Chongqing is not just a destination; it’s an experience. A sprawling cityscape interwoven with nature’s own handiwork, it stands out as a hotspot for those seeking a thrill and a discovery. Perched at the confluence of the Yangtze and Jialing Rivers, this city doesn’t just blend the urban jungle with stunning natural vistas—it marries them in a way that’s sure to spark a spirit of adventure.
Imagine stepping off a bustling, neon-lit street into a serene, mist-kissed mountain. That’s the kind of contrast Chongqing offers. This crazy blend of environments provides endless possibilities for the curious traveler, from rafting down turbulent rapids to wandering through the enigmatic rock formations of Wulong Karst.
To really get the most out of your Chongqing adventure, it helps to understand that your accommodation is an integral part of the journey. From the moment you walk through the door, your hotel can turn your stay into an experience—whether it’s a quirky lodging with stories to tell, a haven of ancient wellness practices, or a converted heritage building whispering tales of antiquity.
This guide is designed to help you pick your adventure path, ensuring every night is as much a part of the journey as the day’s explorations.
Average Price: From ~USD 50/night (Subject to season and availability)
Experience the perfect blend of home-like comfort and strategic convenience at Somerset Yangtze River Chongqing, an ideal choice for travelers seeking both space and value. This serviced apartment residence provides a peaceful retreat away from the bustling city center while still keeping you wonderfully connected to Chongqing’s top attractions and business districts.
It stands out by offering exceptional value for money, particularly for those needing extra space and home conveniences like laundry and cooking facilities. This property is a top choice for extended-stay travelers, relocating families, or anyone who prefers a quieter residential setting without sacrificing modern comforts and amenities.
Average Price: From ~USD 30/night (Subject to season and availability)
Discover modern minimalist design and smart efficiency at Enji M Hotel, where contemporary style meets exceptional value in one of Chongqing’s most popular commercial districts. This hotel proves that budget-friendly accommodation doesn’t have to compromise on style, comfort, or convenience, offering a fresh approach to affordable hospitality.
This hotel stands out for its successful combination of modern aesthetics, practical comfort, and unbeatable location at an exceptionally affordable price. It’s the perfect choice for style-conscious travelers who want to maximize their experience while minimizing their accommodation budget in a happening part of town.
Average Price: From ~USD 40/night (Subject to season and availability)
Enjoy the reliable comfort and consistent quality of the IHG brand at Holiday Inn Express Chongqing Caiyun Lake, where smart design and essential amenities come together to create exceptional value. This hotel delivers a hassle-free stay experience with all the necessary comforts for both business and leisure travelers exploring the city’s newer developments.
It stands out for delivering predictable quality and reliable comfort at an affordable price point, backed by the trusted IHG brand reputation. This hotel is ideal for practical travelers who value consistency, good amenities, and the peace of mind that comes with staying at an internationally recognized hotel brand.
Average Price: From ~USD 35/night (Subject to season and availability)
Experience convenient urban living at KaoYu Hotel, where excellent transit access and comfortable accommodations come together at an unbeatable price point. This hotel makes exploring Chongqing effortless thanks to its prime location right next to Guanyinqiao Metro Station, putting the entire city within easy reach.
This hotel stands out for its exceptional transportation convenience and solid comfort level at a budget-friendly price, making it perfect for urban explorers who plan to use public transport extensively. It’s the smart choice for practical travelers who want to maximize their sightseeing time while enjoying a comfortable base in a vibrant neighborhood.
Average Price: From ~USD 45/night (Subject to season and availability)
Discover spacious comfort and family-friendly amenities at Kuanrong Suites Hotel, where apartment-style living meets hotel convenience in Chongqing’s developing Liangjiang New Area. This property offers excellent value for travelers seeking extra space and home-like facilities while exploring the city’s newer attractions and business districts.
It stands out by offering exceptional space and family-oriented amenities at a very reasonable price point, particularly suited for those traveling with children or needing extended-stay facilities. This hotel is perfect for families, group travelers, or anyone who values space and convenience while exploring Chongqing’s growing Liangjiang area.
Pro Tip: Many travelers combine a visit to Chongqing with a trip to other iconic cities. If you’re planning to explore the beautiful garden city of Suzhou, we’ve also found the best hotels there for every budget.
