Booking accommodation is a crucial step in planning your trip to China. While numerous online platforms make it seemingly easy, there are a few nuances that foreign tourists should be aware of to ensure a smooth and comfortable stay. This guide will walk you through the process and highlight key considerations.
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Important: Confirming Hotel Eligibility for Foreign Guests
While many hotels in China are equipped to host international visitors, it’s a good practice to exercise a little extra caution. Even if an online booking platform indicates that a hotel welcomes foreign guests, it is highly recommended to call the hotel directly before making your reservation to double-confirm their ability to accommodate you. This simple phone call can prevent potential check-in issues and ensure a hassle-free arrival. You can usually find the hotel’s phone number on the booking platform or their official website (if available).
Top Platforms for Booking Hotels in China
Several online travel agencies (OTAs) are popular for booking hotels in China, offering a wide range of options and often multilingual interfaces. Here are three major platforms to consider:
- Trip.com (携程 – Xiéchéng): This is one of the most widely used platforms by both domestic and international travelers in China. Trip.com offers a comprehensive selection of hotels, from budget-friendly options to luxury accommodations. Their website and app are available in multiple languages, and they generally accept international credit and debit cards. You can easily filter search results, read reviews, and compare prices. Trip.com also often provides customer support in English.
- Qunar (去哪儿旅游 – Qùnǎr Lǚyóu): Another major player in the Chinese online travel market, Qunar functions as a metasearch engine, comparing hotel prices from various sources, including other OTAs and direct hotel websites. While their primary interface is in Chinese, many listings will have English descriptions and photos. It can be a great tool for finding competitive prices. You might need to navigate the payment process carefully, as it often redirects to other platforms.
- Fliggy (飞猪 – Fēizhū): Part of the Alibaba Group (which also owns Alipay), Fliggy is a popular platform offering a wide array of travel services, including hotel bookings. It often has promotions and integrates seamlessly with Alipay for payment. While the interface has become more multilingual, some sections might still be in Chinese. If you have Alipay set up, this can be a convenient option.
Tips for Booking Hotels in China:
- Book in Advance: Especially during peak travel seasons and holidays, it’s advisable to book your accommodation well in advance to secure availability 1 and potentially better prices.
- Read Reviews: Pay attention to guest reviews, particularly those from other international travelers, as they might highlight experiences relevant to foreigners.
- Location, Location, Location: Consider the proximity of the hotel to the attractions you plan to visit and transportation hubs.
- Amenities: Check if the hotel offers amenities that are important to you, such as Wi-Fi, breakfast, or English-speaking staff.
- Cancellation Policy: Understand the hotel’s cancellation policy before booking in case your plans change.
- Have Your Passport Ready: You will need to present your original passport for check-in at all hotels in China.
By following these steps and remembering to confirm your booking with the hotel directly, you can confidently find and book suitable accommodation for your trip to China.