Where to Stay in Xi’an: Your Guide to the Best Stays
Choosing the right place to stay can make half your trip already a success —and in Xi’an, you’re spoiled for choice. From luxury hotels to boutique stays, stylish internet-famous guesthouses, and budget-friendly hostels, the city has something for every traveler.
So… where should you stay when visiting Xi’an? And which hotels or homestays offer great reviews, high value for money, or unique cultural charm? Let’s explore the best areas and most recommended places to stay in Xi’an（西安, Xī’ān） to help you find your perfect home-away-from-home.
Which Area Should You Stay In?
If it’s your first time visiting Xi’an（西安, Xī’ān）, it’s best to stay within the Second Ring Road（二环, Èrhúan）. For a 2–3 day trip, choose accommodation inside or near the Xi’an City Wall（西安城墙, Xī’ān Chéngqiáng） —you’ll be close to all the must-see spots, saving time and energy.
Bell Tower & Drum Tower Area（钟鼓楼, Zhōnggǔlóu）—Top Pick for First-Timers
For first-time travelers, the Bell Tower & Drum Tower area is highly recommended—and it’s also the most popular neighborhood among visitors.Here, you’ll enjoy:
- 🚇 Convenient metro access (Line 2 connects to many main routes)
- 🍜 Endless food options nearby
- 🕌 Short walk to Hui Muslim Street（回民街, Huímín Jiē） , perfect for snacking and exploring
Stay here if you want to eat, explore, and repeat with zero hassle.
Xiaozhai（小寨, Xiǎozhài）—Modern, Lively & Great for Shopping
Another excellent area for first-time visitors is Xiaozhai（小寨, Xiǎozhài）. It’s a transfer station for Metro Line 2 & Line 3, making it super easy to travel to the Bell Tower, Drum Tower, or Giant Wild Goose Pagoda（大雁塔, Dàyàn Tǎ）.
Why Xiaozhai?
- 🛍️ Close to SEG International Shopping Mall（赛格国际购物中心, Sàigé Guójì Gòuwù Zhōngxīn）
- 🏛️ Near Shaanxi History Museum（陕西历史博物馆, Shǎnxī Lìshǐ Bówùguǎn）
- 😌 Easy to return to your hotel when you need a break from walking, shopping, or museum-hopping
Perfect if you enjoy modern vibes + culture + convenience.
Unique Hotel Picks in Xi’an
Live Like Tang Dynasty Nobility
HUALUXE Xi’an Tanghua（西安唐华华邑酒店, Xī’ān Tánghuá Huáyì Jiǔdiàn）
Want more than just sightseeing in Xi’an? How about sleeping inside a Tang-style palace and pretending to be a noble for a night? This newly opened hotel brings Tang culture to life—one step inside and you’ll feel like you’ve time-traveled.
Operated by the InterContinental Hotels Group and designed by Zhang Jinqiu, a renowned architect and one of the first academicians of the Chinese Academy of Engineering, the hotel reflects classic Tang-dynasty garden aesthetics.
In the grand lobby, you’ll find murals created and personally restored by Japanese master Tamura Noriko—an art story of its own.The peaceful back garden features elegant pavilions and corridors, perfect for Hanfu（汉服, traditional Chinese clothing） photos.
Rooms follow a refined neo-Chinese style , blending palace ambience with modern comfort—think Tang elegance + L’Occitane amenities. Imperial vibes, modern luxury.
📍 Near Giant Wild Goose Pagoda（大雁塔, Dàyàn Tǎ） & Tang Paradise（大唐芙蓉园, Dàtáng Fúróng Yuán） 💰 From ~¥920/night (Deluxe room), ~¥1140/night (Suite)
European Luxury With Heritage Charm
Sofitel Legend People’s Grand Hotel Xi’an（西安索菲特传奇酒店, Xī’ān Suǒfēitè Chuánqí Jiǔdiàn）
A historic landmark built in 1953 and reborn after a major 2014 renovation, this hotel combines European grandeur with attentive butler-style service —a real-life luxury experience reminiscent of The Grand Budapest Hotel.
Despite being in the city center, it’s peaceful and elegant like a European castle. With only 77 rooms , guests enjoy personalized butler service , plus ultra-premium amenities—including Hermès bath products.
📍 Inside the city wall, near Wulukou Metro Station（Line 1 & 3）💰 From ~¥1400/night (Premier), ~¥2000/night (Luxury Premier)
The Best Location for Explorers
Jinmao Hotel Xi’an Drum Tower（西安鼓楼金茂酒店, Xī’ān Gǔlóu Jīnmào Jiǔdiàn）
If location is your top priority—this is the one. Just 3 minutes on foot from the Drum Tower, Bell Tower, and Hui Muslim Street（回民街, Huímín Jiē） , plus close to the City Wall, Beilin Museum, and Shuyuanmen.
Design blends local Xi’an culture with modern style , offering an immersive “past-meets-present” stay. Great for business travelers, families, and culture lovers alike.
📍 No. 36 Zhuba City Rd💰 ~¥660/night🎭 Fun themed rooms include “Macaron” , “Budapest,” “Prison Cell” , “Princess Castle” , and minimalist shared-bed lofts—quirky, playful, and definitely memorable.
Boutique Homestay by the City Wall
Guse（古色, Gǔsè）
“Hidden in the city, hidden in nature”—that’s how guests describe Guse , a poetic boutique stay beside the southwest corner of the City Wall. Inside the vintage grey-brick building are 13 beautifully named rooms like Musu（宿木） , Lorin（洛林） , and Gudu（古渡）.
Rooms feature antique touches—bronze mirrors, vintage chests, murals inspired by Silk Road culture—and thoughtful comforts like incense and carved porcelain tea cups. A blend of Tang-style nostalgia + modern convenience.
Some rooms have floor-to-ceiling windows facing the City Wall , and yes—you can literally enjoy a bubble bath with the Wall view.
Don’t miss the rooftop bar at sunset—magical vibes guaranteed.
📍 No.216-1 South Wall Ring Rd, Beilin District🚇 ~30-min walk from Yongningmen Station（永宁门, Yǒngníngmén） , Metro Line 2💰 From ~¥360/night (Mùsè), ~¥405/night (Sùmù)
Xi’an also offers many reliable business hotels and budget hostels , so whether you’re seeking imperial luxury or wallet-friendly stays , there’s plenty to choose from.
Not sure where to stay yet?
Save this guide, shortlist your favorites, and get ready to sleep in ancient Tang-style elegance — Xi’an welcomes you with history, flavor, and warm hospitality. ✨