Lonely Planet Review

International resorts are popping up like mushrooms in Yalong Bay and the latest is the Crowne Plaza, which opened in March 2006. The stylish rooms and state-of-the-art facilities here are hard to top, but being set back from the beach is less than ideal for a beach holiday.

Indeed, the location is less than ideal, but it's not terminal. The beach is still only a five-minute walk away or, if that's too far, they'll ferry you down there in a golf cart. Though it's possible you won't want to leave. The six-floor, 463-room hotel boasts quite beautiful big rooms where the bathrooms alone are large enough to swing a lion. You could get lost in the lagoon pool or the resort grounds, and probably will once construction of the shopping centre and spa is completed. But for all its good looks, the location factor will always be important. For some, not being on the beach will ruin their trip; for others the discounted rates available for this very reason (midweek especially, when it's an absolute bargain) will make their trip.