Beijing Hotels Guide Where to Stay for First Time Visitors and Budget Travelers

Hello, I’m Alex Chen, a Chinese traveler who prefers independent trips and keeps a close eye on the budget. Compared with checklist-style travel, I would rather stay in well-connected areas with a strong local feel, use the subway to move around the city, and spend money on real experiences instead of unnecessary markups. This guide looks at Beijing Hotels from a free-and-easy, value-for-money perspective. I’ll break down the best subway-based areas to stay in Beijing and share hotel choices that I or my travel companions have personally stayed in and found reliable. If this is your first time visiting Beijing, or you want to stay comfortable while keeping costs reasonable, this guide should help you plan more smoothly.

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What Are the Best Areas to Stay in Beijing?

Beijing is extremely large and packed with must-see attractions, so you will often need to rely on taxis or the subway. When it comes to taxis, anyone who has tried to catch one near major sights knows how inconvenient it can be. Crowds are heavy, traffic is slow, and pickups are rarely efficient, which is why using the subway is usually the better option. For this reason, choosing Beijing Hotels near a convenient subway station is especially important.

• Zhushikou Subway Station: This station sits at the intersection of Line 7 and Line 8. From here, you can walk to Tiananmen Square, the National Museum of China, Qianmen, and the Forbidden City. Line 7 connects to Universal Beijing Resort and Beijing West Railway Station, while Line 8 goes to the Forbidden City, the Temple of Heaven, the National Museum of Natural History, Wangfujing, Nanluoguxiang, Shichahai, the Drum Tower, the National Stadium, and the Water Cube. Most other attractions can be reached with just one subway transfer.
• Xizhimen Subway Station: This area connects Line 2, Line 4, and Line 13. Line 2 makes it easy to transfer to other subway lines and also runs directly to Yonghe Temple and Qianmen. Line 4 reaches Beijing Zoo, Beijing Aquarium, Beijing Planetarium, Tsinghua University, Peking University, the Summer Palace, the Old Summer Palace, and Beijing South Railway Station. Line 13 runs directly to Wudaokou and Qinghe, which is convenient for taking high-speed trains to the Badaling Great Wall.
• Jiaomen West, Yongdingmenwai, and Puhuangyu Subway Stations: If you want to keep your budget under control, these stations are worth considering. Transportation is still convenient, and the surrounding neighborhoods are mainly residential, which means food and daily expenses tend to be lower.
• Universal Beijing Resort Area: As one of Beijing’s most well-known international theme parks, Universal Beijing Resort usually requires about a day and a half for a full experience. Staying one night at an official Universal Beijing Resort hotel can be a good choice. There are two official hotels available, which are introduced in detail below.

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Beijing Hotels: Zhushikou Subway Station Hotel Recommendations

CitiGO Hotel Beijing Qianmen Street

• Location: 2-minute walk to Zhushikou Subway Station
• Price per night: 430 CNY
• Check Rates:Trip.com Specials, Agoda Deals
• Rating: Trip 9.6 / Agoda 9.6
• Special Amenities: Laundry room, robot room service, family rooms

The hotel sits in the core section of Qianmen Street, about a two-minute walk from Zhushikou Subway Station, which makes getting around very efficient. From here, walking or taking the subway to Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City feels straightforward. Qianmen Street and Dashilan are right nearby, so you can stroll, shop, and try local snacks well into the evening. There are also convenience stores and coffee shops downstairs, which makes grabbing drinks or quick supplies easy.

Rooms are clean and well-organized, with new facilities and comfortable latex mattresses. Toiletries are good quality. Free laundry and drying are especially practical during a trip. Breakfast runs for long hours, with rotating options each day, and the freshly cooked wontons stand out. In the evening, there is also a simple late-night snack, which feels like a nice bonus when returning to the hotel.

