If you’ve spent any time traveling around China on a budget, chances are you’ve stumbled upon a Super 8 hotel. Bright yellow signage, the unmistakable red “8” logo—it’s like a beacon of hope for those who want a clean(ish) bed without blowing their entire WeChat Pay balance.
But what is Super 8 in China, really? A Western budget hotel chain gone rogue? A halfway house for weary businessmen and questionable tourists? Or just a surprisingly decent place to crash in a country where hotel prices can vary wildly?
The History of Super 8: From Middle America to Middle Kingdom
Super 8 was born in Aberdeen, South Dakota, in 1974, with the simple premise of providing cheap, reliable motels for American road-trippers. It quickly grew into one of the biggest budget hotel chains in the United States, and in 2004, it found its way to China under the umbrella of Wyndham Hotels & Resorts.
Since then, Super 8 China has exploded, with over 1,000 locations scattered across the country, making it one of the largest budget hotel brands operating in China today.
A Budget Hotel with Chinese Characteristics
Now, let’s be clear—Super 8 in China is not exactly the same as the ones you’ll find on Route 66. Sure, the branding is similar, and you’ll still get the basic amenities: a bed, a shower, and just enough WiFi to send off a few desperate VPN requests. But in China, Super 8 has fully embraced local tastes, which means you’re as likely to find a kettle and a pack of instant green tea in your room as you are a Bible in the bedside drawer.
Perhaps the most remarkable thing about Super 8 in China is that despite being a budget brand, it actually does a decent job. You get clean (enough) rooms, hot water, and sometimes even a semi-working air conditioner—all for a fraction of what you’d pay at a Marriott or Hilton. In expensive cities like Beijing, Shanghai, or Shenzhen, where hotels can cost a small fortune, Super 8 is often one of the few budget-friendly options that won’t leave you waking up with a rash (unless you bring the wrong person home).
Always in the Dodgy Areas
Of course, there’s a catch. Super 8 hotels in China have a tendency to be located in, shall we say, “colorful” neighborhoods. The kind of places where KTV bars, late-night massage parlors, and mahjong dens outnumber convenience stores. Not that we are knocking that, if its your thing. It’s a brand that thrives in the backstreets and side alleys, usually a few blocks away from the glitz and glamour of the main tourist attractions.
This isn’t necessarily a bad thing. If you’re the kind of traveler who enjoys a bit of late-night street food and people-watching, staying in a Super 8 can be an adventure. It’s also a great way to experience a side of China that the luxury hotels don’t show you. But if you’re looking for something in a prime location, you might want to budget for a Didi ride or two.
What Do the Chinese Think of Super 8?
The reputation of Super 8 in China is mixed. Some locals see it as a perfectly acceptable budget option, particularly for business travelers looking for a cheap, no-frills stay. Others, however, associate it with slightly shady dealings—hourly room rentals, dubious guests, and the occasional “power outage” that lasts just long enough for whatever transaction is happening in the room next door.
That said, Super 8 isn’t seen as a terrible place by any means. It’s nowhere near the bottom of the barrel (that honor goes to the real sketchy local inns), and it still maintains enough quality control to make it a viable choice for backpackers, budget-conscious expats, and domestic tourists looking for a cheap and easy stay.
Verdict: Super 8—A Necessary Evil or a Hidden Gem?
So, is Super 8 in China worth it? If you’re looking for a cheap, functional, and relatively clean place to sleep, then yes. Just don’t expect luxury, and be prepared to embrace the quirks that come with staying in a budget hotel in China.
In many ways, Super 8 is the great equalizer of Chinese travel. It’s where foreign backpackers, traveling businessmen, and random domestic tourists all cross paths, united by the common goal of saving a few yuan on accommodation. And while it might not always be glamorous, it’s often just what you need—a bed, a bathroom, and a front-row seat to the chaotic, wonderful world of urban China.