China Market

NormalBob Ubiquitypants

I am booking a hotel for ling term stay in China. They have a cheaper rate on the hotel website that says (china market). Does anyone know what this means as I cannot find it anywhere.

rojito

Perhaps it is a cheaper rate for Chinese nationals? That kind of thing is rampant (not just China).

What city is it you are going to? Why don't you talk to some of the hostels? They would have private rooms and might give long term rates, they have staff and/or owners that can speak English so you can negotiate a deal, or they might even be able to find a studio apartment or something. Above all, by dealing with foreigners more frequently, they wouldn't be as prone to the old "foreigner-tax" found elsewhere.

NormalBob Ubiquitypants

not sure if it is for Chinese nationals as I am able to book the room. it is very weird. Travelling to Beijing.

rojito

I'm not sure then, was just speculating You could also try the China forum on here.

A few years ago I stayed in Leo Hostel which was great. Cheap, very central (walking distance to Tiananmen Sq), a nice social area and restaurant downstairs (I was travelling alone so needed the social outlet), and they run a tour where they alone have access to a stretch of the great wall behind some village, there were literally no other groups on the wall when I was there. I am sure they could arrange something long-term if you contact them.

killbillvol2

A lot of Chinese hotels are not allowed to accommodate foreigners so that's probably it. They do show up on booking sites though.

Also, private rooms in Beijing hostels are very expensive.

zagmund

In my (one trip) experience of China, I would err on the side of caution when booking something and make sure I know what I'm booking. Let's just say that there are some forms of accommodation that people in China will put up with that people from other parts of the world mightn't find the most comfortable.

If you're going to be booking something for a long duration, the last thing you want to find when you get there is that it's a hammock strung across the rafters with 17 others sleeping and cooking in the same room and getting up for work at 0300 every morning with the radio blaring. It might be fun(ish) for a day or two and something to write home about, but . . . . I'm just sayin' . . . China.

z

NormalBob Ubiquitypants

zagmund wrote: »

In my (one trip) experience of China, I would err on the side of caution when booking something and make sure I know what I'm booking. Let's just say that there are some forms of accommodation that people in China will put up with that people from other parts of the world mightn't find the most comfortable.

If you're going to be booking something for a long duration, the last thing you want to find when you get there is that it's a hammock strung across the rafters with 17 others sleeping and cooking in the same room and getting up for work at 0300 every morning with the radio blaring. It might be fun(ish) for a day or two and something to write home about, but . . . . I'm just sayin' . . . China.

z

Eh......ok........
What happened to you in China?!? :eek:

zagmund

Plenty happened in China ("camel rides" on horses, "mongolian horse riding" consisting of two blokes riding horses in a circle around a paddock, etc . . .) and this was on an organised trip. Enough to know that interpretations of standards are a little loose over there. All I'm saying is that I would be sure I knew what I was booking and wouldn't necessarily go for the cheapest option. If you are going for a long time then presumably you will be working with/dealing with some Chinese or ex-pats who are familiar with the environment - you should try them for info.

z