Hotels in Beijing
Beijing is China's capital, layering the Forbidden City and the hutong lanes of Gulou over a fast modern skyline, with the Great Wall an easy day trip away. Cold winters and humid summers make hotels with indoor pools, especially around Sanlitun and the CBD, a genuine year-round comfort rather than an extra.
China's capital pairs imperial history with a fast, modern skyline, and the two rarely sit far apart. The Forbidden City and the hutong lanes around Gulou and Nanluoguxiang keep centuries-old Beijing intact, while Sanlitun and the CBD run on glass towers, embassy bars, and international restaurants. Winters drop well below freezing and summers turn hot and humid, with occasional smog settling over the city, so many travelers weigh a hotel's indoor amenities as heavily as its address. Wangfujing and Dongcheng put the Forbidden City within walking distance, Sanlitun suits nightlife and business trips, and the area near Beijing Daxing International Airport works well for short stopovers.
Beijing in numbers
Indoor poolThe Mumian at Beijing Daxing International Airport
An indoor pool and fitness center near Beijing Daxing Airport
Indoor poolNUO Hotel Beijing
An indoor pool and hot tub with a full-service spa
Indoor poolNew Otani Chang Fu Gong
Polished hotel with an indoor pool and full-service spa
Indoor poolKempinski Hotel Beijing Yansha Center
An indoor pool and hot tub in an upmarket Beijing hotel
Indoor poolGrand Hotel Beijing
Refined rooms with traditional decor, plus indoor and outdoor pools
Indoor poolKuntai Royal Hotel
Indoor pool and jacuzzi after a day exploring Beijing
Indoor poolChina World Hotel, Beijing
Grand hotel with an indoor pool and full-service spa
Indoor poolHilton Beijing Daxing
A 5-star hotel with a spacious indoor pool and spa facilities
Indoor poolMarco Polo Parkside Beijing
A modern 5-star hotel with a refreshing indoor pool and spa
Indoor poolNew World Beijing Hotel
Indoor pool and hot tub with a full-service spa
Indoor poolShangri-La Hotel, Beijing
A large indoor pool and a tranquil Chinese spa
Indoor poolCrowne Plaza Hotel Sun Palace Beijing
Indoor pool and hot tub in a sleek Beijing hotel
Indoor poolHyatt Place Beijing DaXing
An indoor pool and fitness center for a comfortable stay
Indoor poolMercure Beijing Downtown
Two indoor pools in the heart of Beijing's CBD
Indoor poolFairmont Beijing Hotel
Sophisticated stay with an indoor pool and hot tub
Indoor poolXiyuan Hotel
Downtown hotel with both indoor and outdoor pools
Indoor poolCelebrity International Grand Hotel
Refined rooms with city views and a welcoming indoor pool
Indoor poolGrand Millennium Beijing
Indoor pool and hot tub in a chic Beijing hotel
Indoor poolBeijing Marriott Hotel Northeast
Indoor pool and hot tub for year-round relaxation
Indoor poolHilton Beijing
Indoor pool with city views and a relaxing hot tub
Spa / thermal poolNovotel Beijing Xin Qiao
A bathhouse with hot spring water, spa pool, and hot tub
Indoor poolSofitel Beijing Central (Opening April 2019)
Indoor pool and hot tub for year-round comfort
What to expect
- The Forbidden City and Tiananmen area sit within walking distance of hotels in Wangfujing and Dongcheng.
- Sanlitun and the CBD carry Beijing's international dining, embassy-district bars, and business hotels.
- The Great Wall is reachable as a half-day or full-day trip from the city center.
- Hutong neighborhoods like Gulou and Nanluoguxiang keep the older, low-rise Beijing intact.
- Two airports, PEK and Beijing Daxing International Airport (PKX), split the city's arrivals.
Local tips
- Pack for genuinely cold, dry winters and hot, humid summers; an indoor hotel pool covers both seasons without depending on the weather.
- Check whether your flight lands at PEK or PKX before booking, since the two airports sit far apart across the city.
- Stay in Wangfujing or Dongcheng for the Forbidden City on foot, or Sanlitun if evenings and dining matter more than sightseeing distance.
- Beijing's subway network reaches most major sites directly, so a hotel near a metro stop often beats one that looks more central on a map.
- Book a day trip to the Great Wall through your hotel or a local operator rather than arranging transport at the last minute.
Where to stay
FAQ
Which Beijing neighborhood should I choose for a first visit?
Wangfujing and Dongcheng put the Forbidden City and Tiananmen area within walking distance, which suits a first trip built around sightseeing. Sanlitun works better if you want restaurants and nightlife close by, while the Daxing area near Beijing Daxing International Airport suits a short stopover before an early flight.
Do most Beijing hotels have indoor pools?
Indoor pools are common in Beijing's four and five-star hotels, largely because winters run cold and dry for months. Properties like the Shangri-La Hotel, Beijing and Mercure Beijing Downtown build their pools into a wider spa or fitness floor rather than as a standalone amenity.
When is the best time of year to visit Beijing?
Spring, from April to May, and autumn, from September to October, bring milder, drier weather and clearer skies than the humid summer or the cold winter. Summer is workable but hot and occasionally smoggy, while winter rewards travelers who pick a hotel with reliable indoor amenities.
Is the Great Wall easy to reach from central Beijing?
Several sections of the Great Wall, including Mutianyu and Badaling, are reachable as a half-day or full-day trip from downtown Beijing. Most travelers book a car, bus, or guided tour through their hotel rather than relying on public transport for the full route.
Which airport should I fly into for Beijing?
PEK, Beijing Capital International Airport, sits northeast of the city and suits hotels around Sanlitun or the CBD, while Beijing Daxing International Airport (PKX) lies south and pairs better with hotels near Daxing. Confirm which airport your flight uses, since the two are a considerable distance apart.
Does winter smog affect a Beijing hotel stay?
Beijing can see occasional smog in the colder months, which is one reason many travelers lean toward hotels with strong indoor amenities, including pools and spas, rather than planning a stay around outdoor time alone. Air quality varies by day, so it is worth checking conditions during your trip.