Beijing Hotels

Beijing Hotel Reviews

Communism closed the doors on the opulent accommodations once available to visiting foreigners in Beijing. Functional concrete boxes served the needs of the few "fellow travelers" admitted into the People's Republic of China in the 1950s and '60s. By the late 1970s, China's lack of high-quality hotels had become a distinct embarrassment; the only answer seemed to be opening the market to foreign investment. Many new hotels were built to handle the 2008 Olympics crowds, and they are bound to change the landscape even more in the coming years.

A multitude of polished palaces await you, with attentive service, improved amenities—such as conference centers, health clubs, and nightclubs—and, of course, rising prices. "Western-style" comfort, rather than history and character, is the main selling point for Beijing's hotels. Some traditional courtyard houses have been converted into small hotels—they offer a quiet alternative to the fancier establishments.

Courtyard hotels usually have a more distinct Chinese character, but those in older buildings may be lacking in facilities. However, the most recent additions have modern amenities. Given that fewer and fewer ancient courtyards exist in China, these hotels are often favored by travelers who visit China for its history. Because of the smaller number of rooms in courtyard hotels, reservations are important for these select accommodations. If you're looking to stay in a more traditional Chinese-style accommodation, consider the Banqiao No. 4 or the Red Capital Residence.

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