China Guide
Yunnan
Accommodation
1 Camellia 96 Dongfeng Dong Lu (bus #2 or #23 from the main train station to Dongfeng Dong Lu, then any bus heading east for two stops) 
0871/3163000 
3147033 
www.kmcamelliahotel.com This three-winged affair remains a budget traveller staple, offering dorms and private rooms, though these days it's never better than adequate. Situated on the third floor of an adjoining building, the four-bed dorms represent better value than the rather cramped eight-bed alternative. The garden is a bonus, though watch out for rather predatory students of English. There's also a foreign-exchange counter, an expensive bar and restaurant, ticket-booking services, Internet access, luggage storage and bike rental. Price: hostel ¥30Price: hotel ¥80-139
2 Cuihu (Green Lake) Cuihu Nan Lu 0871/5158888 5153286 www.greenlakehotel.com A long-established and good-value upmarket hotel in pleasant surroundings by Cuihu Park, with a fancy lobby complete with palm trees, and an excellent restaurant. Airport transfers can be arranged; all major credit cards are accepted. Price: ¥800
3 Golden Dragon 575 Beijing Lu 0871/3133015 3131082 www.gdhotel.com.cn Four-star comforts aimed at the upmarket business traveller, but still rather a tired atmosphere. Price: ¥450-599
4 Greenland 80 Tuodong Lu 0871/3189999 3195888 www.greenlandhotel.com.cn Hefty discounts of up to fifty percent make this swanky place, on one of Kunming's more glamorous streets, worth investigating off season. Complimentary breakfast and late checkouts (3pm) are a nice touch. Price: ¥600-800
5 Hump Over The Himalayas Jinmabiji Fang, Jinbi Lu 0871/3640359 www.thehumphostel.com Three hundred police once raided this place to close it down. Now re-opened with a promise of good behaviour, it's basically a set of dingy dorms above a bar and disco complex, and is aimed squarely at the budget traveller for whom sleep is not a priority (though they'll give you earplugs if you ask). There's a bar, Internet access, a large common room and roof terrace. Price: ¥25
6 Kunming Dongfeng Dong Lu 0871/3162063 3163784 www.kmhotel.com.cn A big, upmarket hotel with reasonable service and a Korean restaurant, which also offers bikes for rent. It's not cheap, though; the less expensive rooms are in the older, south wing. Price: ¥450-599
7 Kunming Youth Hostel Cuihu Nan Lu 0871/5175395 On a quiet street just around the corner from Cuihu Park, in an annexe of the provincial library, this might feel more like a standard two-star hotel than a youth hostel, and you wouldn't stay here for the atmosphere, but the rooms are very good value for the price. Price: ¥80-139
8 New Era 99 Dongfeng Xi Lu 0871/3624999 3636556 www.erahotel.com This smart, modern behemoth is slap bang in the city centre. It's smart, but not memorable. Price: ¥450-599
9 Sakura Dongfeng Dong Lu 0871/3165888 3135189 www.sakurahotel.cn A tall, distinctive building with decent, mid-range rooms, though the lobby is rather poky. It's also home to a well-reputed Thai restaurant. Large discounts sometimes available. Price: ¥450-599
10 Yunnan University Centre for Chinese Studies Wenhua Xiang (opposite the university's west gate) 0871/5033624 5148513 Aimed at long-stay foreign students but open to anyone this place is in one of the nicest parts of town, with plenty of cafés and bars around. The old wing, to the south, is musty but has a lovely garden and tiled patio, and some of the cheapest rooms in the city. Rooms in the bright new wing are a little more expensive; overall, this is one of the best budget options. Price: ¥50–139