Boutique 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.

My stay here was excellent. The front desk staff were very friendly and attentive, and check-in was super efficient. They proactively informed me about the hot spring's opening hours and breakfast times, and even offered helpful tips for exploring the area. The hotel is about 4km from Dianchi Lake, and within a 2km radius, there are plenty of dining and shopping options. The hotel's breakfast spread was incredibly rich, featuring a great mix of Chinese and Western dishes. There were pastries, fruits, desserts, and various beverages. The ingredients were fresh and delicious, and the freshly prepared noodle station served authentic, tasty noodles. The hot spring area was clean and elegant, with a comfortable water temperature. My room was tidy and quiet, with all the necessary amenities. I would definitely choose this hotel again for my next vacation.

1. **Check-in Area:** The check-in counter, or front desk, was quite shabby. The computer keyboard was practically caked in grime, and don't even get me started on the sofa next to it – it looked very unhygienic. 2. **Dining:** The breakfast area was a bit cramped, with just four small tables by the street. If you're a party of more than two, you'd have to sit separately, or you might even have to stand and wait for a table. The coffee, however, was good. I only had breakfast once: a cold quinoa salad (see Photo 6) served with bread that had an overpowering artificial creamer flavor. I had been looking forward to the rice noodles for the next day, but serving didn't start until 8:30 AM, which was far too late for my rumbling stomach. Early risers and those who prefer hot meals should seriously consider other options or make alternative arrangements. 3. **Room (2nd floor) - Noise Issues:** Don't even think about getting any sleep at night. After 11 PM, there was still noise along the street, along with the clanging of the garbage truck. (Seriously, I'd strongly advise against staying in the Old Town.) The next day, it started pouring before dawn, and the sound of the heavy rain kept me awake as well. 4. **Room - Facility Issues:** The room I stayed in was supposedly the quietest in the entire hotel. It featured a large bathtub and a bathroom where the toilet and shower area lacked wet/dry separation. Unable to deal with the wet floor, I decided to shower in the bathtub. That's when I discovered Problem #1: the glass partition was completely transparent, with no curtain or frosted glass. The staff member claimed this was 'design.' Then came Fatal Problem #2: the bathtub had no running water, haha! 😄 5. **Room - Odor Issues:** Upon entering, there was a strong musty smell. The staff claimed it was due to 'raw wood,' but it's been 8 years and it still smells like that? Quite amusing. 6. **Staff (Pre-Check-in):** Before I even checked in, they asked me to cancel my booking on the platform and pay them privately for a discounted rate. I have this in writing. This is definitely a huge red flag, and I'm surprised they even dared to suggest it. 7. **Staff (General):** The individuals themselves were nice enough, but I was surprised to find that all the 'Jixiashan' staff were quite young, without uniforms, and seemingly without direct supervision, which gave a very disorganized and casual impression. 8. **Housekeeping:** I was quite satisfied with the housekeeping. Seeing the clean duvet and towels gave me peace of mind (P.S. the pillows were also comfortable). The hotel's facilities are very old; no matter how clean the bathroom tiles were, they still looked run-down, compounded by the dim lighting. Therefore, I feel the housekeeping staff here really have a tough job. 9. **Building Structure:** One morning, during a heavy downpour, when I opened my 2nd-floor room door, the entrance was essentially flooded up to my heels. It was quite a feat that the water didn't spread into the room. At night, there were no lights, so I had to grope my way back to the room along the dark corridor. It would be quite difficult for someone who doesn't remember their way (see Photos 1-2). 10. **Hotel Amenities:** One night, I heard the guest next door return, unable to open their door with the key, and had to call a staff member for help. They chatted for a bit outside the door before the staff member finally told the guest a 'trick': 'The key needs to be inserted a certain way, and the lock has a particular mechanism...' That's quite a struggle – needing a special technique just to get back to your room! 11. **Minor Details:** The room key had a very large, bulky leather tag attached to it. Absolutely no consideration for travelers on long journeys with limited luggage space. Who would want to carry such a bulky thing around? I originally had high hopes for the 'Jixiashan' brand. When I was in Shangri-La, I heard their Meili store had a collaboration with Kolon, which made me think they had good taste. This Dali Ancient City location is their first store, but it turned out to be such a low standard. Given the daily rate, I guess I understand why. This particular store cannot be found on 'Jixiashan's' mini-program; it's categorized under 'Wang Shenme Chuan Qu Le'.

The room is a private courtyard with an outdoor hot tub, and the hot water is ready in about forty minutes – fantastic! 👍 There's a tree with some fruit in the corner of the courtyard, though I'm not sure what kind. The table and chairs with a parasol in the middle of the courtyard make for a very pleasant spot to enjoy tea or play cards. 👍👍👍 At night, the soft lighting makes the courtyard feel even more tranquil and elegant. 👍👍👍 The hotel has a great natural environment; I even saw a squirrel scurrying along the wall, which was amazing! 😂😂😂 The hotel service is excellent, with golf cart transfers and even food delivery right to your room. The gym was almost always empty, so I had it all to myself twice! 😂😂😂 You can even see the snow-capped mountains behind the hotel.

