Sofitel Beijing

This Sofitel brings the chain's French art-de-vivre style to Beijing's Chaoyang business district, in the Jianguomen/CBD area. Expect spacious, comfortable rooms with good city views, well-kept facilities and the kind of polished service the brand is known for.

The big practical plus is the location right by the metro, making it easy to reach Tian'anmen and the Forbidden City as well as a straightforward subway hop up to Sanlitun and the Workers' Stadium gay nightlife. It's a mainstream, gay-friendly five-star rather than a scene hotel — a solid, central, well-connected base.