dineroguru

Hi Fodorites,

We are a family of 5 going to China this summer (kids are 17, 14 and 13). Are we going to be looking at two rooms wherever we go or can we all fit in one rooom? I am guessing the space if very tight. Also, is it easy to book day trip? We had a great time hiring our own guides to show us around Europe and prefer that to the big group thing. Any help on lodging choices for a family of five in Beijing, Zian and Szenhei would be much appreciated as well as setting up day trips in the country with guids.

Thanks!

thursdaysd

You'll be better off with a car and driver and a good guidebook. You can hire the car and driver on the spot - just negotiate with one of the many taxi drivers. Since I travel solo can't help with the room-for-five question, but I don't remember rooms being particularly small. Why do you think they would be? However, getting that many beds in one room would likely be an issue. Note that unless you stay in western chain hotels you usually get much better prices just showing up and bargaining, which will make two rooms more affordable.

rkkwan

You clearly need two rooms. Most hotels don't have family rooms, and regular rooms have two single beds - which you can push together to become a double.

Shanghainese

Is your 2nd and 3rd cities Xian and Shanghai? You should look into serviced apartments with 2 bedrooms such as the Citadines for the 5 of you, with a living room and kitchen, you'll be more comfortable.

dineroguru

Yes xian and Shanghai--thank you for the tips.

qwovadis

Booking.com will have family room options in bigger areas.

Citadines my fav in the cities there are some cheaper

www.asiarooms.com www.agoda.com other options.

Almost always do best hiring my own driver/guide cheaply.

Have fun,