I’m planning to write some travel guides on the best places to stay in China’s top cities, as well as some popular tourist destinations. It’s a huge undertaking, but I’m excited to share my insights with you. Today, let’s talk about the best luxury hotels in Chengdu.
I’ve already covered the best luxury hotels in Hangzhou, Sanya, Xishuangbanna, Lijiang, and Xiamen, and now it’s time for Chengdu. I know a thing or two about staying in Chengdu, because I’ve visited over 85% of the luxury hotels that I’ll recommend to you today. I’ve experienced many different hotels, so I can compare them and give you the most reliable and honest advice.
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Which are the best luxury hotels in Chengdu?
If you’re looking for the best luxury hotels in Chengdu, one of China’s most vibrant and cultural cities, there are a few factors to consider:
Is this your first time in Chengdu?
If you’re new to Chengdu, or you don’t know the city very well, I recommend staying within the First Ring Road. This is where most of the attractions are located, or close by. You’ll have no trouble getting around and exploring the city.
But don’t even think about staying outside the Second Ring Road. Trust me, you’ll regret it.
If you’re a frequent visitor to Chengdu, you might want to venture outside the First Ring Road for a different experience.
For instance, if you love pandas, you can stay near the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding at the Crowne Plaza Chengdu Panda Garden, an IHG Hotel. If you’re into hot springs, you can check out Ocean Spring Resort Chengdu, MGallery by Sofitel. If you’re a fan of nature, you can head to Qingcheng Mountain and stay at Six Senses Qing Cheng Mountain or Mount Qingcheng Grand Hotel. If you’re interested in history, you can visit Dujiangyan and stay at Song Hotel Chengdu.
Go for new over old
The ideal time to stay in a luxury hotel is between six months and six years after it opens. That’s when the hotel is fresh, modern, and well-maintained.
Let me give you an example. I used to stay at Grand Hyatt Chengdu whenever I was in Chengdu. I liked its location, food, value, and Hyatt points. But then I discovered The Langbo Chengdu, in The Unbound Collection by Hyatt, and I was blown away. It’s not that Grand Hyatt Chengdu is bad, it’s just that The Langbo Chengdu is better.
Pick the right level
I’ve categorized the luxury hotels in Chengdu (only the urban area) into the following levels:
Tier 1: The Temple House, Diaoyutai Boutique Hotel Chengdu
Tier 1.5: Grand Bay Hotel Chengdu, Yiuteung Mansion, The Langbo Chengdu, in The Unbound Collection by Hyatt7
Tier 2: Grand Hyatt Chengdu6, Canopy by Hilton Chengdu City Centre, Waldorf Astoria Chengdu, W Chengdu, The Ritz-Carlton Chengdu, The St. Regis Chengdu, InterContinental Chengdu Global Center, an IHG Hotel, Fairmont Chengdu, Wanda Reign Chengdu, Hilton Chengdu Chenghua
Tier 3: Other five-star hotels
Old school: Jinjiang Hotel Chengdu
If you want to stay in the outskirts of Chengdu, here are some good luxury hotels to choose from: Six Senses Qing Cheng Mountain, Mount Qingcheng Grand Hotel (a Hyatt Unbound Collection hotel), Song Hotel Chengdu in Dujiangyan (with hot springs), Ahnluh Guantang, Ocean Spring Resort Chengdu, MGallery by Sofitel (with hot springs), InterContinental Heilong Lake, an IHG Hotel and Hotel Indigo Heilong Lake, an IHG Hotel in Heilong Lake.
Choose the best luxury hotels in Chengdu based on attractions
One of the best things about traveling to Chengdu is that you can find a luxury hotel near every attraction. So when you book a hotel, you just need to decide where you want to go, and then choose your favorite hotel nearby.
Kuanzhai Alley
Diaoyutai Boutique Hotel Chengdu
If you want to experience the authentic charm of Chengdu, you can’t miss Kuanzhai Alley, a historic district with two ancient alleys. And if you want to stay close to the action, you can’t go wrong with Diaoyutai Boutique Hotel Chengdu, which is located right between the two alleys. How awesome is that?
