Hotel accommodations in major hotels on both sides of the Pacific are about the same. For China, this is quite a change from the situation in 1990 and reflects the rapid growth in business travel and the hospitality industry. Several major hotel chains now have operations in both countries with comparable facilities. A Mariott suite in Beijing is about the same as one in Chicago, with a comparable price.
Hotels catering to business travelers in both the US and China will usually have several meeting rooms, a business center with long distance calling, fax, and computer services. Wired internet access may be available either through the business center or in your room. Both American and Chinese hotels will usually offer mailing services, foreign currency exchange, help with arranging tickets and transportation, and valet service. Hotels with conference facilities are comparable. If you're booking an event, you may be able to find the facilities, but getting the dates you want may be another matter.
Normally, Chinese hotels will have a number of people on staff who speak English, including the concierge and several people at the front desk. Foreign language skills would have been part of the job requirements. US hotels may have someone who speaks Chinese on staff, depending on the hotel and it's location.
