One of the most important decisions when planning a trip to Xi’an is choosing the right area to stay. The city is much larger than many travelers expect, and major attractions are spread across different districts. The Terracotta Warriors are located in Lintong, Datang Everbright City and the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda are in Qujiang, while the high-speed railway station is in the north of the city. Staying in the wrong location can easily add hours of transportation time during your trip. For first-time visitors, understanding Xi’an’s hotel areas is often more important than simply booking the most expensive hotel.
City Center Hotels in Xi’an
Moxy Xi’an Bell Tower
The Bell Tower is Xi’an’s geographic center and transportation hub, and this area is the top choice for most first-time foreign visitors. Moxy is Marriott’s youthful, energetic brand. The Xi’an Bell Tower Moxy is located in the Yisusu Cultural Block, a three-minute walk from the Bell Tower, five minutes from the Muslim Quarter, and right next to the Bell Tower subway station, with direct shuttle buses to the Terracotta Warriors right outside. The public areas feature neon graffiti, pool tables, and an open bar, creating a lively and energetic atmosphere. Guest rooms are on the smaller side but cleverly designed. The breakfast includes freshly made local Xi’an specialties like roujiamo (Chinese hamburger), youpo noodles, and zenggao (steamed rice cake). The gym is accessible 24/7 with keycard entry and has adequate equipment. Prices are affordable. Be aware that there may be some noise at night in the lower floors facing the street.
Hilton Xi’an
The Hilton Xi’an is located on Dongxin Street, about 2 kilometers from the Bell Tower, a 10-minute taxi ride. The hotel features a 25-meter indoor heated swimming pool, a spa center, and a fitness center, with complete facilities. The signature beds in the guest rooms ensure good sleep quality, and data from various international travel platforms indicate their bedding comfort scores are very high. The breakfast buffet is rich in variety, offering both Eastern and Western choices, including local Xi’an specialties. The service standard is stable, with a concierge service at the front desk to help with ticket purchases and transportation arrangements. Marriott Silver members and above can use the executive lounge. Suitable for business and leisure travelers with brand loyalty who value service details. The hotel is about 2 kilometers from the Bell Tower, Drum Tower, and Muslim Quarter, easily accessible by taxi or subway.
Meihao Hotel
Meihao Hotel focuses on providing a quiet living experience in the midst of the bustling city. Its location is close to the Bell and Drum Towers and the South Gate, making it convenient for an evening walk to the City Wall or the Muslim Quarter, yet the actual stay is not too noisy. The rooms feature a simple neo-Chinese style, with tasteful lighting and wood tones, creating a relaxing feel. Hotel facilities include a gym, tea room, and chess room; some room types are family-themed or have audio-visual setups, suitable for families with children. The breakfast is varied and served until 11:00 am, very friendly for late risers. It’s especially suitable for travelers needing a quiet rest after a full day at the Terracotta Warriors or the City Wall. The location is very popular but not disturbed by the crowds.
Qujiang New District Hotels in Xi’an
Renaissance Xi’an Hotel
Qujiang New District is home to the Tang Dynasty Ever Bright City, the Big Wild Goose Pagoda, and the Tang Paradise, concentrating some of Xi’an’s most upscale hotels. Among them, the Renaissance Xi’an Hotel is highly recommended. It is located in the heart of Qujiang New District, within walking distance of the Big Wild Goose Pagoda, the Tang Dynasty Ever Bright City, and the Shaanxi History Museum. The hotel opened in 2016, is well-maintained, and has spacious, bright rooms. For example, the double beds in twin rooms are nearly 1.4 meters wide. The front desk service has a good reputation, with frequent cases of free upgrades, and the duty manager is enthusiastic about introducing local cuisine and travel routes. Amenities are comprehensive, and the pool temperature is pleasant. The breakfast includes local favorites like roujiamo and youpo noodles, generally well-regarded. It’s just a few minutes’ walk to the Convention Center Station on Subway Line 2, and about a 30-40 minute drive to Xi’an North Railway Station (high-speed rail).
Sofitel Legend People’s Grand Xi’an
The Sofitel Legend is one of Xi’an’s most luxurious hotels, located in Xincheng District, about 1.5 kilometers from the Bell Tower. The hotel building was formerly a government guesthouse from the 1950s, renovated to blend French classical style with Chinese elements. The hotel covers a vast area with its own gardens and courtyards. Guest rooms are spacious and elegantly decorated. The hotel features a swimming pool, a spa center, and a gym. The breakfast is of very high quality. The surrounding area is quiet, yet the Bell Tower and Muslim Quarter are within walking distance.
Meliá Xi’an
The Meliá Xi’an is located in the heart of the Tang Dynasty Ever Bright City in Qujiang New District, within walking distance of the Big Wild Goose Pagoda. The hotel is a Spanish luxury brand, with design integrating Xi’an’s historical elements and Spanish passionate style. The guest rooms are elegantly decorated. The hotel’s Red Box restaurant serves authentic Spanish paella and local Xi’an cuisine. The hotel features an indoor swimming pool, a spa center, and a gym. The night view of the Tang Dynasty Ever Bright City outside is stunning.
The luxurious Meliá Xi’an
Lintong District Hotels in Xi’an’s
Angsana Xi’an Lintong
Lintong District is famous for the Terracotta Warriors, Huaqing Hot Springs, and its hot springs themselves, about 40 kilometers from the city center. Among them, Angsana is the most representative hot spring resort in Lintong, adjacent to Huaqing Hot Springs and about a 10-minute drive from the Terracotta Warriors. The hotel covers a vast area and features a large outdoor hot spring area, with water sourced from the same spring as Huaqing Hot Springs. The spacious rooms blend Tang Dynasty style with modern comfort. The hotel has several restaurants offering Chinese, Japanese, and Western cuisine. It also features an indoor swimming pool, a gym, and a kids’ club.
