Do all hotels now accept foreign tourists?

Question

I remember seeing that a lot of Chinese hotels do not accept foreign tourists. Is this still the case? I have found a few options on trip.com and they all state they accept foreign tourists. However, a lot of the hotels on booking.com mention that only guests from China can stay there. Any updates or info would be much appreciated!

Answer

In China, the situation for hotels accepting foreign tourists has improved significantly in recent years, but not all hotels automatically accept international guests. Policies can vary depending on the hotel’s location, type, and registration system.

Here’s what you need to know:

Major hotels and international chains: Most international hotel chains (e.g., Hilton, Marriott, Hyatt) and large city hotels accept foreign tourists without issues. They are experienced with passport registration requirements.
Local and smaller hotels: Some budget hotels, hostels, and family-run guesthouses may still only accept Chinese residents. This is usually due to the hotel’s local registration system with public security, which can be more complicated for foreigners.
Booking platforms: Websites like Trip.com, Ctrip, and Agoda often clearly indicate whether a hotel accepts foreign passports. Booking.com listings in China sometimes do not have up-to-date information on foreign acceptance, so it’s safer to double-check with the hotel directly before booking.

Additional considerations:

All hotels in China are legally required to register guests’ passports with local authorities. You must provide your passport at check-in.
During busy travel periods, some smaller hotels might prioritize local guests or require advance confirmation for foreigners, so early booking is recommended.
In remote or rural areas, options for foreign-friendly accommodation can be limited. Staying in towns or cities usually offers more choices.

In summary, most hotels in major cities and tourist destinations do accept foreign guests, but smaller or rural hotels may still restrict bookings. Using reputable booking platforms that specifically indicate foreign-friendly properties and contacting hotels directly ensures a smooth booking experience.

Do all hotels now accept foreign tourists?

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