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THE YARD HOTEL BEIJING, Qianmen Avenue

• Location: 3-minute walk to Zhushikou Subway Station
• Price per night: 434 CNY
• Check Rates:Trip.com Specials, Agoda Deals
• Rating: Trip 9.2 / Agoda 9.1
• Special Amenities: Laundry room

The hotel is located directly on Qianmen pedestrian street, just a short walk from Zhushikou Subway Station. Staying here saves a lot of walking time. Qianmen, Dashilan, and many time-honored local restaurants are either downstairs or within easy walking distance, so you can shop and eat late without rushing. Taking the subway to Tiananmen Square or the Forbidden City is also smooth, without the need for repeated transfers.

Rooms are tidy and clean, with a Republic-era design style that gives the space some character. The rooms are not large, but good natural light and acceptable soundproofing keep them comfortable. Bedding feels good, hot water comes quickly, and resting after a full day of sightseeing is easy. Service is friendly, check-in and extended stays run smoothly, and the laundry room is practical for stays of several days.

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Manxin Hotel Beijing Tiananmen Qianmen Street

• Location: 7-minute walk to Zhushikou Subway Station, 10-minute walk to Qianmen Subway Station
• Price per night: 591 CNY
• Check Rates:Trip.com Specials, Agoda Deals
• Rating: Trip 9.8
• Special Amenities: Robot room service, laundry room, family rooms

The hotel sits in the middle section of Qianmen Street. Once you step outside, you are already in the Dashilan and Xianyukou area, where food options and traditional restaurants are densely packed. You can walk to Tiananmen Square, and both Zhushikou and Qianmen subway stations are within reasonable distance. Taking the subway to other parts of the city or planning longer day trips is convenient. Even though the hotel is in a popular tourist area, it feels quiet once inside, thanks to well-designed internal layout.

Rooms are clean and neatly maintained, with a practical layout and intuitive smart features that make the stay feel relaxed. Overall cleanliness is well controlled, with no unpleasant odors on entry. The bed and linens support good rest. Service is a strong point here, as the front desk responds quickly and stays friendly, including when handling requests from families with children. Daily housekeeping and request handling are both timely.

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Crystal Orange Beijing Qianmen

• Location: 10-minute walk to Zhushikou Subway Station
• Price per night: 617 CNY
• Check Rates:Trip.com Specials, Agoda Deals
• Rating: Trip 9.7 / Agoda 9.6
• Special Amenities: Robot room service, laundry room, family rooms

The hotel is located within the first ring road around Qianmen, yet the immediate surroundings feel relatively quiet. It takes about ten minutes to walk from Zhushikou Subway Station. This area is not the most crowded part of Qianmen, but it has a strong local feel. Turning into nearby lanes leads you to many old Beijing snack spots. Moving toward Qianmen, Dashilan, or Tiananmen Square is also smooth, whether you walk, cycle, or take the subway.

For a central location, the rooms feel fairly spacious, with good natural light and ventilation. Soundproofing adds to a sense of comfort, and the beds and linens support solid sleep. Food delivery can be sent upstairs by robot, which makes daily routines easier. Service leans toward detail-oriented, responses are quick, and housekeeping stays consistent during longer stays.

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Beijing Wanda Moments Hotel

• Location: 3-minute walk to Zhushikou Subway Station
• Price per night: 677 CNY
• Check Rates:Trip.com Specials, Agoda Deals
• Rating: Trip 9.4 / Agoda 8.6
• Special Amenities: Robot room service, laundry room, gym

The hotel sits in the core Qianmen area, with Zhushikou Subway Station right outside. Both Line 7 and Line 8 are directly accessible, which makes moving around very efficient. You can walk to Qianmen Street and Dashilan, and heading toward Tiananmen Square or the Forbidden City also feels manageable on foot. Taking the subway to Wangfujing, Xidan, the Temple of Heaven, or other attractions stays straightforward, without unnecessary detours.

Rooms feel relatively spacious for the Second Ring Road area, with good light and a comfortable sense of space. Beds and bedding feel supportive, making it easy to rest well. Cleanliness is well maintained, facilities are complete, and daily use feels smooth. Communication before and after check-in runs efficiently, and staff actively help when needed. Breakfast offers stable quality with good variety, while the laundry room and gym add practical value. Food delivery can also be sent upstairs by robot.

