Temporary Accommodation

Beijing has a vast range of temporary accommodation options. There’s no shortage of hotels, hotel apartments, guesthouses and motels to choose from if you need somewhere to rest your head while waiting to move into more permanent living quarters.  It’s advisable to spend some time in Beijing before committing to a lease. Neighbourhoods vary a great deal, and where you decide to live will inevitably dictate your lifestyle. Explore a few residential areas before you decide where to settle down.

Hotels

Beijing has many excellent options, as major global brands are well represented. Most seem to be catering to the business traveller in terms of service and price. Their luxurious hotels offer spacious rooms, broadband Internet access, pools and recreation centres, 24-hour concierge services and club lounges. You can generally trust five-star ratings to match international standards, however check out your hotel on independent websites such as Tripadvisor or Expedia before forking over hundreds of dollars for an opulent night’s sleep. Check out websites such as Travelocity or Expedia to read recent reviews and get a good deal.

Hotel Listings:

Bamboo Garden Hotel
24 Xiaoshiquiao Hutong Jingulou Jie, Xicheng District
5852 0088, www.bbgh.com.cn
This popular hotel was once the private residence of an imperial minister. It is on a traditional hutong near Beijing’s Drum Tower, making it a perfect base for exploring Beijing’s cultural attractions from. Rooms are decorated with faux Ming and Qing Dynasty furniture.

The Grand Hyatt
1 Dongchangan Jie, Chonwen District
8518 1234, www.beijing.grand.hyatt.com
The massive Grand Hyatt is only 15 minutes by car from Tiananmen Square, next to the gigantic Oriental Plaza Mall.
Hotel Coté Cour
70 Yanyue Hutong, Dongcheng District
6512 8020, www.hotelcotecourbj.com
A true boutique hotel, Hotel Coté Cour’s 14 suites are adorned with Chinese silk, boast polished brick floors and are equipped with flat screen TVs and free Wi-Fi.

Jianguo
5 Jianguomenwai Dajie, Chaoyang District
6500 2233, www.hoteljianguo.com
Catering to business travellers, the Jianguo is designed to offer a slice of greenery in the heart of the business district – as well as a large swimming pool and health club.

Peninsula
8 Jinyu Hutong Wangfujing, Dongcheng District
8516 2888, www.beijing-peninsula.com
As a member of the Peninsula Group, this exclusive hotel exudes wealth and exclusivity. The suites are spacious and fully equipped, with TVs in the bathrooms.

Red Capital Residence
9 Dongsiliutiao, Dongcheng District
8403 5308, www.redcapitalclub.com.cn
This courtyard guesthouse is full of character and promises a memorable stay. Filled with rafters and old Communist memorabilia, the suite rooms evoke old Beijing charm.

Ritz-Carlton
1 Jinchengfang Dongjie, Xicheng District
6601 6666, www.ritzcarlton.com
Located in the city’s new Financial Street, the Ritz-Carlton is convenient for business travellers, who will appreciate its chic decor and extensively equipped rooms.

St. Regis
21 Jianguomenwai Dajie, Chaoyang District
6460 6688, www.stregis.com
The St. Regis is a very classy hotel that boasts a grand marble lobby and personal butler service. The hotel also offers a hot spring spa, a bowling alley and a putting green on the roof.

Comfort Inn & Suites
6 Gongti Bei Lu, Chaoyang District
8523 5522, www.choicehotels.com
The Comfort Inn is an excellent budget option, located in the heart of the embassy district and within striking distance of the premier central cultural attractions.

Holiday Inn Central Plaza
1 Caiyuanjie, Xuanwuqu, Xuanwu District
8397 0088
This Holiday Inn is a very central and comfortable option, located in the heart of Beijing’s tourist area. It’s a stone’s throw from Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City, as well as the subway.

The Westin
B9 Financial Street, Xidan/Financial Street
6606 8866
The Westin Beijing offers the sanctuary you are looking for in the heart of China. The Westin’s signature heavy beds and rainforest showers are on offer.

Hotel Apartments

This is a good option if you plan to take your time finding suitable housing to rent or buy, as it’s difficult to negotiate a short-term lease in Beijing. Lease agents are encouraged by landlords to sign minimum one-year leases. Expat-oriented short-term apartments are either specialised apartment blocks or form part of a hotel. They normally come fully furnished with kitchens and access to extensive facilities. They are available daily, weekly, monthly and even yearly. The longer the stay in a hotel apartment, the better the rate. For longer-term stays, they’re more comfortable and better value than hotels.

The Apartments on Financial Street
(010 6402 9001)

The Sandalwood Marriott Executive Apartments
(010 8557 8888)

Ascott Raffles City Beijing
(010 8405 3888)

The St.Regis Residence Beijing
(010 6460 6688)

Oakwood Residence
(010 5995 2888)

Somerset Grand Fortune Garden
(010 8451 8888)

Park Hyatt Residences
(010 8567 1234)

The Ascott
(6567 8100)

Somerset Zhongguancun
(010 5873 0088)