6 Best Hotels in Suzhou, Beijing to Shanghai

The two-story stone entrance to this luxury hotel is topped by a pagoda that's modeled after the nearby Pan Gate; try to snag a courtyard-facing room (with garden views) or a newer Pacific Club room (pricier but with more perks). The Pagoda Lounge Bar overlooks the Ruiguang Pagoda. Kids enjoy the outdoor Roman-style pool.

This grand old mansion next to historic Pingjiang Jie balances period atmosphere and contemporary comfort; just ask to see a few rooms before check-in—antique furniture and modern bathrooms are a given, but a cramped, awkward layout and lack of natural light can be issues. The dimly lighted lobby is the oldest part of the complex, dating back 450 years. A series of 11 individually designed gardens are planted with bamboo, plum trees, and peach trees, making it a fun place to explore.

Eight decks of spacious rooms wrap around a nautical-theme lobby bar at this shipshape luxury hotel on Jinji Lake; splurge on one of the Captain's Suites if you want to enjoy a soak in a private hot tub while you gaze out at the water. In a private marine nearby are several speedboats belonging to the hotel that can be hired for trips around the lake. Lounge beside the infinity-edge outdoor pool, or work out in the state-of-the-art fitness center.

After a day exploring Suzhou's many gardens, return to one of your own—10 acres, to be precise, complete with flowering trees, tranquil ponds, and colorful pagodas, with rooms spread across six low-slung buildings. Feeling somewhat like a posh university campus, the Garden Hotel is two blocks from the Master of the Nets Garden and a short stroll from many restaurants and bars. Though it's showing its age somewhat, the hotel is still a pleasant and well-situated lodging.

This centrally located design hotel is by no means the quintessential Suzhou experience, but the comfortable beds, international cable channels, and a bistro-style restaurant could be just the ticket after a long day exploring classical gardens; rooms are spacious, but beware of the inexpensive, windowless "atrium" rooms.

Beside a canal and a short stroll to historic Pingjiang Lane, this comfortable and well-run hotel wraps around a peaceful courtyard and Suzhou-style garden. It's done up in traditional style with a sharply peaked roof that's illuminated at night. The hotel's proximity to most of the city's sights makes it a great choice. Rooms have different decor and amenities, so ask to see a few before settling in.