Accor recommendations in Shanghai and Beijing

[bjm76]

Hi everyone
Hoping for some advice.
Am travelling to China (first time) in October 2025.
Itinerary is Shanghai, Xian and Beijing.
I have booked Sofitel Xian so all sorted there.
In Shanghai - am looking at the Swissotel Grand or Pullman Jing An (Fairmont Shanghai is out of my price range)
In Beijing - looking at Swissotel Hong Kong Macau Centre or Fairmont. Grand Mercure Beijing Central is an option but looks very dated, as does Novotel Peace/

I am Accor Plus Gold and this trip will get me to Platinum so thats why I am choosing Accor properties.

Thanks very much and appreciate the advice!

 

[SYD]

Doing the reverse trip next month (after cancelling a similar trip booked in 2020).

Booked the Grand Mercure Central, Beijing. From my research, it seemed to be the better mid range place. Also booked Sofitel, Renmin Square in Xian. In Shanghai went with a non Accor place. Nothing was leaping out and there were better options on QF Hotels.

Tip. Book flexible rates and keep checking from time to time. I’ve rebooked better rooms for a lower price a couple times already.

I’ll try and remember to report back.

 

[markis10]

Have you looked at signing up for the Chinese Accor Plus 2.0 the discounts and free nights pretty much pay for the cost and I am sure you find the 30 status nights handy Accor Plus 2.0 Card
Keep in mind you get free breakfast for 1 and a few other perks as Gold in China as it stands.

 

[bjm76]

Have you looked at signing up for the Chinese Accor Plus 2.0 the discounts and free nights pretty much pay for the cost and I am sure you find the 30 status nights handy Accor Plus 2.0 Card
Keep in mind you get free breakfast for 1 and a few other perks as Gold in China as it stands.

I have read a bit about the Chinesr Accor Plus on FlyerTalk but seems a bit complicated to sign up - only available via WeChat? I have read the 30 status nights are stackable so that means I would have 50 status nights, so only 10 nights required to get Platinum... I will do more research. I did see the free breakfaat for 1 in China so that will be good - 2 of us travelling so effectively same as the Accor Plus dining discount for breakfast

 

[jase05]

I’m a bit of a sucker for returning to places I like and so probably miss out on some great hotels out there but in Shanghai we have stayed at the Fairmont Peace a few times and loved it although I must admit the BT looks great as does a few other properties in Shanghai so perhaps one day.
In Xian we have stayed at both the Grand Mercure Renmini Square and the Sofitel Legend and for memory as our last stay there was about 10 years ago there were 4 or Accor properties all in the same compound. There was the GM, a Mercure and the 2 Sofitels, GM was nice and very comfortable but a huge step up to the Legend which was fantastic albeit much more expensive. The Sofitel Legend was double the price plus of the Sofitel and also doesn’t have an EL whereas the Sofitel does so I would consider the Sofitel next time.
In Beijing we have stayed twice at the Fairmont and it was good but when we went with my parents we stayed at the GM Central and had a real good stay and the rooms had recently been renovated. The location of the GM was superb too.

 

[bjm76]

I’m a bit of a sucker for returning to places I like and so probably miss out on some great hotels out there but in Shanghai we have stayed at the Fairmont Peace a few times and loved it although I must admit the BT looks great as does a few other properties in Shanghai so perhaps one day.
In Xian we have stayed at both the Grand Mercure Renmini Square and the Sofitel Legend and for memory as our last stay there was about 10 years ago there were 4 or Accor properties all in the same compound. There was the GM, a Mercure and the 2 Sofitels, GM was nice and very comfortable but a huge step up to the Legend which was fantastic albeit much more expensive. The Sofitel Legend was double the price plus of the Sofitel and also doesn’t have an EL whereas the Sofitel does so I would consider the Sofitel next time.
In Beijing we have stayed twice at the Fairmont and it was good but when we went with my parents we stayed at the GM Central and had a real good stay and the rooms had recently been renovated. The location of the GM was superb too.

Great feedback om GM Central Beijing - rooms on the ALL website look a bit dated but understand they may not have been updated. Did you get the room with EL access? Thanks!

 

[jase05]

Great feedback om GM Central Beijing - rooms on the ALL website look a bit dated but understand they may not have been updated. Did you get the room with EL access? Thanks!

We were Plats at the time so had EL access. The EL was just average if I’m honest. The appeal of the hotel was its location and it was clean and comfortable. Our room appeared to have been renovated recently but that was 10 years ago so perhaps they need another freshen up

 

[bits]

In Shanghai - am looking at the Swissotel Grand or Pullman Jing An (Fairmont Shanghai is out of my price range)

I stayed at Pullman Jing An about a month ago (as well as Sofitel North Bund). Haven't written up my hotel experience report yet, except for my lounge experiences here Accor Guests in Executive Lounges

TLDR: Pullman Jing An has a good location (is on top of a metro station), plenty of food options downstairs, and the room is modern, clean and comfortably sized. If the price is right, I'd have no issue going back.

 

[SYD]

Something to keep an eye on. Don’t bother clicking any links in the article, just check via the Accor app / website for deals. I will be!

https://loyaltylobby.com/2025/04/19/accor-greater-china-up-to-50-off-flash-sale-for-says-april-24-august-31-2025-bool-april-24-27/

 

[Jubified]

I stayed at the swissotel in Beijing over xmas. Great rooms and breakfast if you have status. Best hotel breakfast I’ve had as a plat.

The subway station is literally outside the hotel but be warned theres security checks at every station. You’ll reach most places with 1 subway transfer to another line.

There nothing really around the hotel so you’ll have to travel out.

 

[markis10]

The subway station is literally outside the hotel but be warned theres security checks at every station.

That’s standard on any subway or hsr in china, and water bottles are checked.

 

[bjm76]

I stayed at the swissotel in Beijing over xmas. Great rooms and breakfast if you have status. Best hotel breakfast I’ve had as a plat.

The subway station is literally outside the hotel but be warned theres security checks at every station. You’ll reach most places with 1 subway transfer to another line.

There nothing really around the hotel so you’ll have to travel out.

Thank you so much! Is the Fairmont in a better location in terms of shopping/restaurants around the hotel? Thanks!

 

[Jubified]

Thank you so much! Is the Fairmont in a better location in terms of shopping/restaurants around the hotel? Thanks!

It might be slightly better? Seems like the closest station is on the red line which brings you to wangfujing (shopping) and tiananmen square. But it seems like a little bit of a walk to the subway.

Swissotel is literally at the doorstep but you’ll need to transfer.