Best Hotels in China – Top Luxury & Budget Stays
Planning a trip to China? Below is a curated guide to some of the best hotels in the country—spanning ultra-luxury city hotels, resort-style escapes, and hotels offering great value. These picks aim to cover major regions and travel styles.
Our Selection Criteria
We selected these hotels based on multiple factors including guest experience, service quality, amenities, location and overall value. Every property listed is among the most dependable and reputable in its category.
Best Luxury Stays in China
Aman at Summer Palace (Beijing)
This exceptional hotel is situated adjacent to the historic Summer Palace in Beijing and offers a refined retreat combining heritage architecture with rare luxury standards in China.
The PuLi Hotel & Spa (Shanghai)
A stylish urban resort in central Shanghai combining boutique ambiance with high luxury standards—ideal for city stays in China’s global centre.
Mandarin Oriental, Sanya (Hainan Island)
A top-tier resort property on Hainan Island’s coast, offering beach access, resort facilities and high luxury standards in a tropical Chinese setting.
Best Mid-Range / Comfortable Hotels
Legendale Hotel Beijing (Beijing)
A very well-rated 5-star (or high-4-star) hotel in Beijing offering strong comfort, good amenities and a central location—ideal for business or urban travellers wanting quality without ultra-premium pricing.
City-Centre Well-Rated Hotel (Example: Shanghai, Guangzhou)
In major cities across China you’ll find plenty of well-reviewed 4★ / 4½★ hotels offering modern rooms, strong service and good value—great for travellers seeking comfort and location.
Top Budget / Value Options
Smaller Boutique / Guesthouse-Style Hotels (Various Chinese Cities)
Across China you’ll find many 3-star-plus boutique hotels offering clean rooms, reliable service and excellent location for the price—perfect for budget-conscious travellers or those planning longer stays.
Regional Lodge or Value Stay Outside Major Cities
In China’s less-visited regions (smaller towns, countryside, coastal areas) you’ll find lodges or smaller hotels that deliver decent comfort and good value—great if you’re exploring beyond the big cities.
Hotel Comparison Table
| Hotel Name | City / Area | Star-Rating (Approx.) | Book Now |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aman at Summer Palace | Beijing | ★★★★★ | Book Now |
| The PuLi Hotel & Spa | Shanghai | ★★★★★ | Book Now |
| Mandarin Oriental, Sanya | Hainan (Coast) | ★★★★★ | Book Now |
| Legendale Hotel Beijing | Beijing | ★★★★/★★★★★ | Book Now |
| Comfortable Urban Hotel (Mid-Range) | Major Chinese City | ★★★★ | Book Now |
| Value Boutique / Guesthouse | Various Regions | ★★★ | Book Now |
Tips Before You Book
- Choose your region carefully: China is vast—from mega-cities (Beijing, Shanghai) to tropical coast (Hainan) to rural and remote regions. Your hotel should suit the area and travel style.
- Transport & access: In mainland China, major cities have excellent hotel options; in remote areas services may be more limited—check how far you are from major airports and rail hubs.
- Payments & amenities: Luxury hotels accept international cards and offer full amenities; for mid-range or value hotels check what is included (breakfast, Wi-Fi, airport transfer).
- Season & value: Rates vary widely by region and season. Cities may have more stable pricing; resort and coastal destinations may surge. Booking early for the best rooms helps.
FAQs
Which city has the best hotel options in China?
Beijing and Shanghai host the highest concentration of premium and luxury hotels; coastal and resort zones like Hainan offer top resorts, while smaller towns typically have fewer high-end options.
Are luxury hotels in China good value compared to other destinations?
Yes—many high-quality hotels in China deliver excellent service, notable locations and high comfort levels; in many cases pricing can still represent very good value for what you receive.
Can I find comfortable budget hotels in China?
Absolutely. There are many well-reviewed 3- and 4-star hotels and guesthouses across China offering clean, comfortable stays for travellers on tighter budgets.
Summary
From ultra-luxury stays in Beijing, Shanghai and Hainan like Aman at Summer Palace, The PuLi Hotel & Spa and Mandarin Oriental, Sanya, to strong mid-range and value options in cities and regional areas, China offers an excellent range of hotels. Choose your hotel based on your itinerary—city break, cultural immersion, beach stay or rural exploration—and you will find a comfortable, high-quality base for your time in China.
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