Lonely Planet Review

The New Era is one of the few places in Kunming that's made an investment in its image. Okay, so you won't get a champagne bubble bath here, but the management at least understands that a hotel can be more than just a place to rest your head.

Original photos of Yúnnán scenery and various ethnic groups adorn the walls, contrasting with brightly coloured armchairs for a modern yet local atmosphere. The hotel delivers on basic international standards - safe, mini-bar and satellite TV - but room rates are below most other hotels in the city that target overseas clientele. The actual building is a bit odd: it's a 28-storey triangle tucked away inconspicuously behind a mall. This, however, is more than compensated for with its central location in a new pedestrian shopping street. Amenities include a top-floor regional restaurant, a fitness centre with indoor pool and the ever-helpful reception staff decked out in gold silk shirts. Online discounts can shave the room rate down considerably.