6 Best Hotels in Xian, The Silk Road

The older of the two Shangri-La's in Xi'an, this remains one of the city's most luxurious hotels with English-speaking staff, an indoor swimming pool and gym facilities. The hotel is 10–15 minutes northeast of the city center, and easily accessible by subway. Get off at Tong Hua Men station on Line 1 and take Exit B.

Make sure your cab driver knows you're going to the Golden Flower Hotel, and not the Shangri-La, or else you many find yourself at the newer Shangri-La all the way across town to the east.

Directly across from the Bell Tower, this comfortable and centrally located hotel puts you within walking distance of many of the city's most popular tourist sights. The grand marble lobby is impressive, but the standard rooms are bare. Rooms at the front of the building are more expensive because they have views of the Bell Tower, but some visitors are disturbed by noise from the traffic.

Although there are newer luxury properties, people return to the Grand Metropark because of its friendly staff, most of whom speak some English, and its central location. Near the most popular sights, it's within walking distance of the Bell Tower and the East Gate. The guest rooms are smaller and more drab than rooms at other comparably priced hotels, and are definitely in need of refurbishment. The beds, though, are plenty comfortable, and the large windows provide great city views.

Though dated, this HoJo offers good value for money in a hotel that sits just outside the city walls near the south gate and the Yongningmen metro station. Though rooms are in need of serious updating, they're spacious and the beds cushier than the rock-hard beds at Chinese hotels. Superior rooms have views of the city wall.

The best bargain in Xi'an's Old City is part of the French budget hotel chain Ibis. It offers decent rooms and low prices and is run to Western standards, so the beds are comfortable and everything is clean. The hotel is within walking distance of the Confucius Temple, and a few Chinese bars are up the road. The travel agency on the ground floor can organize cars and tours to the Terracotta Warriors, Huashan, and other sights.

Expect high-quality standards in this name-brand hotel, among them truly comfortably beds and front desk staff who speak English well. Unfortunately, the hotel is 20 minutes west of the city center, making it far from the most popular tourist sites. Still, it's a fine choice if other hotels are booked and, indeed, offers better service than some of the more conveniently located options.