Summer Olympics Bound? Book Your Beijing Hotel Rooms Now

More Yin and Yang Beijing Hotel News

Bad news: Hotels always jack up their rates during the Olympics, and 2008 is no different from any other year in that regard. Right now, hotels are quoting rates of about 10 times their regular ones.

Good news: China is still a buyer’s market for just about everything. Rooms at properties comparable to American 3-star hotels can be booked now for between $100-$200 per night. That’s high compared to everyday rates in Beijing, but it would still be at the low end of rack rates for rooms in Manhattan on any given day.

Bad news: If you are staying in a Chinese hotel, you’ll find a few differences with the lodging you’re accustomed to at home. You may miss some creature comforts like softer sheets and the small fitness centers that have become standard in the United States, and the décor usually tends toward drab.

Good news: Though the comfort level and amenities may be different, Chinese hotels on the whole provide a pleasant enough environment. Beijing has plenty of clean rooms in good locations that should meet your needs.

Bad news: Like many things in China, researching hotels remotely can be difficult, as budget Chinese-owned hotels are often mom-and-pop ventures, without Web sites or staff that speak fluent English. Usually the best way to get a good deal on a room in any Chinese city is just to drop in, but this strategy will probably backfire if you try it this August.

Good news: A few local hotel chains and online booking sites have recently made strides in serving foreign travelers, via their Web sites or on the phone. The Web sites, Elong.com and Ctrip.com, usually have competitive rates but allow booking only within 60 days of your travel dates. Some hotels, however, are taking reservations now for the Olympic period. Here are some Chinese chains where you should find clean, if somewhat spare, accommodations:

Greentree Inn
Locations in Beijing: 4
Most recent rate quote for Olympic period: 1,245 RMB ($170)
www.greentree.com.cn
International phone: +86-21-3617-4888

Home Inn (Chinese name: Rujia)  
Locations in Beijing: 30
Most recent rate quote for Olympic period: 1,000 RMB ($136 USD)
www.homeinns.com
International phone: 800-820-3333
Domestic phone: 400-820-3333

Jin Jiang Inn
Locations in Beijing: 11
Most recent rate quote for Olympic period: 690 RMB ($94)
www.jinjianginns.com
International phone: 86-21-3876-4588
Domestic phone: 400-820-9999