Four- and five-star hotels in China are excellent and rival the quality and service of the best hotels in major metropolitan areas in the U.S. In fact, a lot of hotels in China are managed by Europeans and Americans or by Chinese nationals who were trained in Western hotel management. The cost for hotel accommodations is based on twin-bedded rooms with private bath and shower, while the cost for single occupancy room accommodations is usually based on one king- or queen-size bed with private bath and shower. All Regent hotel arrangements typically include amenities such as a business center, fitness center, swimming pool, massage service, disco, and restaurants and bars.

Generally, following hotel registration, hotel guests proceed to their rooms. If you are a member of a Regent group, your luggage will be delivered to your room by the hotel bellman.

When you are traveling with Regent--either with a Regent group or on your own (with arrangements having been provided by Regent)--the hotel cost will include all taxes, surcharges, and service fees related to the room cost. (For example, if you book a standard hotel room on your own at a rate of $100 per night and Regent offers the same hotel room for the same price, in most cases the Regent hotel price will be much lower in fact. The reason for this is that, if you book the hotel on your own, when you check out, you may discover an additional 20% hotel tax plus 5% local tax added to your bill. If you book the hotel room through Regent, there will be no additional tax charged when you check out.)

However, all incidental charges, including room service, mini bar, laundry, and restaurant and bar charges, must be settled directly with the hotel cashier upon check-out. Settlements can be made by cash or credit card.

Note also that most hotels booked through Regent offer Regent travelers a complimentary full-course buffet breakfast of both Western and Chinese breakfast foods.

E-mail

All four- and five-star hotels selected by Regent China Tours provide access to the Internet.

Amenities

All four- and five-star hotel rooms included in Regent China Tours will have common amenities, including soap, toothbrush and toothpaste, shampoo and conditioner, lotions, nail file, and comb--unless otherwise noted in your travel itinerary. Many hotels also have hair dryers in each room. If a hair dryer is not available in your room, you can obtain one from the housekeeping department--along with other items such as an iron and voltage converter.

You will receive a hotel card. Usually the folder containing your room key is also a hotel card indicating the hotel name, address, and phone number. Keep the card with you at all times so that, should you get lost, you will have all the information you need to return safely to your hotel.

Electricity

The Chinese electrical system operates on 220 volts. Appliances designed to operate at 110 volts, which is the North American standard, will need a converter. Most hotel rooms have two electric outlets in the bathroom -- one at 110 volts and the other at 220 volts. Do keep in mind that not all outlets marked at 110 volts are marked correctly. If you have any doubt, ask the housekeeping department for a converter.

Communication

Every hotel in China has a mail desk for postcards, letters, and stamps.

International direct dialing (IDD) is available from your room in the hotels that Regent has selected for its travelers. All charges for telephone calls made from your room must be settled with the hotel cashier upon check-out. You may have to place a deposit, perhaps via credit card, for this service to be activated at the time of check-in.

Security

All hotels offer safe deposit boxes either in your room or at the front desk at no charge.