Suzhou Hotels & Accommodations

After a full day exploring Suzhou's enchanting gardens, romantic canals and ancient architecture, rest your head at one of Suzhou's 100-plus hotels. From budget to luxury and local to global, a bevy of accommodations sprinkle Suzhou's old and new districts, lakeside communities and charming water towns. Here is a breakdown of unique overnight offerings in the ancient city.

LUXURY

Considered some of the best hotels in Suzhou, modern amenities and luxury accommodations dot the booming district of Suzhou Industrial Park — or SIP, as it's locally known. From luxury, five-star accommodations to dramatic overlooks of the glistening lake and glittering city skyline, SIP is considered the "new" Suzhou. Find modern-day comforts, views of the lake and skyline, and proximity to nightlife, shopping and dining at recognized brands like Crowne Plaza, InterContinental, Shangri-La, Hyatt and more.

If you're looking for the best hotel in Suzhou, you're not limited to SIP. Formally the Pingjiang, Canglang and Jinchang districts, the old town district of Gusu is known for its thousand-year-old temples, authentic cuisine and enriching museums. Stay in well-known names like Sheraton and Marriott, or opt for local, four-star accommodations like Suzhou Garden Hotel, Scholars Hotel and Chillon Castle Hotel. Hotels in this category start around $100 to $200 per night.

MID-RANGE

For those seeking culture and comfort at a reasonable rate, Suzhou has a plentiful collection of mid-range hotels. At approximately $25 to $50 per night, it's no surprise Suzhou's mid-range hotels book up quickly — especially on weekends and during Chinese holidays and festivals — so be sure to make your reservation in advance.

In Suzhou, it's not hard to find accommodations that are both affordable and centrally located — the real challenge is narrowing down your search. Consider which attractions are on your itinerary. If you want to see the legendary Master of the Nets Garden and well-preserved architecture from the Ming and Qing dynasties, look for hotels near Shiquan Street. If you'd like to wake up to storybook views of bright pink plum blossoms reflecting off of Taihu Lake in the spring, the Wuzhong and Wujiang districts are where you want to be. Staying near the ancient water towns of Zhouzhuang, Tongli or Luzhi can make for a romantic, peaceful retreat.

BOUTIQUE

If it's authentic Suzhou you want, look no further than Suzhou's collection of intimate boutique hotels. An eclectic mix of modern and traditional accommodations range anywhere from $30 to $200 per night and can be found from the city center to Suzhou's pastoral outskirts.

Special touches range from lush gardens, koi-stocked ponds and suites ornately decorated in genuine Chinese décor to minimalist landscaping, contemporary design and state-of-the-art niceties. Like mid-range hotels, the best advice for selecting a boutique hotel is deciding what you want to see or where you want to be.

HOSTELS

Suzhou's hostels are a favorite choice among first-time and seasoned travelers alike. Famous for their wallet-friendly rates starting at $6 per night, central locations and opportunities to meet fellow travelers along the way, Suzhou's hostels are often touted as one of the best ways to experience this graceful place.

Stay in a 200-year-old complex with 18 distinct rooms, or opt for a more modern hostel close to local shops, attractions and nightlife. Whether you're backpacking by yourself or touring as a group or family, seeking a private room or just a dorm bed with shared facilities, you will undoubtedly find what you're looking for in Suzhou.