Nanjing Travel Forum

I'm looking for some characteristic traditional accommodation in Nanjing (and also Suzhou, Hangzhou, Huangshan and Shanghai for that matter) but whatever I try only modern concrete block hotels turn up in my search results.

Is it just bad luck or such places really don't exist?

Thanks a lot in advance!

What would be "traditional" accommodation??
When are you staying? What's your expected price range?
For Huangshan, summit area or Huangshan city (aka Tunxi)? Forget about finding anything "atmospheric" on the summit.

I was thinking of something along the "siheyuan" lines...

"Traditional" housing doesn't all look the same in China. I don't think you could find something like that in Nanjing.
For Shanghai, it would be better for you to adjust and look for hotels in historical architecture. Or, try Old House Inn (http://www.oldhouse.cn).
For Suzhou, try Lexiang Hotel, Renjia Hotel or Overseas Chinese Hotel.
For Hangzhou, I know these aren't very "traditional", but you might want to try Xizi Hotel and New Violet Hotel.
You still haven't clarified if you mean Huangshan city (Tunxi) or Huangshan summit area. Neither have you replied re your expected price range.

Dear Jocelyn, thank you SOOO much and sorry for my incomplete input.

I thought Huangshan City was around the Huangshan Mountain(s). Are those anywhere close to each other though? I was thinking of staying in Wenquan (in the Huangshan Mount area).

My budget would be under EUR40 per night.

Thanks a lot in advance!

Just come to think of it: wouldn't it be easier to stay based in Shanghai and make day trips to those cities (Hangzhou, Suzhou, etc.)?

If you only make daytrips then you won't have enough time to see Hangzhou properly.
If 400 RMB/night is your budget then I don't think you'll find anything to suit you in Shanghai, sorry. It might be possible in Suzhou. Xizi Hotel in Hangzhou is definitely out of your price range as well.
The hot springs area at Huangshan isn't open AFAIK, still under renovation or something. Huangshan city (aka Tunxi) is about 1.5 hours by bus from Huangshan mountain itself. Given your budget I would suggest in Tunxi the Old Street Hotel. As I've said earlier nothing "traditional" on any part of Huangshan.

I don't mind splurging when it's called for though. I only budget when it's possible. :)

Are there more options for me then?

I've already given you the answers above...!

Jocelyn, you are the veritable Font of Travel Wisdom!

Thanks a lot!

BTW, what was that New Violet Hotel in Hangzhou? Google doesn't seem to know of it.

Probably because it doesn't have an English name, or one that makes sense in English. I translated from the Chinese name. Have booked that one previously for some other people.

So, what is the Chinese name then?

杭州紫罗兰大酒店

Crap, VirtualTourist IS monolingual! :(