We were booked into the Sanhe hotel for our visit in September, but have now been told that our rooms are no longer available. I have a choice between the Grand Lijiang hotel, Jiannanchun hotel and the Zen Garden.Would appreciate any suggestions as to which we should chose ,or indeed any other, as we are really disappointed that the Sanhe is no longer available.
Thank you, Mary

Unfortunately, I haven't stayed in any of those hotels, but I did pass by the Grand Lijiang on several occasions. The Grand Lijiang is a relatively large hotel, and it's very well located -- right across the street from one of the main entrances and livelier squares in the Old Town. Unlike the smaller hotels that you might find within the Old Town, however, the Grand Lijiang did not look to me to be a boutique-style, intimate place -- more of a hotel that would attract people looker for a big hotel (maybe more amenities, but less personalized service).

I have stayed at the Grand Lijiang twice. Its not a boutique hotel at all, it is Thai run I believe and when I have stayed always well kept. Rooms overlook the old town waterwheel. I like the hotel for its good location & in China hotels come & go with how they are looked after being varaible - in the first year they can be great but are allowed to go downhill after that. I think this is now changing though & places are generally better kept. Its five years since I was there and they doing some works to the side of the hotel, not sure what, maybe someone else has more up to date information. Just looked at trip advisor http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserR...ng_Yunnan.html & there are mixed reviews.

I stayed in the Zen Garden in Nov. 2004 and loved it. It did come right after the most basic place of the whole trip up in the mountains, but I think I'd have loved it anyway. Not sure what you're looking for, though.

It's a small place, tucked up a side street just outside the main action, with stellar views. Some rooms have "period" furniture. It's built round a small courtyard with a pool (not a swimming pool!). The rooms aren't particularly big, but I found them comfortable, with lots of hot water in the shower. Did have TV, but no English-language stations, if you care about that. (I was there during the US elections, and had to go downtown to get Internet access to follow the results.)

We are planning a visit to Lijiang in November. As we are concerned about having a heated room with hot running water we have decided to look at Treasure Harbour. Has anyone seen or stayed at this hotel? Thank you,Marsha

Thank you all for the information. We want somewhere in or very near the old town and the Sanhe seemed perfect and well recommended on this message board. The Jian na Chun also gets good reviews elsewhere. i am caught between character and unusual and the certainty of the Thai owned Grand.
Mary