Even “budget” hotels will be raising their rates during the Olympics. With most of their four and five star brethren near capacity already, sleeping venues at the lower end of the hotel price spectrum are set for an influx of visitors.

As anyone who has traveled on a budget knows, finding accommodation that is both good and cheap can be tricky, even if your standards aren’t very high.

Here are a few hotels/guesthouses that earn high marks for quality and service despite their reasonable prices.

1. Youth Hostels are scattered throughout the city. Leo’s Hostel (Tie Shu Xie Jie) is known for its lively scene. The rooms are Spartan, to be sure, but the bar is lively, and any place that has a Playstation in the lobby can’t be all that bad. Beijing City Central Youth Hostel is the cleanest, most convenient (in terms of location and sevice), and most popular hostel in town. There is a 24-hour convenience store, internet access, and an English speaking staff.

2. Experience life in Beijing’s famous Hutong (networks of alleyways) at Beijing Houhai Courtyard (Sanbulao Hutong). Single rooms only cost 15 bucks (non-Olympic rates), with shared rooms going even more cheaply. The guesthouse offers tea in the courtyard, tours of the surrounding area, and bicycle rental.

3. Another hutong hotel is Beijing Join Inn (Qinmao Hutong, just off Zhaodengyu Ave). It is a rarity in Beijing for more than its clever name. Located in the hutong, but near a main road and a subway station, it offers proximity to both old and new Beijing. Where else can you find both a McDonald’s and a hutong noodle stall within walking distance?
Even though many budget travelers prefer to shoot from the hip and not book in advance, booking before the Olympics is a must. Beijing City Central Youth Hostel is the most coveted spot. It will undoubtedly be filled to capacity for the duration of the games. So booking early is a necessity.

Beijing was a thoroughly modern city even before it started preparing to host the 2008 Olympics. It has one of the highest concentrations of 5-star hotels in Asia, and the most in China, save Hong Kong. These hotels will be filled during the Games, but those lucky enough to get a room will not be disappointed by the luxury.

Here is a sample of Beijing’s best:

1. Hotel Kunlun (2 Xin Yuan Nan Lu) is located in Chao Yang District. Though not the center of Beijing, it is the economic heart of the city. Embassies, office complexes, nightlife, and malls (including the plush Yansha Lufthansa Shopping Center) are all within walking distance of the Kunlun. The hotel boasts a superior concierge, spa services, a four-star restaurant, and a massive swimming pool.
2. The Peninsula Beijing (Goldfish Lane, Wangfujing District) has a traditional Chinese exterior. The theme continues on the interior, but there is no mistaking the modern luxury offered by this five-star venue. The hotel has two hip restaurants, massage and beauty services, and its own upscale shopping street, The Peninsula Arcade.
3. Swissotel Beijing (Chao Yang District) is another embassy district gem. They have everything you’d expect from the brand, and some delightful extras. Swisscafe, the in-house restaurant, serves some of the best fusion cuisine in town. They have an exercise center and spa/massage services.
4. Raffles Beijing (Chang An Avenue, Wangfujing) is an historic and centrally located inn. It is within walking distance of Tiananmen Square and The Forbidden City. Despite its modern amenities, Raffles oozes old school charm. Intimate restaurants like Jaan and La Vie bring to mind a classy, bygone era. The classic experience can also be had in one of the 9 landmark suites.

Despite being out of most visitors’ price range, Beijing’s 5-star hotels are expected to be filled to capacity during the Olympics.

Beijing is a city of nearly 10 million. It is the capital of China. It has a lot going for it. Leading up to August’s Olympics, the city has received a major face-lift. New state-of-the-art venues and plush hotels are concentrated around the so-called “Olympic Green,” and also spread throughout the city. That’s all good. I’m sure the newly primped cityscape will make for some great images on TV. But what about the nuts and bolts of the Olympics? Visitors might be impressed by the National Aquatic Center’s design and the production value of the opening ceremonies. But all their Olympic experiences won’t matter if there is no place to lay their heads at night.

As of right now, the worry of room shortages is merely fodder for compulsive worriers, nothing more. An official for Beijing’s Tourist Bureau reported that there are plenty of rooms available for August. But would-be visitors need to start the booking process soon. Seventy-Five percent of Beijing’s luxury hotel rooms are already reserved. With demand for the remaining rooms expected to be high, prices will rise until capacity is reached. A $250 suite will soon cost $500 or more per night.

Things look slightly better at the three and four-star level. Only half the rooms are booked. Beijing’s Tourist Bureau is planning for a hotel shortage nonetheless. They are currently organizing a homestay program (which some visitors might find preferable to a hotel anyways). Hosts are selected based on their ability to speak English and provide a private room for guests.

Guesthouses and lower end hotels will probably be the last to fill up. Still, visitors shouldn’t expect to step off the plane and find a room during the games. Even guesthouse with dorm-style rooms will be filled by early August. It’s best to book ahead.

With the glut of five-star accommodations being constructed in Beijing specifically for the Olympics, it will be easy for visitors to select a winner. However, there are a few classic inns that stand out above the rest.

The Jianguo Hotel might look a bit aged from the outside, but the cozy low-rise has maintained a classy interior over the years. There is live music and afternoon tea in the lobby and well-appointed rooms.

Lusong Yuan Binguan is hidden in one of Beijing’s few remaining Hutongs (a narrow network of lanes and alleyways). The décor hearkens back to the Beijing of the past, but nothing is over the top. This place is classic without feeling like a theme hotel or a museum.

Traders Hotel Beijing is an understated inn that puts a premium on straightforward service. In fact, Traders scores high in every guidebook about Beijing. That probably has as much to do with the service as it does with the reasonable prices.

Convenience? Try the Days Inn next to The Forbidden City. The hotel is located near a load of sites. There will be no need to worry about organizing transit to the Forbidden City, the area’s many malls and markets, and Tiananmen Square. They are all within walking distance.

Xidan Commercial Center is one of Beijing’s many retail hot spots. The nearby Guangzhou Hotel has what many guest will be looking for. As the name suggests, Guangzhou has a Cantonese flair. It’s restaurant is actually one of the best places to get Cantonese cuisine in Beijing. The rooms are well-appointed and the service more than could be expected.

There are many other options in the Beijing area. With so much to see outside, accommodations might not be the center of a trip. Still, the above hotels are worth a look.