Nanjing

Ask for an east-facing room at this welcoming hotel and you'll be treated to rousing views of Xuanwu Lake and the wall surrounding Nanjing's old city. — Fodor's

The 278-room property overlooks Xuanwu Lake. — Travel + Leisure

Serene high-rise in historic Nanjing with a sublime spa and panoramic lake and mountain views. — Jetsetter

Situated in Nanjing's former legation quarters, Yihe Mansions is a collection of magnificently restored former embassies and homes of military generals. — Lonely Planet

At the eight-acre minimalist-design retreat outside Nanjing, 90 minutes by the new high-speed train from Shanghai...Each [villa] has a private pool and a hot spring mineral bath. — Concierge

This hotel was meant to be a Marriott, but after negotiations fell through, it opened as a Chinese-owned four-star establishment instead. — Frommer's

Don't let the fact that this is a state-owned hotel turn you off. The 37-story Jinling has been a local institution since it opened in 1983 and has worked to keep its reputation. — Frommer's

Located in the southwestern corner of the Nanjing Normal University campus about a 15-minute taxi ride northwest of Xinjiekou, this hotel is a no-frills clean and comfortable budget choice. — Frommer's

This spanking new digs is both a hostel and a hotel, with a plethora of rooms to suit your budget. — Lonely Planet

All rooms at this central service apartment come with a kitchenette, fridge and washing machine/dryer, and they are immaculately clean and extremely comfortable. — Lonely Planet

You won't get any flowers on arrival and dorms are tight but the cosy singles and doubles have startling mosaic-tiled toilets and artwork doodled by former visitors on the yellow walls. — Lonely Planet

Overlooking the busy shopping centers in Nanjing's commercial center, the Grand Hotel is an affordable and reliable base for seeing the sights. — Fodor's

A city-centre location in the heart of Nanjing, with modern amenities and a superior location atop a 60-storey building that provides superb views of the ancient capital. — Insight Guides

Connected to an upscale shopping mall, the Golden Eagle Summit offers services and amenities a step above most other five-star domestically owned hotels. — Fodor's

Sprawling golf and spa retreat at the foot of Purple Mountain, a three-hour drive from Shanghai. — Jetsetter

There are several of these good-value budget hotels around town but this is in a prime location, being central and handy for the best bars. — Rough Guide

This big four-star fairly bristles with old-world imperial decor, while behind the red- and-yellow trim lies a range of amenities and room sizes. — Insight Guides

International luxury hotel, with state-of-the-art rooms, a fabulous spa (try the indoor mineral pool), and fawning service. — Fodor's

This place by the river has friendly staff. Rooms are old but fine, although aim for one overlooking the water as the others are windowless. Offers bike rental, DVD burning and laundry. — Lonely Planet