The Best Hotels to Book in Sanlitun, Beijing

Sitting smack-bang in the middle of Sanlitun, with easy access to the district’s smorgasbord of shops, bars and eateries, the InterContinental Beijing Sanlitun hotel is a great option for those seeking ultra-modern Beijing accommodation. It features 309 space-age rooms, all the amenities you’d expect from a five-star hotel and five bars and restaurants to choose from.

Occupying the old City Hotel building near the Beijing’s Worker’s Stadium, CHAO hotel is now one of the most sophisticated boutique hotels in the area, thanks to a recent head-to-toe renovation. The 4.5-star property is made up of 180 guest rooms kitted out with bespoke Japanese furniture, two modern restaurants, an outdoor pool and a series of urbane common areas like ‘The Clubhouse’ lounge, ‘The Work Club’ business centre and ‘The Art Centre’ exhibition space.

Situated footsteps away from the bars and restaurants on Sanlitun Road, the Opposite House taps into ultra-modern Chinese decor trends with an exterior that resembles a Rubik’s cube and an interior that may remind you of a spaceship. When you check into one of its 99 rooms, the contemporary Chinese design will reassure you that you’re staying in one of Beijing’s most elegant luxury hotels. An added bonus for foodies is that the hotel also boasts three must-visit dining options of its own: upscale bistro Jing Yaa Tang, the cosmopolitan Village Café and cool cocktail bar Mesh.

Located just across the road from the Tuanjiehu subway station, this stunning four-star property includes everything you could want from a stay in Sanlitun. Zhaolong Hotel includes 257 guest rooms and suites spread across 21 storeys, as well as an indoor swimming pool, spa and gym, Western and Chinese restaurants, travel services such as currency exchange and car hire and even an in-house casino to keep travelling punters happy.

United Days bills itself as a business hotel, but it’s far from boring. In fact, the quirky decor of the hotel’s 26 rooms features some of the most envelope-pushing design you’ll find in Beijing. Lodged in the shiny SOHO tower, unveiled only in 2016, United Days offers lighting fast Wi-fi, business facilities and a helpful concierge service, but the avant garde artworks and zany design touches are the real stars of the show.

Towering over Workers’ Stadium Road in the mammoth YongLi International building, this 3.5-star apartment hotel is the perfect place for larger groups and families to stay. Each of the 20 self-contained apartments includes a kitchenette complete with a microwave and a fridge, as well as a washing machine and a television – the ideal launchpad to explore the nightclubs, shops and restaurants that Sanlitun is renowned for.

It may be surrounded by shops and boutiques in the middle of Sanlitun, but Star World is one of the most relaxing places to stay in the area. Not only does the property boast 31 luxurious guest rooms and suites; you can also treat yourself to a relaxing hot tub in the en-suite bathroom, a spa treatment at the wellness centre or an American-style breakfast at the in-house restaurant, which is also open for lunch, dinner and drinks.

With a range of sophisticated private suites as well as a number of affordable dorm options, this well-appointed hostel is a great option for budget travellers keen to rest their heads close to Sanlitun’s non-stop nightlife. Formerly known as the Sheng Sha Hotel, Lab Hostel welcomes travellers from every corner of the globe, who converge on the common lounge, movie theatre and cocktail bar every evening.

The Red Hotel Beijing is another affordable three-star property in a quiet residential corner of the neighbourhood, and offers a great option for budget travellers. It offers spacious rooms with a desk and a TV, a travel desk to organise car rental and tour tickets, room service and an in-house bar.

Peering over the Beijing Workers’ Stadium, Yoga House is one of the most stylish hotels on this list. As well as a range of private twin and double rooms, you can book a budget bed in a shared dorm room if you’d like to meet other travellers and save a few yuan. As well as polished blonde wood furnishings, Yoga House provides a full vegan breakfast and access to a 24-hour fitness centre.