LISTINGS - The Rough Guide to Beijing - page 189

place billing itself a “youth hostel” will give you a ￥ 10 per night discount if you have a
youth-hostel (ISIC) card, which they can sell you for ￥ 50.
COSTS AND BOOKING
Room rates Unless otherwise stated, the prices we quote represent the cost of the cheapest
double room in high season (April-Sept). Almost all hotels, certainly all the more upmarket
establishments, have high- and low-season rates; some upper-bracket places offer off-season
discounts of up to 70 percent. At all but the cheapest hotels, it's possible to bargain the price
down; otherwise, you'll find discounted rates on the internet . Bear in mind too that most
places have a range of rooms, and staff will usually offer you the more expensive ones - it's
always worth asking if they have anything cheaper. Most hotels have a few single rooms,
priced slightly cheaper than doubles.
Reservationsandbookingwebsites It should be fairly straightforward to reserve a room by
phone - at higher-end hotels and all hostels someone on reception will speak English, though
at mid-range places you might be less lucky. You can also reserve rooms from counters at the
airport, and they will usually offer a small discount - though you'll get a much better deal if
you book the same room yourself. Online reservations are simple, and often give access to
sizeable discounts; elong.com is the prime local site, while non-Chinese sites such as
trivago.com also have plenty of choice. For cheaper options, check out hostelworld.com
and hostelbookers.com , both of which require a small deposit.
Checking in Checking in involves filling in a form and paying a deposit; keep your receipt
to ensure that you get this back when checking out. Remember to grab a few hotel business
cards when you check in - vital for letting taxi drivers know where you're staying.
FACILITIES
Breakfast Breakfast is usually included in the rate in mid- and upper-range hotels, where a
choice of Western and Chinese food is available. It is generally not included at hostels; ex-
ceptions have been noted in our reviews.
Tour offices All hotels and hostels have tour offices offering trips to the obvious sights: the
Great Wall, acrobatics and Beijing opera shows. These are usually good value - show tickets
generally cost no more than you'd pay at the door but give you free transport there, while
the Great Wall and other out-of-town tours are by far the easiest way to reach said sights.
Both hotels and hostels will also book train and plane tickets for you, for a small commission
( ￥ 30-50, usually slightly cheaper at hostels); for train tickets, you'll pay less if you go to a
dedicated train ticket office .
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