Accommodation

A new generation of Chinese managed hotels is the cornerstone of a highly developed, traveler-friendly tourism infrastructure. China now has a complete range of hotel choices in all price categories, from luxurious five-star suites to deluxe mid-priced hotels and clean, comfortable rooms even in the budget category. Today, every major city in China can provide discriminating travelers with a wide selection of modern, world-class properties that meet, and often exceed, international standards. Hotels such as the famous Peace Hotel (on the Bund) in Shanghai, the Palace Hotel in Beijing (close to the Forbidden City), and the White Swan in Guangzhou have gained international reputations for their exquisite decor, international gourmet dining, and first-class service. Familiar chains such as Sheraton, Holiday Inn, Hyatt, Hilton, and Ramada now operate deluxe hotels throughout China as well. Business travelers note that China has come a long way even since the early 1990's in terms of 16 service, management, and facilities. All 4 & 5-star hotels have complete business centers with computer and secretarial services available.

[ Is it advisable to make reservations? ]

To have a place set for the night of your first arrival, to have a place during a special Chinese holiday, or to guarantee a particular hotel that you really want to visit, there is a need for hotel reservations.

Many people have not had any trouble finding lodging without reservations. Many of the hotels have prices that vary a lot with the season and with the customer's reluctance to agree to high prices. Do not just agree to pay the first price offered. As long as you are traveling outside holidays that would fill up a city or town's hotel space, you should be able to save a lot of money by trying to negotiate for a better price. (May not applicable with 4 or 5 star hotels, but this approach to the hotel cost would still be effective.) Of course, if you arrive at a hotel with lots of luggage, looking exhausted and desperate for a room you chances of getting a discount are low.