This hotel is cozy and elegant, with excellent service and reasonable prices. I suggest you splurge on a Double Room, because it’s only about 100 yuan more, but it’s about 60㎡, twice the size of the Standard Twin Beds Room. Trust me, it’s worth it.
Taikoo Li Chengdu
The Temple House
If you’re into shopping, dining, and entertainment, you’ll love Taikoo Li Chengdu, a trendy commercial area next to Chunxi Road. And if you want to stay in the heart of the city, you’ll love The Temple House, a luxury hotel hidden in Taikoo Li Chengdu.
The word HOUSE in a hotel name usually means high-end luxury (PS: Hyatt House is an exception). The Temple House is like a secret garden in the urban jungle. This hotel is always the most expensive luxury hotel in Chengdu, but I think it’s also the best one.
It has a minimalist and refined design, with a gray, beige, and white color scheme. It reminds me of Park Hyatt, but with more personality.
Even if you don’t stay at The Temple House, you should at least visit its Mi Xun Teahouse, a quaint and cozy courtyard that offers afternoon tea and vegetarian food. It’s so good that it got a Michelin star. A teahouse with a Michelin star, can you believe it?
The Langbo Chengdu, in The Unbound Collection by Hyatt
The Langbo Chengdu, in The Unbound Collection by Hyatt is my kind of hotel. It’s one of the tallest luxury hotels in Chengdu, with a 38th-floor lobby and 60th-floor rooms. It has a great view of Taikoo Li Chengdu and the city skyline.
It’s modern and stylish, with a lot of amenities and a famous brand name. It’s also quite pricey, but you get what you pay for.
There’s one thing you need to watch out for when you book The Langbo Chengdu, in The Unbound Collection by Hyatt: don’t use a suite upgrade. I made that mistake once, and I regretted it. The basic suite was worse than the Deluxe Room. Don’t ask me how I know, it was a painful lesson.
Chengdu Taikoo Li IFS Joya Hotel
Chengdu Taikoo Li IFS Joya Hotel is another luxury hotel near Taikoo Li Chengdu. The downside is that the rooms are small (27-32㎡), but the upside is that the price is very reasonable, often as low as 999 yuan for two nights. That’s a steal for a luxury hotel in such a prime location.
Chengdu International Finance Square
Niccolo Chengdu
This hotel is also close to Taikoo Li Chengdu, just across the street from it.
Niccolo Chengdu is the only Niccolo hotel that is not a skyscraper hotel, but it makes up for it with its location. It’s surrounded by shopping, dining, and entertainment options on Chunxi Road Pedestrian Street, and it also has its own large commercial complex. You’ll never run out of things to do near Niccolo Chengdu.
So what’s wrong with Niccolo Chengdu?
Every Niccolo hotel looks exactly the same, so it gets boring after a while. It feels like a copy and paste. If it wants to be a luxury hotel, it should have more variety.
Also, the indoor pool is very disappointing, very narrow, and crowded. You might bump into someone else while swimming.
Chunxi Road Pedestrian Street
Grand Hyatt Chengdu
Grand Hyatt Chengdu is probably the luxury hotel I’ve stayed at the most in Chengdu. I love everything about it: its location, its design, and its food.
It was designed by Ji Yutang, who only designs one hotel per city. His hotels are always landmarks and classics, and Grand Hyatt Chengdu is no exception.
Grand Hyatt Chengdu has many highlights, such as the pool, which is amazing. The roof is glass, so you can see the sun, and it feels like an outdoor pool. It’s very relaxing.
Tianfu Square
Canopy by Hilton Chengdu City Centre
Tianfu Square is the center of Chengdu, both physically and culturally. It’s where you can find museums, libraries, art galleries, and other cultural facilities. It’s also where you can find Canopy by Hilton Chengdu City Centre, the most central luxury hotel in Chengdu. It’s very convenient for sightseeing and transportation.
