Regent Hotel

The pros - Zhou was super helpful and made the check in and check out very easy. She helped with my driver and helped to negotiate a price that I was happy to pay…she was great and the staff are super helpful overall. The gym (if you’re interested) is the best gym I have even seen in a hotel in China. It’s a bit dirty but great equipment and everything you need! Breakfast was okay…nothing great but it was fine. The location is just at the entrance to the old town of Dali and was perfect for me…about 10 to 15 minute walk to the centre where everything is happening. Some cool bars / restaurants were close by though. The cons - the hotel is quite old and musty…seems like everything is for sale throughout the lobby (interesting woodwork though). Very dark throughout but is very much the old Chinese style…nothing wrong with this of course, but just dark. The outdoor pool was closed and half empty…still off season so I’d check if it’s open if that is a selling point for you. The water never got more than a little warm. It was better on the second day but I definitely never had hot water, even after letting it run for a bit. Overall it was a good place and I’d stay there again…but I’d ask about the hot water next time. It was a short stay so didn’t bother

The hotel was huge but every corridor and open space is crowded with ornaments and statues, with more in the rooms - impressive but a bit dark and creepy at first. The staff were efficient, if rather cool, but the rooms are comfy and spacious. It's convenient for public transport, but a short walk to reach the old part of town.