I am looking for a traditional type hotel or smaller boutique place for a trip to Kunming in October. The only types of places I've been able to find online and in books are large, western style, 4 star hotels. I've been able to get what I'm looking for, although also difficult to find, in Shanghai and Lijiang but the other cities I'm visiting, including Kunming have only the same types of places I could find here in the U.S. (Holiday Inn, etc.) which I'm not interested in at all. I'm really not too concerned with cost, I'm just looking for something small, nice and Chinese. If anyone has any suggestions I would really appreciate it. Thanks in advance.

in lijiang, traditional hotels are everywhere, no need to book on internet, just go there and see and choose, they are at very low price(if not in golden week). in kunming, maybe no "traditional " hotels,or i never notice its existent?:-(
good luck
Lanny

Kunming and Shanghai are the worst places to find traditional hotels (and the "real" China in general). In Lijiang you'll find plenty of great places by Naxi families. Just go at one of the entrances of the old town and wait for some kind women to offer you a room, or ask around, or get into the old town and look for a guesthouse. You'll find friendly people, clean accommodations and very good food. I've a tip for you, if you like, it is where I stayed for a few nights. Let me know and I'll check it out for you (I can't recall the name now).
Cheers!

How about in Dali? Any traditional hotel there? If not then any suggestion on where to stay in Dali? I don't need a luxury hotel but just something reasonably priced & clean. Thanks!