Where to stay in Beijing? The best areas and places to stay

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Voyage Tips - Advice

Searching for hotels in Beijing and short on time? Discover travelers’ favorite hotels in Beijing on Booking.com by clicking here!

Pro tip: They’re in high demand, so book quickly!

And for an extensive guide on where to stay in Beijing, including my top hotel picks, read my detailed article.

Where to Stay in Beijing: My Selection of the Best Accommodations

Wondering where to stay in Beijing? Looking for the best areas and districts?

You’re at the right place!

As I know Beijing very well, I have created this guide of:

  • Beijing’s best areas for your stay (with details about the places to visit and nearby attractions)
  • For each area and district, the best hotels depending on your budget

Let’s find your dream hotel now!

My favorite hotels in Beijing

Here’s a quick summary of my favorite hotels in Beijing, in case you don’t have time to read my detailed article.

Simply click on the hotel names in orange to access details and rates:

In Dongcheng District (City Center)

The Dongcheng district is the historical and cultural heart of Beijing.

This area contains many of the city’s most famous landmarks and offers an atmosphere that mixes imperial grandeur with the buzz of modern city life.

You should stay in this district:

  • For a first time stay, as you can walk to many of the most important historical sites.
  • If you enjoy shopping and dining, with the famous Wangfujing street nearby.
  • For a culture-focused trip.

This is the perfect area to see:

  • The Forbidden City, the massive palace complex that was the home of emperors for centuries.
  • Tiananmen Square, the vast central square surrounded by iconic monuments.
  • Temple of Heaven, a masterpiece of Ming dynasty architecture where emperors prayed for good harvests.
  • Lama Temple (Yonghe Temple), an important Tibetan Buddhist monastery.
  • Wangfujing Street, Beijing’s most famous shopping street with large malls and food stalls.
  • The National Museum of China, offering a deep dive into Chinese art and history.
  • Jingshan Park, a beautiful park with a hill offering panoramic views over the Forbidden City.

Where to Stay in Dongcheng District?

  • Park Plaza Beijing Wangfujing: A short walk from Wangfujing Street and major attractions. Modern and comfortable double rooms start at 120€. Strong points: fantastic location for sightseeing, clean rooms, and helpful staff. A great choice for its excellent value for money in central Beijing.
  • Sunworld Dynasty Hotel Beijing Wangfujing: Located right on Wangfujing shopping street. Spacious and bright rooms from 150€, with breakfast included. Strong points: indoor pool, excellent breakfast buffet, and unbeatable location for shopping and dining.
  • Legendale Hotel Beijing: This 5-star hotel is just a few steps from Wangfujing Street. Luxurious and spacious double rooms starting at 220€. Strong points: spectacular indoor pool, full and varied breakfast, comfortable beds, welcoming staff. A great choice for a luxury stay in the heart of Beijing.
  • Grand Hyatt Beijing: Connected to the Oriental Plaza shopping mall at Wangfujing. Luxurious rooms starting from 250€, with access to a stunning indoor pool designed like a tropical resort. Strong points: direct subway access, top-notch service, the design, very spacious room. The perfect choice for a romantic stay in Beijing!
  • Waldorf Astoria Beijing: This 5-star hotel offers a blend of modern luxury and traditional Chinese style. Elegant rooms start at 350€, including breakfast. Strong points: exceptional service, beautiful indoor pool, and a quiet yet central location. This is the best luxury hotel in Dongcheng!
Waldorf Astoria Beijing
Waldorf Astoria Beijing

In Xicheng District

Xicheng district, located just west of the city center, is known for its beautiful lakes, traditional hutong alleys, and a more relaxed atmosphere than its eastern neighbor.

This area offers a glimpse into old Beijing while still providing easy access to key attractions and modern conveniences.

Staying in Xicheng allows you to discover a more local and scenic side of the city.

You should really stay in Xicheng if you want:

  • To experience traditional Beijing life by exploring the hutongs.
  • To enjoy relaxing walks and boat rides around the Shichahai lakes.
  • If you are interested in performing arts and local culture.

This district is perfect for discovering:

  • Beihai Park, one of China’s oldest and best-preserved imperial gardens with a large lake and iconic white dagoba.
  • Shichahai (Houhai, Qianhai, and Xihai Lakes), a scenic area with lakeside bars, cafes, and boat rentals.
  • Prince Gong’s Mansion, a beautifully preserved Qing Dynasty residence and gardens.
  • The National Centre for the Performing Arts, a futuristic landmark often called “The Giant Egg.”
  • The Hutongs, traditional courtyard neighborhoods perfect for wandering and getting lost in.
  • Beijing Zoo, home to the famous giant pandas.

Here are my favorite hotels in Xicheng district

  • Grand Mercure Beijing Central: Located in the Xidan commercial area. Modern and well-equipped double rooms from 140€, breakfast included. Strong points: close to shopping malls and subway lines, comfortable rooms, and good service.
  • Pan Pacific Beijing: A modern hotel near the Financial Street district. Spacious and stylish double rooms start at 200€, including breakfast. Strong points: indoor pool and hot tub, excellent fitness center, and very comfortable beds.
  • JW Marriott Hotel Beijing Central: This 5-star hotel is conveniently located near a subway station, providing easy access to city attractions. Elegant rooms start from 280€. Strong points: large indoor pool, a spa, and exceptional service. A superb choice for a luxurious stay in Xicheng.
  • The Ritz-Carlton Beijing, Financial Street: This 5-star hotel offers luxury and impeccable service. Elegant rooms start at 300€. Strong points: fantastic indoor pool, a great spa, and multiple dining options. The best luxury hotel for a comfortable stay in Xicheng.
Pan pacific Beijing
Pan pacific Beijing

In Chaoyang District (Sanlitun & CBD)

Chaoyang is Beijing’s modern face, home to the Central Business District (CBD), the lively Sanlitun nightlife area, and numerous embassies.

