool
- Family rooms and suites
- Child-friendly restaurants
- Babysitting service
Room Types for Families:
- Family Suite
- Sleeps: 4 people
- Bed configuration: King bed plus two singles
- Extra features: Separate kids' area, welcome amenities for children
Tips for Booking Hotels in Beijing
Location Considerations
- Transport Access
- Stay within 10 minutes walk of a subway station
- Consider airport express connections for shorter stays
- Look for hotels with free shuttle services to major attractions
- Area-Specific Tips
- Chaoyang: Book higher floors for better views and less street noise
- Dongcheng: Choose courtyard hotels for authentic experience
- Xicheng: Look for properties with bicycle rentals
Best Time to Book
- Peak Season (April-May, September-October):
- Book 3-4 months in advance
- Expect higher rates
- Many hotels fully booked
- Low Season (November-March):
- Book 1-2 months in advance
- Better rates available
- More room choice
Money-Saving Tips
- Book non-refundable rates for best prices
- Visit during winter for lowest rates
- Join hotel loyalty programs
- Look for packages including breakfast
Special Considerations
- Families: Check for family rooms and kids‘ playgrounds often available in Chinese hotels
- Business Travelers: Check in-room workspace and WiFi quality
- Long-term Stays: Consider serviced apartments
FAQs
Q: What's the best area to stay in Beijing for first-time visitors?
A: Chaoyang District, particularly around Sanlitun or the CBD area, is ideal for first-time visitors. It offers a perfect mix of modern convenience and traditional culture, with excellent transport links and plenty of English-speaking services.
Q: How far in advance should I book hotels in Beijing?
A: For peak season (April-May and September-October), book 3-4 months in advance. For low season, 1-2 months is usually sufficient. However, for luxury hotels or during major holidays, book as early as possible.
Q: Which areas are best to avoid in Beijing?
A: While Beijing is generally very safe, areas far from subway stations can be inconvenient for tourists. The far suburbs and industrial areas are best avoided as they offer little interest for visitors and have limited transport options.
Q: Are hotels in Beijing family-friendly?
A: Many Beijing hotels, especially international chains, are very family-friendly. Hotels like the Kerry Hotel and Grand Hyatt offer excellent facilities for children. However, always check specifically for family amenities as some smaller hotels may not cater well to families.
Q: What's the average cost of a good hotel in Beijing?
A: A good mid-range hotel in Beijing typically costs between $80-150 per night. Budget options start from $40, while luxury hotels can range from $200-800+ per night. Prices vary significantly by season and location.
Ready to Book Your Stay in Beijing?
🏨 Check all Beijing hotels
✨ View luxury hotels
👍 Browse mid-range options
💰 Find budget hotels
👨👩👧👦 See family-friendly hotels
Related Articles
Magda Sawyer
Magda Sawyer
Magda Sawyer
Magda Sawyer
Last updated: January 2025
Note: Prices mentioned are approximate and may vary based on season and availability. Some links on this page are affiliate links, meaning we earn a small commission if you book through them, at no extra cost to you. We only recommend hotels we've personally vetted or have received consistently positive feedback from our readers.
Member discussion