Meihao Hotel
The Meihao Hotel is located in Lintong, about a 14-minute walk from Huaqing Hot Springs and about an 8.7 km drive from the Terracotta Warriors. The hotel offers free parking, free WiFi, room service, and a 24-hour front desk. Some rooms come with a seating area. Breakfast is a buffet. There is a bus stop right outside the hotel with buses directly to the Terracotta Warriors, and it’s only about 10 RMB by taxi to Huaqing Hot Springs. The rooms are clean and the service is good. If you want to save money on accommodation to spend more on entrance tickets, this is a great value choice. Suitable for self-driving tourists and budget-conscious independent travelers.
Northern Economic Zone Hotels in Xi’an
Fairfield by Marriott Xi’an North Area
The Northern Economic and Technological Development Zone is close to Xi’an North Railway Station (high-speed rail) and the airport expressway. Hotels here tend to be cheaper, newer, and have larger rooms than in the city center. The Fairfield by Marriott is located on Fengcheng 2nd Road in the Economic Development Zone, about a 15-minute drive from Xi’an North Station and about 25 minutes from the airport. As a Marriott select brand, Fairfield focuses on a modern, simple, and efficient style. The guest rooms are youthfully designed and come with free WiFi and large-screen TVs. The hotel features 3 restaurants serving international buffets and Chinese cuisine. It also offers nearly 13,000 square feet of meeting space, including a large pillarless ballroom. For self-driving guests, the hotel offers paid parking (about 72 RMB for overnight). The hotel is within walking distance of a subway station, and it’s about 30 minutes to the Bell Tower.
Sheraton Xi’an Chanba
The Sheraton Xi’an Chanba is located in the Chanba Ecological District, adjacent to the International Convention and Exhibition Center and the Olympic Sports Center. As one of the first Sheraton hotels in the Asia-Pacific region to undergo the brand’s new design transformation, the lobby features flexible spaces like shared long tables, studios, and phone booths. Guest rooms have floor-to-ceiling glass windows overlooking the Chanba Ecological District skyline. The hotel features 3 restaurants and 1 bar, a fitness center, and a high-altitude art swimming pool. The hotel is very close to the Sasseur Boutique Outlet, convenient for shopping. It’s about a 30-minute drive to the Terracotta Warriors.
UrCove by Hyatt Xi’an Economic Development Zone
UrCove is a mid-to-upscale brand by Hyatt in partnership with Home Inns. It is located in the heart of the Economic Development Zone. Rooms are equipped with smart control systems, capsule coffee makers, and electric curtains. The hotel lobby offers 24-hour free coffee and snacks. The gym is open 24 hours. The hotel breakfast combines Chinese and Western options. Prices are generally lower than international five-star brands in the same area.
Sheraton Xi’an Chanba
Practical Tips for Choosing Hotels in Xi’an
Choosing by Area
For first-time visitors, staying near the Bell Tower is most convenient. Subway Line 2 goes directly to the North Railway Station (high-speed rail), there are public buses directly to the Terracotta Warriors, and the Muslim Quarter is within walking distance. For shows and night views, choose Qujiang New District, where the Tang Dynasty Ever Bright City is spectacular every night, and staying nearby allows you to enjoy it late. For catching high-speed trains or flights, choose the North City Economic Development Zone, about a 15-minute drive to the North Station and convenient for the airport expressway. For self-driving or focusing on the Terracotta Warriors, choose Lintong District, which offers good value and many hotels with hot springs.
Booking Time
Xi’an’s peak tourist seasons are April to June, September to October, and the National Day holiday. During peak seasons, popular hotels near the Bell Tower need to be booked 2-4 weeks in advance. Hot spring hotels in Lintong are also in high demand in winter. Prices are highest in spring, autumn, and summer, and lowest from November to February.
Transportation Connections
Staying near the Bell Tower, you can take the You 5 bus at the East Square of the Railway Station to the Terracotta Warriors, or just take a taxi. Staying in Qujiang, a taxi to the Terracotta Warriors takes about 40 minutes. Staying in Lintong, you are close to both the Terracotta Warriors and Huaqing Hot Springs. There are multiple airport bus lines covering the Bell Tower, Qujiang, and Gaoxin Districts, with a ticket price of 25 RMB.
The Right Hotel Location Can Completely Change Your Xi’an Trip
Xi’an offers a surprisingly wide range of hotel experiences, from international luxury brands and boutique cultural hotels to affordable modern stays near transportation hubs. Some travelers prefer staying near the Bell Tower for easy access to local food and historic streets, while others choose Qujiang for its modern atmosphere, night views, and proximity to major attractions. Travelers focusing on the Terracotta Warriors often find Lintong a more relaxing and convenient option than commuting from downtown every day.
For international visitors exploring China for the first time, Xi’an is often one of the easiest cities to combine history, food, and modern travel convenience. With good planning, travelers can comfortably connect Xi’an with Beijing, Shanghai, Tibet, Chengdu, or Silk Road destinations by high-speed rail or domestic flights. China Dragon Travel also provides customized China travel planning services, helping overseas travelers arrange hotels, transportation, and multi-city itineraries more efficiently throughout their journey.
