21 Best Hotels in Sichuan and Chongqing, China

Opulent style and exceptional service are hallmarks of the Singapore-based Shangri-La chain, and the Chengdu property delivers both. From the moment you walk into the expansive marble lobby there is always a cheerful employee nearby to offer assistance. There's a robust selection of restaurants as well servicing both Chinese and Western tastes. The spa is worth the splurge.

Successfully blending French hospitality and Chinese architectural flourishes, the upscale Le Méridien Chongqing is truly a gem. Guest rooms have floor-to-ceiling windows and extras like iPod docking stations, flat-screen TVs, and European-style coffee presses. Robes hang in the spa-like bathrooms, which are equipped with rain-forest showers. The heated indoor pool, steam room, and fitness facility are the perfect places to revive yourself after an exhausting night on the town.

This monastery at the foot of the mountain is one of the many accommodations available to those journeying to the Golden Summit. Few people stay here because it sits near the start of the path up the mountain, but if you are arriving late, this quiet, if slightly damp, hotel is a good option. The monks have even added some higher-end rooms with air-conditioning and TVs.

Drawing inspiration from the nearby Wenshu Zen Buddhist monastery, this boutique hotel has carefully designed antique wooden decorations, a peaceful courtyard, wonderful staff, and good food. Located on the Wenshu Fang walking street, it is very popular and often fully booked in advance: reserve early and try to get a room facing the inner courtyard rather than the street for the most Zen-like experience. The Chinese restaurant is attractive and serves good food; staff members do an excellent job of giving recommendations and directions to places around the city.

In the southern part of Chengdu near leafy Shen Xi'an Shu Park, this boutique hotel has temple-style architecture and antique wooden furniture that give it plenty of character. With vaulted ceilings, the guest rooms are enlivened by bright red pillows, porcelain lamps, and individual tea sets.

This ritzy hotel has all of the amenities of a service apartment complete with plush sofas and wide balconies. Sophisticated and well-equipped rooms include panoramic views, LCD TVS, and the softest beds in town. The complimentary breakfast service is buffet-style with both Western and Chinese fare.

In a leafy, quiet neighborhood near Lianglukou Stadium, the Hilton Chongqing has plush rooms with the firmest beds in town and fabulous bathrooms. Rooms on the western side are quieter and offer leafy sunset views. The rooftop pool is the perfect place to unwind after a day of exploring the city. The location is a three-minute walk to Liang Lu Kou subway station.

With one of the city's top breakfast buffets and a trio of top-notch restaurants, the InterContinental is a favorite with locals and visitors. The hotel pampers you with a luxurious spa, swimming pool, and fitness center. Its rooms are on a par with the city's other five-star hotels in terms of comfort, but it lacks good river views. The convenient location in the center of Yuzhong's central business district means good access to nearby food and drink options, as well as several cultural sites.

The region's most luxurious lodging, the Intercontinental Resort Jiuzhai Paradise is tucked away in a valley 20 km (12 miles) from the Jiuzhaigou Nature Reserve. The sprawling complex is truly unforgettable—it was designed around a Qiang-style village that sits under a glass dome. It lets in sunlight during the day and allows glimpses of the moon at night. The rooms are extravagantly decorated and have eye-popping views. There are five eateries serving global cuisine, and a soothing spa with a pair of tranquil pools. Tibetan dancers perform nightly. A daily shuttle bus takes you to the main gate of the national park.

For years this was the city's best hotel—foreign dignitaries and bigwigs from Beijing could always be found milling around the lobby. The rooms are a bit dated but do have flat-screen TVs, stereo systems, step-out balconies, and spacious bathrooms.

Just off the city's main drag, this gleaming glass tower puts you within walking distance of virtually anywhere near Liberation Monument. Done up in shades of oatmeal and cream, the luxe guest rooms have wide windows overlooking the skyline. The shopping arcade on the ground floor is a nice place to spend an hour or two, and if you're in the mood for steak and excellent views, visit the restaurant on the top floor.

Located south of the city center in the Tongzilin residential district, this hotel faces a slender park that's a great place to watch elderly couples practice tai chi while their grandchildren fly homemade kites. Standard rooms are a bit small, but include TVs with plenty of international satellite channels, fluffy bathrobes, separate marble bathtubs, and high-pressure showers. The Millennium is modern and comfortable, and amenities include an indoor pool (bathing caps strictly enforced), dry sauna, steam room, and a well-equipped fitness facility.

This elegant hotel seems out to prove a point: a locally owned lodging can match and even outdo the international chains. The decor throughout the common areas manage to be luxurious but restrained, with marble and wood and embellished with touches of glass and copper. The comfortable guest rooms have large beds and overlook the Fu River or gaze toward downtown. They feature nice touches like espresso machines, flat-screen TVs, and soaking tubs.

Also known as the Guyun Inn, this guesthouse has a café with good coffee and online access. Colorful and cozy rooms make for a comfortable night's sleep. The owner is an incredibly helpful woman, and her son speaks very good English.

For the price, this is an excellent option in downtown Chongqing. With great views over the Yangzte River, the well-equipped rooms have Wi-Fi connections, flat-screen TVs, and rain showers. Work out in the fitness center, or unwind in the yoga room. It's near the subway, so getting around is a snap.

Located in close proximity to the airport, this hotel is a solid option for business travelers. Very decent management combined with a convenient location makes it a very good choice. The rooms are spacious and modern. It comes with a heated pool and has an in-house spa with massage services.

Conveniently located right next to Tianfu Square, the Ritz is one of the poshest hotels in the city and has great dining options, spacious rooms, and a luxurious spa. A full buffet for dinner and Sunday brunch is a must.

The region's first luxury hotel, the Sheraton Jiuzhaigou Resort sits about 1,000 feet from the mouth of the Jiuzhai Valley. With dozens of peaked roofs, the resort vaguely resembles an ancient castle. Surrounded by the mountains, the hotel has incredible views from its nicely decorated guest rooms. Expect extras like cloud-soft beds and huge flat-screen TVs.

This sleek hotel's prime location makes it easy to see the best of the city. It's short walk from the famous JieFangBei pedestrian strip. Request a room with a view of the Yangtze River and Jialing River. If you need more space, there are also some serviced apartments available.

The Teddy Bear is one of the few hotels in town with an English-speaking staff. The owners are friendly and will help you in any way they can, doing everything from loaning you a walking stick to arranging a guide. The guest rooms are not the best bargain in the area, but they are clean, comfortable, and carry the pleasant scent of the wood paneling that lines the hotel's interior.

Located near the train station, this inexpensive Tibet-themed hotel is a good option for those planning trips to Tibet. The tourist office in the hotel lobby specializes in travel to that remote country. The Tibetan restaurant, however, suffers from a surprising lack of Tibetan food. The guest rooms are clean and comfortable, and decorated with fabric printed with traditional Tibetan designs.