Booking a hotel room in China can be an adventure, especially when you’re keen on securing that coveted “room with a window”! 🌟 This guide is here to help you navigate the process smoothly, let’s dive right in!
1. Before Booking: Prep Work
🔍 The Window Paradox
Many Chinese hotels list “window” rooms, but some “windows” face indoor corridors or brick walls. Here’s how to avoid disappointment:
a) Decode Room Types
“有窗” (Yǒu chuāng): Has a window (might not face outside).
“明窗” (Míng chuāng): Window with natural light (usually outdoor-facing).
“无窗” (Wú chuāng): No window.
b) Translate Your Needs
Prepare these phrases (save as screenshots 📱):
“我需要一间真正对外的明窗房间，不要假窗或对内窗。”
(I need a real outdoor-facing window, no fake or indoor-facing windows.)
2. Booking Platforms: How to Specify Requirements
a) Trip.com (English Version)
Step 1: Filter by “Room With Window”.
Step 2: In “Special Requests”, paste:
“Please confirm this room has an OUTDOOR-FACING window. If unavailable, contact me before booking. [你的邮箱/WhatsApp]”
Pro Tip: Book refundable rates! Some hotels ignore requests but will fix issues if you complain upon arrival.
b) WeChat Mini-Programs
Most Chinese hotels use WeChat-powered booking. Even without a Chinese bank account:
Search hotel’s official WeChat account (e.g., “如家酒店”).
Use WeChat Translate (long-press Chinese text → “Translate”).
In chat, send:
“我要一间明窗房间，请问有没有对外窗户？可以拍一张窗户照片吗？”
(I want a bright-window room. Does it face outside? Can you send a window photo?)
3. Payment Hacks
💳 For Non-WeChat Pay Users:
Trip.com: Use international credit cards (3% fee).
Hotel Websites: If they have Alipay, use “Tour Pass” (preloaded e-wallet for foreigners).
Last Resort: Book via email and pay cash at check-in (works for 3-4 star hotels).
4. Post-Booking: Double-Check
a) Call the Hotel
Use Google Translate Conversation Mode:
Say in English: “Hello, I booked room [number]. Please confirm it has an outdoor window.”
Hold phone to staff – it’ll auto-translate to Chinese.
b) Request Photo Proof
Send via WeChat/email:
“请拍一张房间窗户的照片，谢谢！”
(Please send a photo of the room window, thank you!)
5. At Check-In: The Final Inspection
a) The 2-Minute Window Test
Close all curtains.
Use your phone’s flashlight 🔦 – real windows will show light gaps.
b) Emergency Phrases
Show these if the window is fake:
“这不是对外窗户，请帮我换房间或退款。”
(This isn’t an outdoor window. Please change my room or refund.)
6. Backup Plan: Walk-In Trick
If pre-booking fails:
Use AMaps (available in English) to find nearby hotels.
Walk in and say:
“我看一下明窗房间再决定。”
(Let me see the outdoor-window room first.)
Tools to Save Your Sanity 😌
Screen Translate Apps: Real-time translation of Chinese apps.
VPN: Access Google Lens to scan/translate printed Chinese.
Remember: 70% of hotel staff in major cities understand basic English. Stay polite but persistent – your window to China’s beauty is worth fighting for! 🪟✨
Got Questions? Ask below! 👇 Share your own China hotel hacks to help fellow travelers!