Dear Peter,
It is a good idea to learn some Chiness while your stay in China.As you know Chinese has been regarded as the most difficult language in the world to learn,therefore you have to take some efforts to learn it.Since you live alone in a hotel,it is hard for you to learn from TV or internet.The best way is to join your friends in their parties and get togethers and learn to speak firstly,then to sing and to read newspaper.It is also helpful if you can learn a little bit Chinese culture and history,which will also be a help for you to communicate with Chinese.
I wish you a good luck with your stay in China.
with kind regard!
Lucy