Luxury hotels

Shenzhen is home to a who’s-who of international five-star hotel brands, where you can sleep in palatial comfort, order room service and spa treatments, and hit the pool after a workout in the gym. Futian has the lion’s share of luxury hotels, many ensconced in the upper floors of skyscrapers for executive skyline views.

Hotels

While Shenzhen does have a few independent hotels of distinction, it’s generally advisable to select chain hotels that offer a proven standard of international excellence. Shangri-La, Four Seasons, St Regis, Ritz-Carlton and Hyatt all have a presence in Shenzhen and can be relied upon for high standards of service and comfort.

Budget business chain hotels

Budget business chain hotels in Shenzhen can sometimes be a decent alternative to standard two- and three-star hotels, with rooms around the ¥180 to ¥400 mark. Their sheer ubiquity means you can usually find accommodation (but look at the rooms first). They often have membership/loyalty schemes, or online deals, which make rooms cheaper. Breakfast is sometimes included. Although most of these branches accept foreigners, the odd one does not.

Chains include: Jin Jiang Hotel, 7 Days Inn, Home Inn, and Ibis. For higher standards of comfort (with breakfast included), try Holiday Inn Express.

Hostels

Not really on the backpacker trail, Shenzhen only has a handful of privately-run hostels. Good for meeting like-minded travelers, hostels are typically staffed by youthful English speakers who are also well informed on local sightseeing and transport. Laundry, kitchen facilities, lockers and a noticeboard, bar and café should all be available. Soap, shower gel and toothpaste are generally not provided, though you can purchase them at reception; the same is often (but not always) the case with towels. Book ahead — online if possible — as rooms are frequently booked out, especially at weekends or in busy holiday periods.