Average Price: From ~USD 130/night (Subject to season and availability)
Experience life in one of the world’s most iconic skyscrapers, an architectural wonder that defines Chongqing’ dazzling skyline. The Ascott Raffles City Chongqing isn’t just a place to stay; it’s a destination in itself, occupying floors 47 to 59 of the stunning Raffles City complex, designed by the same architectural genius behind Singapore’s Marina Bay Sands – Moshe Safdie.
It stands out as the most architecturally significant and luxurious serviced residence in Western China. For those seeking the pinnacle of urban living, it offers an unforgettable experience where world-class design meets unmatched convenience and comfort, making every moment of your stay extraordinary.
Average Price: From ~USD 65/night (Subject to season and availability)
The Rigel Hotel is your perfect gateway to the vibrant, beating heart of Chongqing, placing you right where the action is from the moment you step outside. It promises exceptional value with a location that simply can’t be beaten for the urban adventurer who wants to immerse themselves in the city’s energy.
This hotel stands out for its perfect blend of location, modern comfort, and affordability, ensuring you spend less time commuting and more time experiencing the city. It is the smart choice for urban explorers who want to be in the middle of the action and enjoy a comfortable, no-fuss stay after a day of sightseeing.
Average Price: From ~USD 95/night (Subject to season and availability)
A trusted international brand, the Hyatt Regency offers a consistently high-quality, upscale experience with professional service and comprehensive facilities, serving as a tranquil haven in the midst of the city’s dynamic pace. It caters seamlessly to both business travelers and leisure guests seeking refined comfort and a touch of pampering.
The Hyatt Regency stands out for its reliable, international standard of luxury and service, providing a welcome retreat where every detail is curated for your comfort. It’s the ideal choice for those who prioritize a guaranteed level of quality, superb amenities, and a tranquil, efficient hotel environment after a busy day in the city.
Perched majestically above the city in the vibrant Guanyinqiao commercial district, the Regent Chongqing epitomizes contemporary luxury and serene sophistication. As part of the IHG portfolio, this hotel is renowned for its impeccable service, stunning interior design, and panoramic views of the Yangtze River and the urban skyline, offering a refined retreat for both leisure and business travelers.
Elegant Rooms with Breathtaking Views: Features spacious, modern rooms and suites with floor-to-ceiling windows, deep soaking tubs, and the signature Regent bed, ensuring unparalleled comfort and spectacular city or river vistas.
Prime Guanyinqiao Location: Situated in one of Chongqing’s most dynamic areas, the hotel provides direct access to upscale shopping malls, gourmet restaurants, and vibrant nightlife, with excellent metro connectivity.
World-Class Dining and Amenities: Offers an array of exquisite culinary experiences, including an acclaimed international buffet, a stylish lounge, and a well-equipped fitness center with an indoor swimming pool.
Exceptional Service: Consistently praised for its attentive and personalized service, the staff anticipates guest needs to create a seamless and memorable stay.
The Regent Chongqing stands out by masterfully blending a hyper-modern aesthetic with warm, intuitive service. It’s the ideal choice for discerning travelers who seek a central, well-connected base without compromising on tranquility and five-star comfort, providing a perfect urban sanctuary in the heart of the city’s excitement.
Average Price: From ~USD 55/night (Subject to season and availability)
For travelers seeking a unique and memorable stay, the Pagoda Hotel offers a heavy dose of style and thematic flair, ensuring your accommodation is as much a part of your adventure as the city itself. This design hotel goes beyond basic functionality to provide an atmospheric and Instagram-worthy experience centered on Chongqing’s land-sea international logistics theme.
This hotel stands out by prioritizing creativity, atmosphere, and a strong sense of place, ensuring your stay is visually engaging and full of personality. It’s the perfect choice for younger travelers, couples, or anyone looking for a fun, visually stimulating, and genuinely unique hotel that offers more than just a place to sleep.
Average Price: From ~USD 150/night (Subject to season and availability)
Prepare for a stay defined by breathtaking scale and unparalleled luxury, high above the bustling streets of Chongqing. Soaring dramatically within the city’s most iconic architectural marvel, the InterContinental Chongqing Raffles City is not just a hotel—it’s an unforgettable destination that offers a masterclass in five-star hospitality and awe-inspiring design.
This hotel stands out as the unequivocal pinnacle of luxury in Chongqing, blending awe-inspiring architecture with impeccable, refined five-star service at every turn. It offers more than just a place to sleep; it provides a highlight of any trip to China, making it the ideal choice for discerning luxury seekers, romantics, and anyone who demands the absolute best from their travel experience.
