When arriving in Beijing and hoping to check into a hotel, you will have to show your passport and fill a form which allows your temporary stay at the hotel. But not all hotels are open to foreigners. Only those which are three-star hotels and above or those which have been granted licenses to accommodate foreigners can have the right to take in foreigners.

1. Hotel Ratings in Beijing

One-star hotels: One-star hotels must have at least air-conditioning guestrooms with 12-hour a day cold and hot running water. Of course, 80% of the rooms must have private bath facilities. They must have a lobby with information and a reception desk, postal service, and a coffee shop. They should have a dining room.

Two-star hotels: Two-star hotels must have at least 20 air-conditioning guestrooms and 90% with private bath facilities. Also 50% of the rooms are equipped with telephones and 24 hours of cold and hot running water. They must offer Western and Chinese breakfast.

Three-star hotels: Three-star hotels must have well-furnished standard guestrooms with a dressing table, a desk, drawers and a closet. All rooms are equipped with carpet or wood flooring. Each room has a telephone with international direct dial (IDD); mini-bar and refrigerator; color television sets, in-house movies, music and more.

Four star hotels: Four star hotels have spacious rooms, good quality toilets and hair dryers. Most of the hotels should have background music, a health club, a swimming pool, sauna, a business center and 24-hour doorman. Laundry should be returned by next day. Nice Chinese and western restaurants.

Five-star hotels: Five-star hotels have large lobbies. They are more luxurious and spacious. Service should be better than four-star hotels described above

2. Stay at your Chinese friends' or relatives' homes

If you have Chinese friends or relatives living here, and you want to stay with them, then that is okay too. But you should register at the local public Security Bureau and let them know you are there, and you can also register with the local Housing Committee Ju Wei Hui (there is one in every residential area.).

It may sound a little troublesome, having to register with the police or Housing Committee, but it is better to let them know than for them to find out themselves. If you don't register, it could present problems for you or the people you are staying with.

3. Cheap accommodation in Beijing

Beijing hostels are the best way to go for budget lodging in Beijing. Ask to see a hostel room before you pay and choose a dorm (several bunks in one room) for the cheapest Beijing lodging. Expect to pay $ 8 - 15 USD for a Beijing hostel bunk.