Covered in tropical climbers and sporting a pleasant light-filled cafe, the (reasonably) classy Camellia is a grand bargain. In addition to the quiet twins and doubles, there is also an HI youth hostel in a separate building. Full Lonely Planet Review ›

This popular Western cafe also has a small hostel with excellent-value rooms. There are only a handful of beds; the singles in particular are a steal. It's located just behind the City Café itself. Full Lonely Planet Review ›

This old dinosaur takes you back to the days when the fuwuyuan (floor attendant) would come barging into your room at six in the morning to mop the floors and change your kai shui(boiled water), regardless of whether you were sound asleep or doing t'ai chi in the buff. Full Lonely Planet Review ›

Conference and interpretation facilities make this 1950s edifice a good bet for business travellers. And with a bar, disco, karaoke hall, tennis court and even a bowling alley on-site you may never want to leave. Full Lonely Planet Review ›

Though the Mingdu has little hanging on the walls, it's nevertheless an appealing choice for those who want something a step above the usual budget accommodation. Note that minimal English is spoken here. Full Lonely Planet Review ›

Apart from the cheap rooms, the main reason to stay here is for the great student vibe. There are numerous small shops and restaurants in the surrounding lanes, in addition to plenty of friendly faces. Hotel floor staff communicate with the front desk via walkie-talkie - very ret… Full Lonely Planet Review ›

This landmark budget option - long the only place backpackers would head for - is of the good news/bad news variety. The downside? Some grubby rooms on offer (though the toilets and showers are decent) and a staff trying (but not always successfully) not to be weary of pesky budg… Full Lonely Planet Review ›

On-the-spot, attentive service and nicely appointed rooms are here. However, no room could really cut the mustard after would-be guests have wandered wide-eyed past a staggered fish-filled fountain on the way to the sparkling lobby. Full Lonely Planet Review ›

Certainly seems like a logical budget option: dorms are enormous and come with individual lockers; there's a basketball court-sized common room and pool and Ping-Pong tables on the terrace; umpteen bars and discos are at your doorstep. What more do you need? Well, quiet for one. … Full Lonely Planet Review ›

Yet another rarity in China - a hotel that for more than a decade has garnered (quite justifiably) kudos from travellers for its superlative service and upkeep. It's a city-state-sized complex with everything you need and you won't do much better in town. Its most praised restaur… Full Lonely Planet Review ›

Tucked along a lane beside the Zhengxie Hotel, right by Green Lake Park, this hostel is basic but clean and quiet. Dorms are kind of institutional but staff are friendly. It was slated for a makeover, so it may be a more relaxing environment by the time you read this. Full Lonely Planet Review ›

A rarity in China - a hotel that seems to have given a modicum of thought to design scheme. Rooms here are done up in a refreshing red-gold colour combo. Bathrooms are spacious and tidy save for the tubs. With decent amenities and service, if you get a usual discount, it's pretty… Full Lonely Planet Review ›

This radically revamped monster is opposite the Kunming Hotel; it's a needed step up from its previous incarnation as a fading Holiday Inn. It has some excellent restaurants (Thai and southwestern American/Mexican, along with a popular breakfast/lunch buffet), a Western-style pub… Full Lonely Planet Review ›

The university area - laden with foreign-student-centric restaurants, coffee shops, bookshops and the like - makes for a nice home base, and the standard doubles here are a good choice. Staff practically fall all over themselves to help. It's next to the university's west gate. Full Lonely Planet Review ›