Xi'an's three main stay areas: 钟楼 (convenient transport, ideal for first-timers), 大雁塔 (bustling commercial, great for shopping and dining), 回民街 (cultural vibe, perfect for in-depth exploration). Each has its own character — picking the right one doubles your experience.
钟楼 has dense hotel options from budget to 5-star, walkable to 兵马俑 and core sights. Downside: touristy and noisy. 大雁塔 is the commercial hub — shopping and dining are convenient, hotels tend to be newer and upscale. 回民街 has more local life, suited to slow-paced travelers.
Hotel selection principles: ① First visit → 钟楼 for transit; ② Business → 大雁塔 for amenities; ③ Deep dive → 回民街 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.