It’s a district of skyscrapers, upscale shopping malls, international restaurants, and trendy bars.

You should stay in Chaoyang if you:

  • Want to experience Beijing’s modern and international side.
  • Love nightlife.

Best things to see and do in Chaoyang:

  • Sanlitun Village, a trendy area with international brand stores, bars, and restaurants.
  • The 798 Art District, a complex of former factories now housing contemporary art galleries and cafes.
  • The CCTV Headquarters, an iconic and unique piece of modern architecture.
  • Ritan Park (Temple of the Sun), a peaceful park that’s great for a morning stroll.
  • Chaoyang Park, one of the city’s largest parks, perfect for outdoor activities.

The Best Hotels to Stay in Chaoyang District

  • Kerry Hotel, Beijing: Situated in the heart of the CBD. Spacious and modern rooms from 140€. Strong points: amazing sports facilities including a large indoor pool, connected to a shopping mall, very good restaurant, well-equipped rooms.
  • Fairmont Beijing: A 5-star hotel known for its unique architecture and luxurious feel, located near the Silk Market. Elegant rooms from 150€. Strong points: beautiful indoor pool and jacuzzi, excellent spa facilities, and very attentive service.
  • Hotel Jen Beijing by Shangri-La: Situated in the CBD and connected to the China World Mall. Contemporary rooms start at 210€. Strong points: massive 24/7 fitness center with a pool, co-working spaces, modern atmosphere.
  • InterContinental Beijing Sanlitun: Located right in the heart of the lively Sanlitun area. Sleek, modern rooms start at 250€. Strong points: direct access to shopping and dining, stylish rooms with great city views, and an indoor pool. Perfect for those who want a luxury stay.
Fairmont Beijing
Fairmont Beijing

Where to Stay in Beijing on a Budget

If you’re traveling on a budget, here are a few great hotels for a stay in Beijing without spending too much:

  • Happy Dragon Courtyard Hostel: Located in a historic hutong in Dongcheng. Simple double rooms from 60€. Strong points: very helpful English-speaking staff, great location for sightseeing, and an authentic atmosphere. A top choice for a cheap stay in Beijing.
  • Dragon House: Set in a traditional courtyard house in the Dongcheng district. Simple rooms from 70€. Strong points: authentic atmosphere, a lovely courtyard to relax in, and a great location for exploring the hutongs on foot.
  • Zhong’an Hotel Beijing: Located very close to Beijing Railway Station. Clean and functional double rooms from 85€. Strong points: extremely convenient for train travel, helpful staff, and great value for the location.
Happy Dragon Alley
Happy Dragon Alley

Where to Stay in Beijing with Family

  • Howard Johnson Paragon Hotel Beijing: Located in the Xicheng district. Offers spacious family-friendly suites from around 180€. Strong points: excellent location near the subway for easy city exploration, and comfortable bedding. This is the best place to stay in Beijing for a family trip.
  • The Prime Hotel Beijing: Right in the heart of Dongcheng, a short walk from Wangfujing Street. Offers dedicated family rooms from 200€. Strong points: fantastic central location for sightseeing, an indoor pool for the kids, and spacious rooms. A great option for families who want to be close to the main attractions.
  • Grand Hyatt Beijing: Located in Dongcheng with direct mall and subway access. Family rooms and suites are available from 250€. Strong points: fantastic resort-style indoor pool that kids will love, multiple dining options, and a central location.
Grand Hyatt Beijing
Grand Hyatt Beijing

What is the best hotel in Beijing?

If you are looking for the best hotel in Beijing, I recommend you the Waldorf Astoria Beijing.

And if you’re looking for something a little more affordable but still luxurious, you should book a night or more at Grand Hyatt Beijing or Legendale Hotel Beijing

Where to stay in Beijing: The best hotels

To give you a better overview of the best hotels in Beijing, whether in the city center or elsewhere, I’ve prepared a table summarizing all the ones I talk about in this article.

You can sort them by price or by district!

Hotel DistrictPrice (from)
Park Plaza Beijing WangfujingDongcheng120€
Sunworld Dynasty Hotel Beijing WangfujingDongcheng150€
Legendale Hotel BeijingDongcheng220€
Grand Hyatt BeijingDongcheng250€
Waldorf Astoria BeijingDongcheng350€
Grand Mercure Beijing CentralXicheng140€
Pan Pacific BeijingXicheng200€
JW Marriott Hotel Beijing CentralXicheng280€
The Ritz-Carlton Beijing, Financial StreetXicheng300€
Kerry Hotel, BeijingChaoyang140€
Fairmont BeijingChaoyang150€
Hotel Jen Beijing by Shangri-LaChaoyang210€
InterContinental Beijing SanlitunChaoyang250€
Happy Dragon Courtyard HostelCheap Hotels60€
Dragon HouseCheap Hotels70€
Zhong'an Hotel BeijingCheap Hotels85€
Howard Johnson Paragon Hotel BeijingHotel for families180€
The Prime Hotel BeijingHotel for families200€
Grand Hyatt BeijingHotel for families250€
Book your trip now and save money!
Anonymous

Creator of the Voyage Tips blog, travel and photography lover. I give you all my best tips to plan your next trip.

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