Like everything else in Beijing, the hotel industry is changing fast, with scores of new hotels opening before the Olympic Games. Though catering primarily to Beijing's well-defined business and leisure travel markets, some budget options are available. Prices at international brand hotels are rising fast and gaining parity with other major Asian cities. For mid-range and budget hotels, a reliable hotel reservation website is www.ctrip.com, which offers excellent late-booking deals.

The hotels below have been grouped into four different pricing categories:
$$$$ (over US$250)
$$$ (US$150 to US$250)
$$ (US$80 to US$150)
$ (up to US$80)
These prices are for a double room and include all taxes but not breakfast unless otherwise indicated.

The Kerry Centre Hotel
This Shangri-La hotel located in the heart of the CBD heaves daily with repeat-visit decision makers and overseas executives. The business facilities are excellent, the rooms are very comfortable and have in-room safes large enough to store a laptop. There is also a sports centre (featuring rooftop running track), swimming pool and health spa and a good choice of restaurants.

1 Guanghua Lu, Chaoyang District
Tel: (10) 6561 8833.
Website: www.shangri-la.com
Price: $$$

Ritz-Carlton Beijing, Financial Street
Overlooking Exchange Square in Beijing's new financial district in the west of the capital, the stylish, contemporary décor and large rooms (beginning at 50 sq m/538sq ft) mark a new era for the Ritz-Carlton brand. At this 253-room hotel, opened in late 2006, the signature high-quality service standard is strongly in evidence and the hotel also features three restaurants, a health club and spa.

1 Jin Cheng Fang Street, East Financial Street
Tel: (10) 6601 6666.
Website: www.ritzcarlton.com
Price: $$$$

St Regis
The marble and dark wood lobby suggests luxury, while the ubiquitous suits, ties and business talk give the clientele's game away. This is a beautifully appointed business hotel located between Wangfujing and the China World Centre. Half of the 273 rooms are suites and the business facilities and function rooms are exemplary. There are five restaurants and three lounge bars, a spa and gym and butler service for every guest.

21 Jianguomenwai Dajie, Chaoyang District
Tel: (10) 6460 6688.
Website: www.stregis.com/beijing  
Price: $$$

Grand Hyatt
This giant glass landmark is located on Beijing's main thoroughfare, Donchangan Dajie, within walking distance of both Wangfujing shopping street and Tiananmen Square. Boasting five impressive concept restaurants, super-chic spa, a luxury shopping mall and see-it-to-believe-it indoor tropical swimming pool, this is one of Beijing's most impressive hotels.

1 Dongchangan Dajie, Dongcheng District
Tel: (10) 8518 1234.
Website: www.hyatt.com
Price: $$$$

Peninsula Beijing
Unbridled luxury doesn’t come cheap. Two blocks from Wangfujing, the Peninsula completed an extensive US$27m refurbishment in 2006. And it shows. Every room has a 42” hanging plasma TV and DVD player, silent fax machine and bathroom TV and sound system. Those who can afford one of the exquisite suites will not feel short-changed. The shopping arcade features 50 luxury brands and the two restaurants successfully blend sophistication, atmosphere and acclaimed cuisine.

8 Goldfish Lane, Dongcheng District
Tel: (10) 8516 2888.
Website: http://beijing.peninsula.com  
Price: $$$$

Beijing Ning Xia Hotel
This excellent value 128-room hotel, opened in 2006, is well located in a hutong district near to Ditan Park. Its clean, good-sized rooms feature modern amenities, Internet access and cable TV. Though aimed largely at Chinese business travellers, its location and price make it a good mid-range travel option. 

Fensiting Alley, 13 Andingmennei Street, Dongcheng District
Tel: (10) 6400 9999.
Price: $-$$

North Garden Hotel
Well-run four-star hotel just off Wangfujing shopping street. The central location is complemented by small but comfortable rooms, English-speaking staff, generous breakfast buffet, business centre, gym and spa and free Internet in all rooms. Excellent value.

218-1 Wangfujing Dajie, Doncheng District
Tel: (10) 6523 8888.
Website: www.north-garden.com  
Price: $$

Peking/Beijing Downtown Backpackers
This budget option is situated in an old hutong, and has more character than the average backpacker hostel. The trendy location provides a good base for partying in up-and-coming Houhai bar district.

85 Nanluogu Xiang, Doncheng District
Tel: (10) 8400 2429.
Price: $

Red Capital Club Residence
Classy boutique hotel located in a 200-year old courtyard residence, and incorporates the communist history-fest which is the Red Capital Club restaurant. The five suites are decorated in a style to befit 1950s communist leaders and the bar is a converted bomb shelter. Not cheap, but for sheer 'experience' factor, it is hard to beat.

9 Dongsi Liutao, Dongcheng District
Tel: (10) 8403 5308.
Website: www.redcapitalclub.com.cn  
Price: $$$