This hotel has a bright orange tone, which makes it stand out. Canopy by Hilton Chengdu City Centre is a lifestyle-oriented luxury hotel, with small rooms but a lot of public spaces. If you like socializing, this hotel is a good choice.
There are also other high-quality luxury hotels near Tianfu Square, such as Grand Parcvue Hotel Residence Chengdu, Jinjiang Hotel Chengdu, JW Marriott Hotel Chengdu, The St. Regis Chengdu, The Ritz-Carlton Chengdu, Wanda Reign Chengdu, Sofitel Chengdu Taihe, and more.
Jinjiang Hotel Chengdu
I want to highlight Jinjiang Hotel Chengdu, which is the first five-star hotel in southwest China (opened in 1960), and a hotel name that every Chengdu person knows. Jinjiang Hotel Chengdu’s Chinese restaurant is also great.
Jiuyan Bridge
Shangri-La Chengdu
The closest luxury hotel to Jiuyan Bridge is Shangri-La Chengdu. Jiuyan Bridge is Chengdu’s most popular bar street, and across the river, there is another Lan Kwai Fong bar street. They get lively after 10 pm. If you want to experience Chengdu’s nightlife, you can consider Shangri-La Chengdu.
It’s one of the tallest luxury hotels in Chengdu, with a beautiful view of the river and the night scene. It’s also an old-fashioned five-star hotel, with good quality, service, and food. The price is moderate.
Wenshu Monastery
Chengdu Courtyard Hotel
Wenshu Monastery is a thousand-year-old temple in the center of Chengdu. But for me, Wenshu Monastery is more than a religious site, it’s also a foodie paradise. The famous Zhang Lao Er Liang Fen (cold spicy jelly noodles) is right here.
Besides, Wenshu Monastery is also a great place to drink Gaiwan Tea, which is a traditional way of brewing tea in a covered bowl. The cheapest tea is only 15 yuan, and the most expensive one is only 35 yuan. That’s a bargain, right?
Chengdu Courtyard Hotel opened in 2017, and its specialty is that it’s a typical Chengdu-style courtyard house, hence the name.
Chengdu Courtyard Hotel is not very pricey (around 500 yuan a night), and it’s one of the most cost-effective luxury hotels in Chengdu. And it’s always a good deal, no matter when you book.
Jianshe Alley
Hilton Chengdu Chenghua
Which is the best snack street in Chengdu? Many people would say Jianshe Alley.
From hot pot, Korean food, pizza, barbecue, Japanese food, dry pot, to roasted pig feet, roasted brain flower, chicken wings stuffed with intestines, chicken wings stuffed with beef, stinky tofu, fried chicken strips, Osaka-style pancakes, spicy chicken noodles… Jianshe Alley has too many snacks to count.
Hilton Chengdu Chenghua is a luxury hotel that opened in 2019, and its basic room is 40㎡. It’s the closest international chain hotel to Jianshe Alley.
Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding
Crowne Plaza Chengdu Panda Garden, an IHG Hotel
Going to the Panda Base to see the pandas rolling around is almost a must-do activity when you visit Chengdu. The only hotel next to the Panda Base is Crowne Plaza Chengdu Panda Garden, an IHG Hotel.
So, why do I recommend you to stay there for a night when you go to the Panda Base? Well, this way you can go to the Panda Base early in the morning. The earlier you go, the more energetic the pandas are.
I’ve stayed at Crowne Plaza Chengdu Panda Garden, an IHG Hotel once, and I think it’s pretty good. But it also has some signs of wear and tear.
Oh, by the way, this hotel also has a panda-themed family room, which is full of panda elements. It’s very fun and cute.
New Century Global Center
InterContinental Chengdu Global Center, an IHG Hotel
Chengdu has a huge complex that combines amusement, exhibition, business, shopping, and hotels, and that’s the New Century Global Center. This complex has a water park, a roller coaster, an NBA park, an aviation museum, a church, and many other facilities.
And this complex is not only complete, but also big. Just take the water park as an example, it’s bigger than the Happy Valley of Chengdu. This complex can easily keep you entertained for 2-3 days.
