Hilton Dali Resort & Spa

Even though I stayed just one night before moving to a local B&B nearby, I’d return to this resort. I paid much less than I would at comparable hotels elsewhere. Dinner with my local friend at the excellent Chinese restaurant on site cost only $25 for everything. There’s also a separate Western-style restaurant on another floor. The customer service was impeccable throughout. Front desk staff spoke fairly good English, though apparently nobody else at the hotel did. The hotel is huge across rather than tall, and the wide, splendid lobby has plenty of places to sit and relax. Rooms are large, modern, and clean, and the whole property feels elegant and well kept. Best of all, the views across the Lake area and/or the Canshang mountain range are amazing. There’s a large terrace where you can sit for hours taking in the relaxed Dali atmosphere and looking out over the Lake. You can order drinks or even bring your own food and drinks, which surprised me, though it seemed pretty normal from what I saw.

The Chinese restaurant on site was decent, and the building is beautiful with a sublime view. One annoyance: the pool requires a swimming cap, but they don’t provide one. Hilton Xian doesn’t have that requirement.

Friendly staff and a quick check-in. There are three restaurants plus a convenience store, and the prices are fair.

The grounds are so beautiful, lush and green with lots of trees as soon as you reach the drop-off porch. Service matched the setting. Seeing my name in a greeting on the TV from the GM was a warm gesture that made my day. A perfect stay.