I stayed for two nights at the Hotel Indigo Lijiang Old Town, and it was by far the best accommodation experience during my entire Yunnan road trip. I truly can't recommend it enough! The hotel boasts a superb location at the south gate of the Old Town, just a few minutes' walk to Sifang Street. While nestled right next to the bustling Old Town, the hotel's courtyard remains exceptionally quiet and serene, perfectly balancing the lively atmosphere with a peaceful retreat. The overall design seamlessly integrates the culture of the Tea-Horse Road caravans, with thoughtful touches everywhere – from the saddle-shaped front desk and horseshoe-shaped hardware to the Naxi-inspired soft furnishings – truly creating an immersive ambiance. I must particularly commend the entire staff for their attentive and proactive service throughout my stay: the bellhop readily helped with my heavy luggage, the front desk patiently explained routes for exploring the Old Town and recommended local eateries. Any last-minute requests were handled with incredible speed. Housekeeping was meticulous and thorough, and the bedding was soft and comfortable, ensuring I got a good night's sleep after days of travel and sightseeing. The room's amenities were high-quality, facilities were complete, and privacy was excellent. The breakfast included a fantastic array of authentic Lijiang local snacks, all with genuine flavors. Staying here allows you to easily explore the Old Town while also escaping the hustle and bustle for some peaceful rest. Whether it's the design aesthetic, the location, or the warm service, everything was impeccable. Next time I visit Lijiang, this Indigo will still be my top choice!

Booked a three-room private courtyard for our family. The view from the rooms is absolutely stunning. This hotel truly lives up to its 'mini-Aman' reputation, boasting a charming antique style and top-tier room amenities. There are also plenty of free DIY activities for kids to enjoy. I highly, highly, highly recommend it to anyone who appreciates a beautiful environment. The staff's service is also exceptional. Just a heads-up, the hotel is located inside the ancient town, so cars can't pull directly up to the entrance. However, the hotel staff will come out to help with luggage, and it's only a 5-6 minute walk, which isn't a problem at all. The hotel is just a two or three-minute walk from the Mu Family Mansion, truly in the heart of the ancient town. Thumbs up!

Although it was my first time staying at the Liche Hotel, I felt right at home with a sense of familiarity, comfort, and luxurious amenities. It was definitely a worthwhile trip! I was upgraded to a two-bedroom suite, a spacious 240+ square meter apartment with an expansive balcony, two bathrooms, and smart toilets. The mini-fridge was stocked with drinks, yogurt (from Walmart!), daily fresh fruit, delicious rice noodles, and sweet soup – truly princess treatment! A special thank you to all the staff, including but not limited to the butler, cleaning ladies, and restaurant attendants. Your hard work made this stay extra warm and wonderful!

Perfect location in a walkable tree-lined neighborhood, where there are lots of upscale restaurants and bars and cafes. The hotel isn’t the newest and could use a touch-up in places but very interesting design, cool artwork in the lobby, huge rooms. A couple machines for laundry and gym on top floor. Service at the reception was super helpful. Breakfast is in a restaurant that is a German beer place during the day and night. Selection is modest but sausages and delicious broth and noodles, the bread could have been more fresh. Would stay here again.

We had a wonderful stay at Moonlight Courtyard Hotel during our trip to Kunming. The hotel boasts a truly unique ambiance with its beautiful and tranquil courtyard design. The moment we stepped in, we immediately felt a sense of relaxation. Our room was clean and comfortable, and the staff were incredibly friendly, attentive, and genuinely caring, making us feel right at home. The hotel also offers a fantastic array of complimentary services, including breakfast, afternoon tea, sweet soup before bedtime, free laundry service, Chinese tea tasting, and even a Hanfu experience. While the room rate isn't the cheapest, I believe it's absolutely worth it, as they provide far more than just a place to sleep – it's a complete and thoughtfully curated experience. During our stay, I wasn't feeling very well, so having such a quiet and comfortable environment to rest in was incredibly important to me. The staff's concern and care truly made me feel comforted and supported. The hotel's location is also very convenient, being close to Nanping Pedestrian Street, Jinma Biji Archway, and Kunming Old Street, making it easy to get around and find places to eat. Thank you to the entire hotel team for your care these past few days. I would gladly stay here again on my next visit to Kunming and would highly recommend it to friends who appreciate a charming courtyard style and a thoughtful accommodation experience.

One day in Haidong, as if living in a picture frame I stayed in Kunming for two days on the weekend to escape from work Originally, I planned to stay in Haixi for two nights. By coincidence, I had dinner with an old friend at this hotel. I was shocked by the sunset in the restaurant. The key is that such a beautiful restaurant tastes good, so I decisively checked out of the room in Haixi and decided to stay immediately I booked a family room. The room is very large and the bed is super comfortable. The room is in a single-family villa with a large and beautiful terrace garden for taking pictures and watching the sea. There is also a function area downstairs where you can cook and play mahjong. It is very suitable for families or sisters to travel together The afternoon tea served in the sea view restaurant is also very exquisite. Sitting in the restaurant, you can overlook the 19 peaks and 18 streams of Cangshan Mountain. The unpredictable clouds cover the top of the mountain like snow. After a while, they slowly roll over and coil between the mountains like jade belts. Columns of light pass through the sky like crystals. I sat and watched the clouds for an afternoon, and I felt that I couldn’t see enough.