Songtsam Lodge Shangri-La

I loved our stay and hope we can come back someday. The hotel's lakeside setting is gorgeous, and Songzanlin monastery is only a short walk away. We could get other dining options by car service over the hill to the sister property, Songtsam Retreat Linka. The interiors felt warm and welcoming, with a nice mix of Tibetan architecture and modern comforts. Service was just as welcoming. The 20+ cozy, well-appointed rooms are reached by lift or wooden stairs that reminded me of a Japanese ryokan. Breakfast and afternoon tea came in a wood-lined dining room looking out over the entrance court and lake, and they served Tibetan food there at night. There’s also a western restaurant with a wood fired oven, handmade pizzas, familiar favorites, and a pretty good yak burger. I hadn’t heard of this hotel chain before our recent trip to Yunnan, but we fell for this place as soon as we saw it.