Some ‘expensive’ hotels are in the city centre and on the eastern 3rd Ring Road, however by western standards these hotels are very cheap. These include:

Privately-owned, exquisite, and expensive. This is a 5 star hotel. Rooms can go for $150 per night. There is an enormous swimming pool in the basement that is decorated in very tropical manner, but the deepest part is only 1.5 meters. The jacuzzi and wet sauna are excellent, but the steam room is hot enough to cook a lobster. Great hotel and great location, if you can afford it.

State-owned (and thus presumably less expensive). Located near the Forbidden City, there is a view of Tiananmen Square from the hotel.

Less expensive, comfortable, with rotating restaurants. Located on the eastern 3rd Ring Road, it is only 45 minutes from the Beijing Capital Airport by taxi. Hard Rock Cafe Beijing is located between the Sheraton and the Kempinski hotels.

It is near the Great Wall Sheraton. German-run and efficient, and a good choice for business travelers. The lobby and adjacent Friendship store contain some good shopping opportunities. There is a also supermarket in the basement with a variety of local and imported food, beverages and sundies.

A very nice hotel run by the Shangri-la hotel group. Has restaurant, bar, club, swim pool and many other amenities. Many business travellers stay here.

It is located very close to the airport, well away from downtown. It is presently the only major hotel in Beijing that allows pets. Features a very elaborate indoor and outdoor pool, as well as playground for the kids. Choose this hotel for its location if you must be close to the airport or if you have pets. Around US$120 per night.

It is located within walking distance from Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden City, and is within easy access of Beijing Railway Station.