Choosing a hotel in Xian - any recent experience with the Sheraton, Shangri-La Flower or Hyatt Regency?

Just stayed at Hyatt in mid-June, it is ok, not your typical Hyatt, but that may be true of all Xian hotels. Hotal is near the south gate.

From your recent visit, which hotel would you recommend in Xian?

Hyatt is probably the best location.
Sheraton is the nicest--but a little out of the way.

I would not stay at Shangri-La. It is too far out of the way. And altho they probably have the largest rooms, it's not as nice as Sheraton.

I think the ANA Grand Castle Hotel has the best location in Xian, as it has a view of the city wall, and is near to the only public access point to get up on the wall. It is an easy walk from the hotel to the Bell Tower and the main mosque. I have not stayed there, but have stayed at the New World, which is near another section of the wall and also a nice hotel. However, I would stay at the ANA if I were going back to Xian. ANA is a Japanese chain and they generally run very good hotels. Check out their website at anahotels.com. I don't think the location of the Sheraton or the Hyatt are any good for sightseeing in Xian; as neither have a view of the city wall -- one of the main sites of the city -- and neither are within walking distance of the other areas mentioned above. No hotel is close to the terra cotta warriors, as that is a bit out of town.

that's only if you think the city wall is the main attraction. I don't.