Choosing the right hotel sets the stage for your entire Chongqing experience. It’s your basecamp for a city that lures the adventurous with its dynamic range, where urban explorers can lose themselves in maze-like sectors and nature lovers can tackle stunning landscapes right at the city’s doorstep.
To maximize your stay, remember that adventure continues beyond your hotel door. Blend in with the locals by hopping on an iconic cable car for a new perspective, take a stroll through the ancient cobblestone streets of Ciqikou, and get adventurous with your taste buds by diving into a fiery hotpot ritual.
Incorporate a mix of the city’s bustling heart with explorations of its quieter, natural corners. For the ultimate thrill, a trip to the Wulong Karst National Geology Park is a must for trekking through scenic gorges.
As your days wind down, your hotel offers a moment of reflection. Whether it’s soaking up the magic of the mighty Yangtze from your window, enjoying a hot spring experience, or simply contemplating the lit-up skyline, these serene moments play an equally important role in your journey.
From its steaming hotpots to its legendary rock carvings, every corner of Chongqing tells a story. We hope this guide helps you find the perfect place to write your own.
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I went to CQ in the early 2000’s. Was heavily polluted then but the food was awesome (hotpot) and the population was growing VERY fast like many other then still developing cities. One thing that does amaze me is how China has managed to pull so many people up the economic ladder. Moving from a somewhat rural economy can be a challenge for a variety of reasons but as the Chinese middle class continues to flourish so too will the nation. From someone who lives in Europe, I find this inspiring the watch. Loved CQ, need to go back there again sometime soon. Great read.
Thanks so much for sharing your experience, Dominic! It's amazing how much cities like Chongqing have transformed. I'm so glad you enjoyed the read and the memories of that famous hotpot. Hopefully you can make it back soon to see the changes for yourself! We appreciate you taking the time to comment.
The height of those windy roads there, must be crazy trying to find your way around !! China can certainly build stuff though. Need to check the place out one day.
Haha, it's truly a city like no other! The landscape makes for some incredible views (and yes, some confusing GPS moments!). It's absolutely worth a visit. Thanks for the comment, and hope you can check it out soon!
I keep seeing posts on social media about this place. Must be amazing to see in person. Almost doesn't seem real.
You've hit the nail on the head! I think it's one of those cities that photos can barely do justice. Seeing the sheer scale of the skyscrapers built into the mountains and the rivers weaving through it all in person is absolutely breathtaking—it really does feel like stepping into a futuristic movie set.
I hope you get to experience its unreal energy for yourself soon :).
Wow, what a fantastic list of hotels, Cian! I’m amazed by the luxurious options. Some of them look absolutely stunning. I may not be able to splurge on the high-end ones, but it’s great to see there are so many affordable yet comfortable stays too.
I visited Beijing and Hangzhou back in the ’90s, but never made it to Chongqing. It’s definitely on my list now! The mix of city life and natural beauty sounds incredible. If I do get the chance to visit, I think I’d go for one of the mid-range hotels with those river views.
Have you been to any of these places personally? Would love to know which one left the biggest impression on you.
Hi Sharon! Thank you so much for your kind words! I'm really glad you found the guide helpful.
It's so cool that you visited Beijing and Hangzhou back in the '90s—that must have been an incredible experience. Chongqing definitely seems like it has a completely different vibe, and I'm just as excited about it as you are!
Well, unfortunately I haven't been to Chongqing or stayed at any of these hotels yet!—this guide came from a ton of research and I'm hoping to plan my own trip in the coming months if possible! I think the Niccolo is definitely at the top of my personal wishlist because of those stunning river views and the infinity pool.
It sounds like we're in the same boat, dreaming of that Chongqing city-and-river view! If you end up visiting before I do, you'll have to let me know which hotel you picked and how it was.
Happy travels (and dreaming)!!
What an incredible guide to experiencing Chongqing! This post beautifully captures the city’s essence—where raw natural beauty and bold urban energy intertwine to create something truly unforgettable. The way you describe stepping from neon-lit streets into misty mountain serenity perfectly encapsulates Chongqing’s duality—vibrant yet tranquil, ancient yet modern.
I also love how this isn’t just a hotel list—it’s an invitation to immerse yourself in the city’s rhythm, where even your accommodation becomes part of the adventure. From the stylish affordability of Enji M Hotel to the architectural brilliance of the Ascott Raffles City and InterContinental Raffles City, every option feels thoughtfully curated for a different kind of traveler.