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Beijing Hotels: Xizhimen Subway Station Hotel Recommendations

Borrman Hotel (Beijing People’s Hospital Branch)

• Location: 8-minute walk to Xizhimen Subway Station
• Price per night: 284 CNY
• Check Rates:Trip.com Specials
• Rating: Trip 9.3
• Special Amenities: Robot room service, laundry room

The hotel is located in the Xizhimen area, about an eight-minute walk from the subway station. Both Line 2 and Line 4 are easily accessible, which creates a well-connected transport network. Beijing North Railway Station is within walking distance, and a large shopping mall nearby makes dining and shopping convenient. Visiting places like the Beijing Exhibition Center or Beijing Zoo also fits naturally into the route.

Rooms are kept very clean, with fresh air and no noticeable odors. Smart room controls allow intuitive operation of lighting and curtains. The laundry room is open 24 hours and well equipped, which adds real value for longer stays. Front desk service is efficient and friendly, with quick responses when help is needed. For this price range, it is a very solid option in the Xizhimen area.

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Super 8 Hotel (Beijing Xizhimen)

• Location: 10-minute walk to Xizhimen Subway Station
• Price per night: 377 CNY
• Check Rates:Trip.com Specials, Agoda Deals
• Rating: Trip 9.4 / Agoda 9.3
• Special Amenities: Robot room service, laundry room, family rooms

The hotel sits in a residential neighborhood around Xizhimen, about a ten-minute walk from the subway station, with multiple bus routes nearby as well. It is close to the Beijing Exhibition Center and Beijing Zoo, which works well for exhibitions or family trips. Beijing North Railway Station is also within walking distance, making high-speed rail connections easy. Daily conveniences are well covered, with breakfast shops, local eateries, and fruit stores close by.

Room size is modest, but everything essential is provided. Rooms are clean, free of odors, and feel comfortable to stay in. Bedding is comfortable, and once the windows are closed, noise levels stay low. Heating works well at night. Daily amenities are thoughtfully prepared, and staff respond quickly when refills are needed. The lobby provides drinking water and coffee, and food delivery can be sent upstairs by robot. Overall service feels warm and helpful, from the front desk to security staff.

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Orange Hotel (Beijing Xizhimen Xinjiekou Subway Station)

• Location: 10-minute walk to Xizhimen Subway Station, 6-minute walk to Xinjiekou Subway Station
• Price per night: 552 CNY
• Check Rates:Trip.com Specials, Agoda Deals
• Rating: Trip 9.6 / Agoda 9.5
• Special Amenities: Robot room service, laundry room

The hotel is located in a well-established residential community near Xinjiekou. Both Xinjiekou and Xizhimen subway stations are within walking distance, which gives you multiple transit options. The surrounding area still preserves many traditional hutong streets, so a short walk already offers a sense of old Beijing daily life. Dining is also easy, with Ziguangyuan, barbecue spots, and various small restaurants nearby.

Rooms are clean and neatly maintained. Although the hotel faces the street, soundproofing performs well and does not affect nighttime rest. Facilities focus on practicality, and Orange Hotel’s signature smart systems are easy to use. Laundry progress can be checked on your phone, which works well for longer stays. Laundry and food delivery are both self-service, with simple internal flow. Service is friendly, and responses are quick whenever assistance is needed.

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Beijing Hotels: Jiaomen West, Yongdingmenwai, and Puhuangyu Subway Station Hotel Recommendations

Super 8 Select Hotel (Beijing South Station Temple of Heaven South Gate Branch)

• Location: 8-minute walk to Puhuangyu Subway Station
• Price per night: 247 CNY
• Check Rates:Trip.com Specials, Agoda Deals
• Rating: Trip 9.1
• Special Amenities: Family rooms

The hotel is located in a residential area around Puhuangyu. It takes about eight to ten minutes to walk to the subway station, and traveling to different parts of the city is not difficult. You can walk to the Temple of Heaven Park, which works well for morning or evening strolls. Reaching the Tiananmen area by subway or taxi also stays within a reasonable distance. Supermarkets and barbecue restaurants are nearby, which makes quick shopping or casual meals convenient.

