Answer Brief
The Answer, Briefly
The right hotel for a China itinerary is the one that supports the travelers and the next day. Star category matters, but it does not tell you whether the location creates a long daily transfer, whether the requested room arrangement is confirmed or whether breakfast works with an early departure.
Choose hotels in this order: neighborhood and route fit, room configuration, service needs, breakfast and cancellation terms, then design and amenities. This produces a more useful comparison than choosing the most impressive lobby.
1. Choose The Neighborhood For The Days Around It
Look at the hotel in relation to the actual itinerary. In Beijing, a central address may simplify access to several heritage areas but cannot eliminate traffic or the distance to the Great Wall. In Shanghai, a location near the Bund, former French Concession or a major metro line creates different evenings and transfer patterns.