Hotels & booking in Beijing
Which sites actually work for foreigners, and what to check before you pay.
Last reviewed for the 2026 season · Hotels & booking across all of China →
In Beijing specifically
- In Beijing, aim to stay within 10 minutes’ walk of a metro station.
- Beijing peaks in April, May, September — book 3–4 weeks ahead and expect the highest rates then.
- Budget 5 nights in Beijing; shorter trips spend more time in transit than in the city.
What everyone needs to know
- Not every Chinese hotel is licensed to accept foreign guests — check the listing explicitly says it accepts foreign passports.
- International chains and reputable domestic brands are reliably fine; small guesthouses sometimes are not.
- Hotel registration with the police is automatic at check-in; keep the slip.
- Prices in tourist cities swing 2–3× between low and peak season.
The numbers
| Item | Typical value |
|---|---|
| Budget room | ¥150–350 |
| Mid-range | ¥400–900 |
| International chain | ¥800–2,500 |
| Peak surcharge | Up to 3× at Spring Festival |
Do it in this order
- Filter for properties that explicitly accept foreign guests before booking.
- Book cancellable rates where possible — schedules shift once rail tickets are involved.
- Confirm the hotel is within walking distance of a metro station if you are in a tier-1 city.
- Ask for a high floor away from the road — Chinese cities are loud.
Mistakes that cost money or time
- Booking the cheapest listing and arriving to find they cannot register a foreign passport.
- Staying far from the metro to save ¥100 and spending it twice on taxis.
- Assuming breakfast is included — it often is not outside international chains.
Check it at the source
Questions people actually ask
- Do I need to print a booking confirmation?
- Not usually — hotels find you by passport — but keep a screenshot in case of language difficulty on arrival.
- Are homestays an option?
- Yes, but the host must register you with the police within 24 hours. Confirm they know this before booking.
More about Beijing
- Safety
- Getting around
- Food & eating
- Money & costs
- Visa & entry
- Payment & money apps
- eSIM & connectivity
- High-speed rail
- Attraction tickets
- Language & communication
- Apps you need