Kunming

Adjacent to Green Lake Park, this is one of Kunming's most elegant lodgings, with comfortably furnished guest rooms that are a pleasant blend of traditional design and modern style. — Fodor's

A relaxing oasis amid white-brick apartment blocks, this newly renovated boutique guesthouse has nouveau Dàlǐ decor with wood furniture, antiques, pleasant lounge and roof terrace. — Lonely Planet

Still popular among budget travelers but only because of apathy. This two-star is old and run-down but thrives on its long-standing reputation. — Frommer's

Another big, upmarket hotel with an ageing, gaudy lobby, reasonable service, decent rooms and a restaurant specializing in dishes from Chaozhou in Guangdong province. ¥780. — Rough Guide

If you're in Kunming only to relax, and noisy streets and busy traffic hold little appeal, then the international chain hotel is an exceptional option. — Fodor's

Run by some friendly inveterate backpackers who know the needs of travellers, Cloudland hasn't let standards slip over the years. — Lonely Planet

— Lonely Planet

This place aims to impress with its sharp red and black decor, sizeable bar and inside and outdoor communal areas. — Lonely Planet

The city's most luxurious hotel, the Wyndham Grand Plaza Royale brings taste and style to everything from the grand lobby to the soothing spa to the selection of six globe-trotting restaurants. — Fodor's

Handily located budget chain hotel with compact but modern and clean rooms. — Lonely Planet

— Frommer's

A very well-located business hotel that's a much better choice than the Camellia for budget-minded travelers. Rooms are clean and simple... while staffers are friendly, but not linguists. — Frommer's

This hostel that caters mostly to local travellers, although some English is spoken. — Lonely Planet

— Lonely Planet

A fascinating place, this 1936 city-state of sprawling villas, ponds, gardens and trees covers 9 hectares in the heart of downtown (it was once the home of Yúnnán's governor). — Lonely Planet

Tucked into an alley off Beijing Lu, this low-key 'youth hotel' has big, bright rooms and pleasant staff (though without much English). — Lonely Planet

Conveniently located on Kunming's central pedestrian area, the New Era Hotel has well-furnished rooms with views on the west mountains and the crawling crowd below. — Fodor's

Live in luxury at this glam city retreat centrally located in the picturesque "city of eternal spring", breakfast included. — Jetsetter

Built around a tranquil garden space, large rooms here offer sitting areas overlooking the street below — Lonely Planet