The hotel follows a practical approach. Rooms are small but clean, and nights are generally quiet. Bedding and basic amenities meet daily needs, so the stay feels low-pressure. For this price range, the overall quality stays stable. One thing to note is that there is no elevator in the building, so carrying large luggage upstairs can be tiring, although this is less of an issue if you travel light.

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Super 8 Hotel (Beijing South Railway Station, Corner Men West Subway Station)

• Location: Directly above Jiaomen West Subway Station
• Price per night: 273 CNY
• Check Rates:Trip.com Specials, Agoda Deals
• Rating: Trip 9.5 / Agoda 9.5
• Special Amenities: Laundry room, family rooms

The biggest advantage here is transportation. The hotel sits right next to Jiaomen West Subway Station, just a few steps from the exit. Both Line 4 and Line 10 are available, which makes moving around very easy. It takes only about ten minutes by subway to reach Beijing South Railway Station, and travel time to Daxing Airport also stays within a reasonable range. This location works especially well for early-morning or late-night trips. Daily conveniences are complete, with restaurants and supermarkets nearby for quick meals or supplies.

Rooms follow a simple and practical layout. Space is limited, but cleanliness and hygiene feel reliable, with daily housekeeping in place. Soundproofing is average, and you may occasionally hear hallway noise during peak hours, though it usually does not affect sleep at night. Hot water stays stable, and basic facilities are complete. The laundry room is useful for longer stays or transfer-heavy itineraries. Overall, this hotel is a high-value choice if transportation is your top priority.

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Orange Hotel (Beijing Tiantan)

• Location: Directly above Puhuangyu Subway Station
• Price per night: 372 CNY
• Check Rates:Trip.com Specials, Agoda Deals
• Rating: Trip 9.5 / Agoda 9.4
• Special Amenities: Robot room service, laundry room, family rooms

The location here is extremely convenient. The hotel sits right at the Puhuangyu Subway Station exit, and the entrance is almost immediately outside, which makes it very friendly for travelers with luggage, elderly family members, or children. Taking the subway to the Temple of Heaven, Qianmen, Wangfujing, and other city attractions usually takes about 20 to 30 minutes, with clear routes and no need for repeated transfers. The surrounding area has mature daily infrastructure, with breakfast spots and convenience stores right downstairs.

Rooms follow a practical layout. Space is not large, but the design works well, and the extra corridor space allows you to open luggage comfortably. Overall cleanliness feels reliable, bedding is clean, and bottled water is replenished generously. Bathrooms are separated into wet and dry areas, with complete disposable amenities, which adds peace of mind. When traveling with family, the comfort level of the family rooms stands out.

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Beijing Hotels: Universal Beijing Resort Hotel Recommendations

The Universal Studios Grand Hotel

• Location: At the park entrance; step outside and you’re right at the gate
• Price per night: from 1,600 CNY
• Check Rates: Trip.com Specials, Agoda Deals
• Rating: Trip 9.5 / Agoda 9.4
• Special Amenities: 1-hour early park entry, gym, kids’ play area

The hotel enjoys an excellent location extremely close to the park entrance and features a dedicated VIP entry lane. Guests can enter the park one hour earlier, saving significant waiting time. Breakfast offers a wide variety of Western and Chinese dishes, along with Minions character interactions for an enhanced experience.

Facilities are comprehensive, rooms are clean and comfortable, and there are multiple themed room options, including Minions-themed rooms that are especially popular with children.

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NUO Resort Hotel-Universal Beijing Resort

• Location: Across the street from the park; about a 10-minute walk to Universal Studios
• Price per night: from 1,600 CNY
• Check Rates: Trip.com Specials, Compare on Klook
• Rating: Trip 9.6
• Special Amenities: 1-hour early park entry, gym, indoor swimming pool, laundry room

The hotel is conveniently located just a 10-minute walk from Universal Studios and offers the benefit of one-hour early park entry for guests.

Rooms are spacious, bright, and fully equipped, with modern and comfortable décor. Overall service and style reflect a high-end hotel standard.

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