One name on the reservation does not mean only one person needs to check in. A Chinese hotel records the people who will actually stay in the room. Bring every overnight guest to reception with the original passport or other accepted travel document.
What to prepare at the desk
- The original passport used for travel, not only a photograph.
- The booking confirmation and booking holder’s name.
- The correct number of adults and children.
- Entry or visa information if reception asks for it.
- A second booking name if two rooms were reserved separately.
我们都是住客，请帮我们一起登记。
Pronunciation: Women dou shi zhuke, qing bang women yiqi dengji.
We are all staying here. Please register all of us.
If one guest arrives later
Tell reception before taking the first room key. Ask whether the later guest should return to the same desk and what booking name to show. Send that guest the hotel’s Chinese name, full address and room-booking name; do not send only a map pin.
If the number of guests is wrong
A room that physically contains two beds may still have an occupancy limit or a rate based on one guest. Ask the hotel to amend the registration and explain any breakfast or extra-bed charge before accepting it. Do not quietly move an unregistered overnight guest into the room.
Children and family members
Carry the child’s passport and make sure the reservation reflects the family. A hotel may ask about age because occupancy, breakfast and extra-bed rules differ. If a child has a different surname, keep ordinary travel documents that explain the relationship when relevant to your journey.
What the hotel is doing
Official guidance says foreigners staying in hotels register by presenting valid passports or other accepted international travel documents at reception, and the hotel handles the accommodation registration. This is different from the separate procedure for staying in a private home.
FAQ
Is a passport photocopy enough?
Do not rely on one. Keep a digital copy for emergencies, but expect reception to request the original document.
Can one person take everybody’s passports to reception?
The hotel may still need to see each guest. The simplest approach is for everyone staying overnight to attend check-in.
What if reception registers the wrong passport number?
Ask them to correct it before leaving the desk. Names and numbers should match the document exactly.
Official information to check
For the complete arrival process, see the China hotel check-in guide.