The Sofitel is pretty nice, but I usually like to stay as close to the bell tower as possible because I like the night market. The hotels (that I know of) there tend to be of lesser quality, but are fine with me.

I've stayed in the Regent and the Sofitel. They both have sufficient English speaking capabilities that you will not have a problem. You will find this to be the case in most large Western hotels in large cities (and probably many others, although I cannot speak to that from experience).

Decided to make a reservation at the Ramada Bell Tower. Considering the Park Plaza Wangfujing in Beijing.

For my trip to Mutianyu, I am considering Downtown Backpackers as I prefer a tour over a pricey private driver.
Not sure where exactly the hostel is though.

Good choice. Hostel is on Nanluoguxiang, a restored hutong area east of the Houhai area in central Beijing. Closest subway stop is Line 6 Nanluoguxiang, then maybe 20 minute walk north. You can pull up a pretty accurate location on this site: http://ditu.google.com then type in the search box the 3 words "beijing" "downtown" "backpackers." The website you mentioned has a page you can book the tour online.

Line 6?? Google not showing any line numbered 6...

Try this map (you can also download their droid/iphone app).

http://www.explorebj.com/subway/

If I had to guess, the Nanluoguxiang station seems to be on Di'anmen E St. and S. Luogu Alley.

S. Luogu Alley. = Nanluoguxiang

You might want to even consider staying around there (mostly budget/hostel type accommodations, but some of them are pretty cool, and if you pay over y300, you'll be able to snag a decent room). Line 6 is nice because it made getting to and from the lakes area far more convenient. It has also provided much needed relief for Line 1.

Any ideas on when that part of Line 8 is supposed to be completed?

(Things in China move pretty fast - last summer at the south end of Nanluoguxiang there was just a big hole in the ground for what I assume is now the metro station. And, yes, at the intersection of Nanluoguxiang and Di'anmen Dong Dajie

We will be stopping in Xian on way from Beijing to Guilin , to see theterracotta warriors of course , sure there islets to see but wont be therefore than 2 days
I saw there are 2 sheratons and a Westin that I can stay using points. Which of these has best location for seeing historic areas, not interested in shopping malls, etc

If these 3 are really not well situated what hotel would you recommend, prices seem pretty inexpensive but want a nice hotel , Chinese hotel would be fine don't need western chain hotel
Thanks for help as this trip is much more difficult to plan than a european trip where I am familiar with cities and have some understanding of sights, languages etc don't want to take a tour from travel agency

The two Sheratons aren't near anything. I just stayed at the Westin which is located right beside Wild Goose Pagoda. I've seen this thing a dozen times but it was still magnificent to look at late at night, no crowds, not too many gaudy lights, and still the tallest building around. The best view is later at night looking from the north end of the square.

While still a little rough around the ages, I thought the staff were very, very service-oriented. Area naturally gets touristy during the day but I wasn't at all overbearing. Taxis were that difficult to grab. The mornings before 8:30 and at night after 9 can be particularly pleasant.

Just to report back: the Beijing Downtown Backpackers' trip to Mutianyu was excellent. You can read my review here: http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Rev...l-Beijing.html

Xi'an: Rongmin International Hotel

I stayed there recently. 5min to Bell tower, great location, excellent breakfast, and I get a really good rate. About 400 RMB per night (including breakfast), checkout time is 2pm only, which comes in perfect for a late-day flight.

Also only about 10 minutes from the "bar street" in Xi'an. Would definitely recommend to stay there. They do speak good English, the hotel is new, (lower) 5* quality, and there was really nothing wrong about it, especially for the rate I got.

I was planning to stay at the Ramada Bell Tower per the various recommendations on this board, but happened to notice that I can get a 2 bedroom apartment at the Citadines Central for a great rate. The latter would be much more comfortable for my family. Can anyone advise me on whether the location within Xi'an is reasonable?
thanks!

From a map it appears to be very close to the Bell Tower and Drum tower in the center of Xi'an, and not at all far from the Muslim quarter. That to me is a pretty good location