Beijing's three main stay areas: 王府井 (convenient transport, ideal for first-timers), 三里屯 (bustling commercial, great for shopping and dining), 前门 (cultural vibe, perfect for in-depth exploration). Each has its own character — picking the right one doubles your experience.
王府井 has dense hotel options from budget to 5-star, walkable to 故宫 and core sights. Downside: touristy and noisy. 三里屯 is the commercial hub — shopping and dining are convenient, hotels tend to be newer and upscale. 前门 has more local life, suited to slow-paced travelers.
Hotel selection principles: ① First visit → 王府井 for transit; ② Business → 三里屯 for amenities; ③ Deep dive → 前门 for value. Budget reference: economy 200-400 RMB/night, mid-range 500-800, high-end 1000-3000. Note special requests when booking — most hotels try to accommodate.