Dalian

This business hotel is in a fantastic location surrounded by restaurants and markets, yet only a five-minute walk from parks and quiet tree-lined streets. — Lonely Planet

This swish hotel is borne aloft thanks to a hip charisma lacking in other international chain hotels. — Lonely Planet

This reliable hostel on the western edge of Dalian is popular with long-stay locals for its spotless dorm rooms and welcoming reception. — Lonely Planet

The sleek industrial space resembles a modern museum, and the cleverly sectioned-off beds give privacy alongside clean, comfy mattresses. — Lonely Planet

There's nothing remotely biblical about the hostel: the architecture, a whitewashed edifice built against a hill and facing the sea, evokes Santorini. — Lonely Planet

History and location are the attractions here... The small number of rooms ensures a unique stay. — DK Eyewitness

This economic hotel, opened in 2008, is next to Gloria Plaza Hotel. It offers small and simple but clean standard rooms. Bathrooms have shower only. — Frommer's

After an upgrade, the Gloria Plaza is now a more pleasant place to stay. Guest rooms and bathrooms are now bigger in size, everything is clean, and the staff is friendly. — Frommer's

The off-season rates (up to 60% off) for this behemoth near Sanba Sq make it a solid choice, as does the location across from shops and restaurants, barbecue stalls and fruit stands. — Lonely Planet

Rooms have a suburban notion of cosy comfort (think striped wallpaper, dim lights) but the location is great, close to Labour Park and the start of the leafy section of Dàlián. — Lonely Planet

Satisfying travellers’ fairy-tale dreams, The Castle, a palatial Bavarian-style castle with 292 striking guestrooms and 67 exclusive residences has opened in China. — Condé Nast Traveler

Rooms are bland, and the sheet thread count is low, but the place is clean and, with the price usually discounted 50%, fine for a night's stay. — Lonely Planet

This 30-storey tower with a kitschy revolving restaurant faces the train station, but the large lobby area means you are spared the madness of the outside world. — Lonely Planet

A very upscale Japanese hotel whose gargantuan lobby is a luxury mall of sorts, the Furuma has every imaginable facility and palatial rooms. — Rough Guide

Luxe skyscraper in port city Dalian, with a top-notch dim sum restaurant, indoor pool and tennis courts. — Jetsetter

With its brightly coloured and tidy little rooms, free broadband and in-house restaurant serving cheap but tasty dishes, this is a good choice for the city centre. — Lonely Planet

The pan-China budget chain has opened a branch in the old Russian quarter. — Rough Guide

Four-star luxury in the heart of town next to the train station, overlooking Shengli Square. ¥730. — Rough Guide

— DK Eyewitness

Budget chain offering tidy, moderately priced rooms near the centre. — Rough Guide