Recommendations and User Guide for Hotel Booking Platforms in China

When booking hotels in China, the following platforms are widely recommended due to their extensive coverage, unique features, and user-friendliness. Below is a detailed analysis tailored for foreign tourists:

1. Ctrip Travel (Ctrip)

• Features:
  One of China's largest online travel platforms, offering bilingual Chinese-English interfaces, supporting international credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, etc.), covering over 90% of hotel resources nationwide, especially excelling in high-end hotels and international chain brands.
• Advantages:
• Supports multilingual customer service (phone/online).
• Provides detailed hotel reviews (including real feedback from foreign tourists).
• Flexible cancellation policies (most hotels offer free cancellations).
• Integrates transportation services (flights, high-speed rail, car rentals, etc.).
• Disadvantages:
• Some budget hotels may not accommodate foreign guests (confirmation required beforehand).
• Prices on the international version (Trip.com) are slightly higher than the domestic version (comparison needed).
• Suitable for: First-time visitors to China who need full-service support.

2. Fliggy (Alibaba Group)

• Features:
  Alibaba's platform deeply integrated with Alipay, focusing on mid-range and budget hotels domestically, with some options supporting "credit stay" (no deposit, no inspection).
• Advantages:
• Alipay International can be linked to overseas bank accounts for payment.
• Regular discount promotions (such as "Double 11" and "618" mega sales).
• Offers bundled packages including scenic tickets and local tours.
• Disadvantages:
• Limited English interface functionality (suggest using web translation tools).
• Some hotels require a Chinese mobile phone number to confirm orders.
• Suitable for: Tourists accustomed to using Alipay and seeking cost-effective options.

3. Meituan

• Features:
  A core platform for local lifestyle services, covering a large number of budget hotels and homestays, ideal for tourists looking to experience city life deeply.
• Advantages:
• Localized recommendations (e.g., "nearby budget hotels," "featured homestay lists").
• Integrated food delivery and ride-hailing services (one-stop solutions for all needs).
• Prices are generally lower than other platforms (especially non-chain hotels).
• Disadvantages:
• Only available in Chinese, requiring translation tools for operation.
• Payment relies on WeChat or Alipay (requires pre-linking of overseas cards).
• Suitable for: Tourists proficient in using Chinese tools and seeking localized experiences.

4. International Platforms (Booking.com / Agoda)

• Features:
  Familiar interfaces for international users, supporting multiple languages and currencies, with hotel resources primarily catering to foreign guests.
• Advantages:
• Transparent cancellation policies and fast customer service responses.
• Strong reference value in review systems (especially feedback from European and American tourists).
• Disadvantages:
• Prices may be 10%-20% higher than domestic Chinese platforms.
• Fewer hotel options in remote areas.
• Suitable for: Tourists accustomed to international platform operations and prioritizing language convenience.

Comprehensive Usage Suggestions

1. Price Comparison Strategy:
2. The same hotel may have significantly different prices across platforms (suggest comparing Trip.com with Ctrip/Fliggy/Booking).
3. Verification of Qualifications:
4. Confirm before booking if the hotel accommodates foreign guests (passport registration required).
5. Prioritize hotels marked as "foreign guest eligible" or "accepts foreigners."
6. Payment Preparation:
7. Use international credit cards or bind overseas cards to Alipay/WeChat Pay (some platforms allow cash payment upon arrival).
8. Book Early During Peak Seasons:
9. Reserve accommodations 1-2 months in advance during holidays (National Day Golden Week, Spring Festival).

Important Notes

• Language Barriers: Non-foreign-friendly hotels may lack English services; it’s advisable to seek assistance through platform customer service for communication.
• Location Verification: Use Google Maps or Baidu Maps to confirm the hotel's geographical location (some platforms may have inaccurate address translations).
• Invoice Requirements: If reimbursement is needed, note "invoice required" during booking (Chinese tax invoices are VAT-dedicated invoices).