What's a good area in Beijing to look for hotels or hostels? Looking for a spot close to the major sights in the $15-$30 range for a double. Any recommendations for general area or specific hotels. Thanks.

When are your dates of stay?
Do you have to have windows? Do you mind underground (ie basement) rooms?
Staying around Wangfujing, or anywhere within the 2nd ring road with convenient walking access to a metro stop would be a plus.
Cheers!

If you're looking for a hostel, try Downtown Backpackers or Far East IYH.
If a hotel, I'm not sure if Tang Yue Hotel would be within your budget range during your stay; another one that I've booked travellers at successfully in the past would be Min Fu Hotel.
Cheers!

I agree with#1 - i stayed at leo for a couple of weeks and loved it, there was a really friendly atmosphere and the girl at the desk was really sweet and always asked me how my day had been when i came back - id recommend it :-D
x

On the same street as Leo Hostel there is also 2 good other option in your price range the 365 INN and Far East IYH. They are all located 15-20 min walk from Tiananmen Square. The Hepingmen and Quianmen subway ststion are also very close from there.
I stayed at Peking Downtown Backpackers in the Nanluogu (something about southern drums) Hutong near the Drum Tower.
The people operating the Backpackers were wonderful. "Apple" was very helpful and Viv and other English speaking staff were great. Location, near bus stops and if you walk and cycle alot, this place could be considred central to visit the Tien an men square/Forbidden City, Beihai Lakes, Drum adn Bell Tower, Lama Temple and many locations.
The hostel managers will help organise trips to the Great Wall, Summer Palace etc.
I wish I was there right now.
Good luck.