Your mention of the Yangtze and Jialing Rivers, the Wulong Karst formations, and local experiences like the cable car or fiery hotpot brings the destination vividly to life. This guide doesn’t just inform—it inspires exploration. A must-read for anyone planning a journey through one of China’s most dynamic and atmospheric cities.
Hi! Thank you for this incredibly kind and insightful feedback. You perfectly captured the spirit I hoped to convey—the unique blend of urban energy and serene natural beauty that defines Chongqing.
I'm so glad the guide felt like an invitation to immerse yourself, and that the hotel selections and local experiences resonated with you. I love to see comments like this and that people are enjoying reading and understanding more about China!
Happy travels, and I hope you get to experience the magic of Chongqing for yourself soon!
Nicely done...it seems all you hear in the US is about how bad China is and the low quality of their merchandise. Maybe some of it is true but your Post clearly shows that quality is something they excel at too. The hotels are beautiful and you make it seem as if going to China is as natural as buying a Hot Dog from a NYC street vendor. My favorite of all the gorgeous Hotels is the Ascot Raffles. What a beautiful design. I had to look at the picture several times to be sure of what I was seeing. The vertical Arc structure is breath taking.
The pricing is unbelievable, too. China is on my Map
Thank you so much for this comment! It really made my day ????. This is definitely one of the main goals of my site: going beyond the headlines and showcase the incredible quality, beauty, and hospitality that China has to offer. I'm thrilled that the post could help put China on your map in a new way! And I think you have excellent taste! The Ascot Raffles City is an absolutely one of my favourites. It's a perfect example of the innovative and world-class design you can find throughout the country.
The value for money is also truly remarkable, which makes a 'luxury' trip much more accessible. I hope you get to see it for yourself one day!
Wow! Definitely new on my list of places to visit. Do you know if the pollution is as bad these days? I understand that it was pretty bad a few years ago?
Thanks! It's definitely worth a visit. The air quality has improved noticeably in recent years due to government clean-air initiatives. It's not perfect, but you'll likely see more blue-sky days now than reports from 5–10 years ago suggest! Have fun :)
Cian, this is such a comprehensive guide! I love how you categorized these—it makes planning a trip to a massive city like Chongqing feel much more manageable. Your description of the city as a 'crazy blend' of urban jungle and mist-kissed mountains really paints a vivid picture.
I was specifically impressed by the inclusion of the Pagoda Hotel—finding design-focused hotels that aren't bank-breaking is always a win for younger travelers.
Since you have such a clear passion for the architecture and vibe of the city, is this an open invite for you to be the tour guide? I'd love to know which of these hotels you think puts you in the best position to catch that first 'foggy sunrise' over the Yangtze!
Thank you Jake! For the iconic 'foggy sunrise' over the Yangtze, I think you should check out the Ascott Raffles City Chongqing, which is located in the Raffles City complex and known for its incredible high-rise views. While the exact sunrise vantage point can depend on your specific room and floor, its riverside location in the Yuzhong District definitely makes it a top contender for experiencing Chongqing's famous morning mist over the river. A room on a high floor facing east would be ideal!
Enjoy your trip planning, and let me know if you have any other questions!
This is such an exciting guide! Chongqing looks like a city pulled straight out of a futuristic dream—those views of the rivers and the skyscrapers are incredible.
As a mom who loves hotels, but who also deals with epilepsy, my perspective on travel accommodations is always a little more focused on safety, stability, and reliable access to assistance. Your guide is fantastic for its location and amenity breakdowns, but here’s what goes through my mind when I look at a high-altitude, dynamic city like Chongqing
Thank you for sharing this important thought Leah! For Chongqing, I'd recommend prioritizing a larger international chain hotel (like the InterContinental or Hilton from the guide) in the central Jiangbei or Yuzhong districts. This ensures 24/7 service, established protocols, and proximity to major hospitals. Also, a call to the hotel's front desk to ask about their medical assistance plan would be a good precaution to take for peace of mind! Wishing you safe and amazing travels!
I didn’t realize they had such nice hotels in China for under $200. I’ve only seen my nicest hotel when staying at a Marriot in North Carolina. Hopefully I haven’t seen my best hotels yet, regionally or internationally for that matter, but I’d say those are great price ranges for anybody that’s expecting a reasonable selection of candidates for luxury living. Even if it’s for a temporary accommodation.
Thank you! Yeah, I think the value for luxury in cities like Chongqing can be so great. I guess it just shows how amazing hotel experiences can be found all over the world, often for less than you'd think! Happy travels and happy hotel hunting!