5-Star Hotels in Yunnan, China

I stayed for three days in early August during the peak season, around the Torch Festival, and the overall service experience was quite mediocre. First, let me start with the positives: the room was very clean. Throughout my stay, I didn't see a single hair on the carpet or the bed each day. Now for the negatives: 1. Breakfast was so crowded that there was no dining experience at all. On the first day, I was ”tricked” into going to the cafe for breakfast, under the pretext that the main restaurant was too full. I say ”tricked” because the server said the two places offered the same food, but I later discovered that the cafe's selection was only about one-tenth of what the main restaurant offered. This was totally unnecessary. Firstly, for most guests, the dining experience (fewer people) far outweighs a few extra dishes. Secondly, the servers could have easily informed guests in the cafe that they could get food from the main restaurant and then eat it in the cafe. This level of service is completely inconsistent with the hotel's positioning. Secondly, the hygiene at breakfast was concerning. I understand it's peak season and crowded, but it's unacceptable when cutlery in the table caddies isn't replenished promptly. Moreover, I even found used cutlery from previous guests in the cutlery holder! (See picture). After informing a server, they very calmly took it away and then placed new cutlery directly into the caddy that still had food residue in it! They didn't even clean the caddy! Overall, the quality of service from both the front desk and restaurant staff urgently needs improvement. When I had dinner at the Chinese restaurant, I was also constantly bothered by three flies, yet several servers stood by and watched without doing anything. (See picture). While the view is nice, I would advise against dining in the restaurant, and the breakfast experience was also extremely poor.

The hotel is located in Lijiang Old Town, making it an excellent choice for anyone who wants to explore the area on foot. One of our rooms was upgraded, and the staff were exceptionally kind and helpful throughout our stay in Lijiang. The hotel also offers many complimentary activities for guests to enjoy. The property features a beautiful garden with several alpacas and peacocks roaming around, allowing guests to interact and play with them. The rooftop view is another major highlight, as on a clear day you may be lucky enough to enjoy a stunning view of the snow-capped mountains.

This newly opened downtown hotel, built in 2025, is a gem! It's just a 3-minute walk to Kunming Old Street, Shuncheng, and Jinma Biji Archway. Plus, there are tons of amazing food options nearby, making it the perfect base for any food-loving adventurer. The entire room features smart controls, and the bedding is incredibly comfortable. While the hairdryer isn't a Dyson, the Laifen is still excellent. We even received complimentary welcome fruit upon arrival, and the minibar is entirely free. The concierge was proactive in helping with our luggage, and the views from our 28th-floor room, overlooking the city lights at night, were stunning. The 24-hour gym is a huge plus, allowing me to work out whenever I wanted – a truly thoughtful amenity. Many star-rated hotels are still stuck with traditional satellite TV, so it was a delight to find that this one offers screen mirroring that works seamlessly. The smart entertainment system is a standout feature, and I give it a big thumbs up! (*≧∪≦)👍🏻 Now, let's talk about breakfast: The selection of Chinese and Western dishes is extensive, including many authentic Yunnan specialties. The rare pea flour, kumiss, five-color glutinous rice, and flower cakes were all outstanding and delicious. My only regret is not getting to try the Eggs Benedict – a slight disappointment. The restaurant service was exceptional. The staff were friendly and attentive, proactively guiding us to our table. They even offered coffee to go, cleared plates promptly, and provided warm and thorough service throughout. This truly enhanced my experience. Justin Liu deserves a special mention for his proactive enthusiasm and prompt responses. Five stars!

The location is good, right at the entrance of Gaozhuang, so you can walk there. However, the facilities and service don't live up to a five-star (or diamond) rating. The decor and amenities are quite simple, feeling more like an apartment. The concierge service was great; they actively helped with luggage and were very polite about storing it. But the front desk was just average – expressionless, and looked annoyed when I asked for a bag. Although it's on a high floor, I'd advise light sleepers to reconsider, as there was loud music outside early in the morning, not sure if it was a public square dance or what. Overall, the experience was just okay.

The room was very spacious and well-equipped. The decor and design were fantastic. The renovation of the historic building is quite unique, and the courtyard is breathtaking. The housekeeping service was excellent, and any requests were promptly addressed. The breakfast was also delicious, featuring some unique dishes. I'll definitely stay here again next time I'm in Yunnan.

