Novotel Beijing Xinqiao

Unlike most of the hotels on this list, Novotel Beijing Xinqiao is not based in the Sanlitun entertainment area. However, its location in Xinqiao is exceptional if your priority in Beijing is sightseeing. This, combined with the usual high standard of the Novotel chain, has made it one of the most booked hotels on this list.

The hotel is just over a 20-minute walk (or a 10-minute drive) from Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden City, and the National Museum of China, and there is even a metro station just across the street (Chongwenmen, Lines 2 and 5). It's good to note that Line 2 can take you to Destination Club within half an hour.

The hotel has a long history, having been founded in 1954. Despite this, it has managed to stay up-to-date, meaning the decor is modern and new. It does look very similar to a Novotel hotel anywhere in the world, but with nice Chinese-style touches to make it feel more local.

One of this hotel's most unique features is that is located over a natural hot spring, which supplies water to all guestrooms as well as the spa. The food is tasty, especially the Peking Duck at Utopia restaurant. The breakfast buffet in the mornings is both varied and affordable.