China: Hotels and Hostels

There are so many great cities and towns to visit if you are traveling to China. It was hard to choose only two cities to post about! Below are some excellent hotels that come HIGHLY recommended by traveler reviews, wait until you see why…

Shanghai:

St. Regis Shanghai- The St. Regis in Shanghai is no doubt a 5 star hotel for many reasons. The beautiful hotel has excellent and friendly staff, very clean rooms and a location in Pudong that is near some hot spots. It has on-site restaurants; the restaurant on the top floor even has panoramic views! Including wireless internet, a fitness center, indoor pool, spa and tennis, it is easy to feel at home. Large bathtubs were among one of the favorites in traveler’s reviews. The St. Regis also has 24 hour butler service who will pack and unpack your luggage and run your errands! At a very reasonable price for all of its stars, this luxury hotel should be at the top of your hotel list!

The Eton Hotel- Located in the Luijazui financial & trade zone, the Eton Hotel also received rave traveler reviews, especially for having a tremendously reasonable price for a 4 ½ star hotel. Offering a health club, on-site restaurants, internet access and an on-site pool, there is plenty to do to relax at this hotel. Not to mention they offer a turndown service upon request, bathrobe and slippers. They even have a TV and telephone in the bathroom… talk about convenience!

Mingtown Etour International Youth Hostel- Receiving rave reviews by travelers for its comfortable beds and on-site bar, offering internet access and a refrigerator, this hostel is the one to choose when traveling to Shanghai. The Mingtown Etour Hostel includes cable TV with DVDs, 24 hour security, a laundry facility and game room and on-site restaurants, cafes and bar! This hostel is located in the center city of Shanghai. It has hot showers and a bonus courtyard! Tempting?

Beijing:

The Opposite House (pictured right)- A decently priced, 5 star hotel that has SO much to offer its customers. The staff is extremely attentive and friendly, the rooms are comfortable, guests give it two thumbs up and you even get a complementary Toblerone. That’s not even the best it has to offer. The Opposite House even has an iPod docking station in every room and bedside, electronically controlled blinds! It is located in Sanlitun which is full of trendy restaurants and bars. The hotel offers a health club, indoor pool, high speed internet, on-site nightclub and BBQ grills! Massages are available in your room upon request. The Opposite House is obviously quite the opposite of a lousy hotel and everything a 5 star hotel should be!

Hotel G- TERRIFIC price for a 5 star hotel! Reviewers raved the most for this one! The Hotel G is a boutique hotel offering just about everything you could want, especially GREAT service. It has 2 iMac computers in its computer room which are already installed with Skype and offer free internet! The hotel is also very kid friendly. One reviewer said the hotel staff sent a pet fish in a bowl up to the room for the children! Free pets… we’re there!

Downtown Backpackers Hostel- This hostel goes beyond hospitality, the staff offers to book train and plane tickets; make reservations for the opera, for Kung Fu Shows, for acrobatic shows, hiking excursions and Great Wall tours! Located at the center of the ancient capital of the Yuan Dynasty, this hostel is in a great spot. Breakfast is included as are linens but towels are available for hire. There is also an on-site restaurant and internet access.

Does all this information make you want to you buy your plane ticket for a vacation to China? It definitely makes us think about it!! Please remember that many of these hotels and other hotels in China require you to show your passport upon check-in.

What is the best hotel amenity you were ever offered from a hotel? Does it beat having an iPod docking station?