Dali Hotel, Take Three: Living in an Underwater World! Bringing the kids to Dali and fulfilling their dream of an underwater room! 🌊 I’ve put together a super honest guide to our stay! I'll cover prices, floor choices, hidden costs, and food and drink, so first-timers can just copy this plan! 💰 Room Prices & Floor Pitfalls ▪️ Standard Rooms: 400-600 RMB/night No underwater view, great value for money if you just need a place to stay. ▪️ Underwater View Rooms: 1600-1900 RMB/night Prices vary by floor, and here’s the key thing to avoid! ❌ Definitely don’t choose the 1st floor! The floor is too low, the window is quite small, you can only see corals and small bottom-dwelling fish. Photos turn out very ordinary, and the experience is poor. ✅ Go for the 2nd floor first! Best value for money overall! The price is moderate, the viewing window is super large, and the view is expansive. You’ll get great photos effortlessly. Call the front desk in advance to reserve a room with a good view. We stayed in room 8220, and the view was quite good. ⭕ The 3rd floor is slightly more expensive. The view isn't significantly different from the 2nd floor. If you're looking for value, just go for the second floor. ⚠️ Charged Activities The mermaid and golden storm performances, which used to be free, are now all charged! 200 RMB per show. Other self-funded interactive activities: ▫️ Touching dolphins for a photo: 100 RMB ▫️ Feeding seals: 50 RMB ▫️ Feeding penguins: 100 RMB ✅ Perks Worth Praising Booking a room includes a complimentary diving experience 🤿. There are no hidden secondary charges, which is really thoughtful! 🍜 Food and Drink ▫️ The mini-bar in the room has a rich variety of snacks and drinks, all free of charge. ▫️ There are very few restaurants around the hotel. If you want a proper meal, you'll need to take a taxi for about 15 minutes. Alternatively, you can order takeout or dine at the hotel. ▫️ The hotel’s own breakfast is of good quality, and the à la carte dishes in the restaurant are also very reasonably priced. (It’s advisable to order takeout in advance, as delivery times can be quite long.) Many people think almost 2000 RMB for one night is expensive. But seeing the kids pressed against the window, watching the underwater world with eyes full of surprise and wonder ✨, makes all the expenses feel super worth it! A true fairy-tale experience exclusively for children! 👧🏻

The location is excellent, not far from the center of the old town, and taxis can drop you off right at the entrance. The food is fantastic, especially the breakfast which is incredibly rich. The complimentary afternoon tea is also thoughtfully prepared. On the third floor, there's a self-service area with fruits, drinks, and coffee, and in the evening, they offer 'goodnight' desserts. The service is very attentive; any questions in the chat group are answered promptly. The hotel provides a 'comfort pack,' sunscreen spray, shawls, and umbrellas. We happened to stay during a period of rain and a temperature drop, and these items came in very handy. The only minor drawback is the soundproofing, which is indeed poor. This is a common issue with old wooden houses. Our sleep quality is generally good, so it didn't really bother us. If we visit Dali Old Town again, An Yu will still be our first choice.

Traveling with my little one, staying at Lijiang Shitoucuo Snow Mountain Resort was the absolute highlight of our trip – I wholeheartedly recommend it to families with kids! The hotel boasts a serene environment with direct views of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. Parking is convenient, making self-driving a breeze. The gentle cats and dogs at the hotel were a huge hit with my child; every morning, they’d wake up and immediately run off to play with the pets, having the happiest time. When we checked out, my little one was so sad to leave, constantly talking about how much they’d miss the cats and dogs. The staff were incredibly kind and patient, especially accommodating towards children. The overall atmosphere was relaxing and healing, devoid of any commercial hustle and bustle. Everything from the courtyard environment and room cleanliness to the amenities and services was impeccable. We had such a comfortable stay. This stay was exceptionally satisfying. My child and I have already promised to return to Shitoucuo for another vacation when we have the chance!

This was an absolutely fantastic homestay experience. I've stayed in other places where the photos looked great, but the reality was a huge disappointment. So I didn't have high expectations this time, but wow, was I surprised! Could a homestay actually look as good as its pictures? Was the 'butler service' more than just a slogan? And could a room really be this beautiful without a wide-angle lens? This time, I truly experienced it all. If I had to nitpick, I'd suggest the host add a few more hooks in the room. Other than that, there's nothing else to say. If you're reading reviews and researching accommodations, go ahead and book this place with confidence – you won't be disappointed!

If you're visiting Lijiang's Shuhe Ancient Town, you absolutely cannot miss the amazing Guanxin Inn! The environment here is beautiful, with lush greenery in the courtyard and fresh air that instantly helps you relax. The bedding in the rooms is exceptionally comfortable – a good night's sleep here will leave you feeling completely refreshed! The service is incredibly thoughtful and attentive; no matter what you need, they'll help you out, making you feel as warm and welcome as if you were at home. Step outside the inn and you can immediately experience the ancient town's unique charm and leisurely pace of life, making it perfect for a relaxing vacation and capturing some great photos! I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a peaceful and immersive experience of Lijiang's culture!