Standards have dropped considerably since the Holiday Inn - its erstwhile owner - pulled out in 1997, but it's still a group-tour (and cadre) favourite. A discount of 30% is standard.

Once the place to stay in Lhasa, the Banak Shöl is looking a bit tired these days, though it still retains its Tibetan character. A great open-air restaurant and the best-value ensuite rooms in town go a long way to ease the pain.

New backpacker digs here in the winding traditional backstreets of the old town. The combination of modern facilities, clean rooms and a great location away from the main roads make this the best of a new generation of budget options in Lhasa.

The brainchild of a Chinese supermarket baron, Tibet's first five-star hotel occupies a well-lit space somewhere between boutique hotel and ethnographic museum. Cosy it's not, but it's hard not to be impressed.

If you are looking for a dash of style and a bang-on central location, this comfortable three-star place is an excellent choice. It's understandably popular with small tour groups. The buzzing crowds in the alley below are rivalled only by those of the Potala seen from the...

Drifting off to sleep to the haunting sounds of evening prayers probably isn't what you'd associate with Lhasa, but this friendly Nepalese-operated place is one of the best-run upper-budget places and offers a great refuge in the middle of the interesting Muslim quarter.

Hidden in the heart of the old town, in a historic Tibetan stone courtyard house, this is Lhasa's first real boutique hotel. Stylish, intimate and quintessentially Tibetan, this is the perfect antidote to Lhasa's faceless Chinese hotels.

Pretty much always near capacity is this buzzing hotel, also with a harried but up-to-snuff staff. The doubles offer the best value; those with bathroom are a bit aged but sport fresh paint replete with lovely Tibet motifs. It has reliable hot showers and a free laundry...

From senators to Everest sumiteers, this hotel tops the list for many repeat travellers to Lhasa. The crackerjack staff keep things running smoothly, the rooms are spotless, and the garden restaurant is a real refuge. This is definitely one for those in the know.

If you're more interested in what's going on outside your window than inside the room, then try the Mandala, with an unbeatable location just off the Barkhor.

One of several hotels in town owned by the Oh Dan group, this is a solid lower-midrange, Tibetan-run place, with a great location in the heart of Lhasa's most interesting market street.

This Chinese-run youth hostel is more 'Cell Block H' than Shangri-La but it does offer cheap dorm rooms and boasts a good range of useful backpacker services.

A favourite with backpackers and carpet sellers back in the 1980s, this old-timer has a near-perfect location beside Barkhor Square, and comfortable deluxe rooms.

Rave reviews - with good reason - come in for this place in a quiet location on the southern edge of the Old Town. The Tibetan staff are helpful, the decor blends in perfectly with the surrounding Tibetan-style architecture and the garden courtyard may well be Lhasa's best...

The granddaddy of Lhasa's budget hotels may have gone seriously upscale in recent years but it remains one of Lhasa's most popular hotels, both among backpackers and group tourists. The popular dorm rooms are still hanging in there and there are plenty of midrange rooms, most...