InterContinental Chengdu Global Center, an IHG Hotel is the only hotel inside the New Century Global Center, and it’s a super giant with more than 1000 rooms. The rooms are also very comfortable.
The Global Center is located in Century City, where there are also Fairmont Chengdu, InterContinental Century City Chengdu, an IHG Hotel, Grand Bay Hotel Chengdu, Gran Melia Chengdu, Yiuteung Mansion, Seaton International Hotel Chengdu. Yiuteung Mansion and Grand Bay Hotel Chengdu are also worth recommending.
Yiuteung Mansion
Yiuteung Mansion is a luxury hotel under the SLH (Small Luxury Hotels of the World) brand, and its design is inspired by the novel of Mr. Ba Jin, based on the old Chengdu life in 1930. It’s currently the most retro-style hotel in Chengdu.
Grand Bay Hotel Chengdu
As for Grand Bay Hotel Chengdu, don’t be fooled by its slightly cheesy name, it’s actually a very worthy luxury hotel to stay at.
The rooms have vinyl record players, and some rooms have bathtubs that are 4 meters long (because they are mainly for herbal baths). And the hotel is very new (opened in 2021).
Grand Bay Hotel Chengdu is a high-rise hotel, which can overlook the cityscape of Chengdu’s south. The hotel even has a church inside.
I personally think Grand Bay Hotel Chengdu is one of the most competitive luxury hotels in Chengdu.
Financial City
W Chengdu
The luxury hotel near the Financial City that I would definitely recommend is W Chengdu, which opened in 2020. As soon as it opened, it became the trendiest nightclub in Chengdu.
I don’t really like staying at W hotels, but maybe this W Chengdu is an exception. Because from the photos, I can feel that this W’s design is quite appealing, not too flashy.
W Chengdu is one of the five luxury hotels that I haven’t stayed at in this article.
Waldorf Astoria Chengdu
Waldorf Astoria Chengdu, although the hotel opened in 2017, it has an old-fashioned Waldorf design (Beijing, Shanghai, Chengdu are old-fashioned designs; Xiamen is a new design). It’s more European, suitable for Old Money.
Choose the best luxury hotel in Chengdu based on activities
Hot spring lovers
If you love soaking in hot springs, you’ll be amazed by how affordable it is in Chengdu. For instance, you can get a one-bedroom private hot spring villa at Ocean Spring Resort Chengdu, MGallery by Sofitel for around 1000 yuan, and it also comes with a dinner.
That’s a steal compared to the prices of private hot spring villas in Jiangsu, Zhejiang and Shanghai. You might as well fly to Chengdu to enjoy the hot springs, it’s still cheaper than going to the nearby areas of those places.
Grand Bay Hotel Chengdu
If you prefer to stay in the city of Chengdu, you can choose Grand Bay Hotel Chengdu (mentioned above). It’s not a real hot spring, but they know how to use herbal bags to create a medicated private hot spring for you.
InterContinental Chengdu Global Center, an IHG Hotel
Another option in the city is InterContinental Chengdu Global Center, an IHG Hotel, which has a very relaxing pool area, with 9 hot spring pools, 1 multifunctional pool and 1 children’s pool. It’s perfect for a leisurely soak in winter.
Song Hotel Chengdu
For some luxury hotels outside the city that are suitable for hot springs, I recommend Song Hotel Chengdu in Qingcheng Mountain, a hot spring villa. It feels amazing to soak in hot springs in your own yard.
If you want a higher value for money, Steigenberger Chengdu next to Song Hotel Chengdu and Howard Johnson Huashuiwan Hot Springs Resort Chengdu in Huashuiwan are also good. Ocean Spring Resort Chengdu, MGallery by Sofitel is also a good choice.
Mahjong players
The Langbo Chengdu, in The Unbound Collection by Hyatt
No need to explain, the mahjong room of The Langbo Chengdu, in The Unbound Collection by Hyatt simply can’t be more Chengdu-style.
Retro-style enthusiasts
Hotel Indigo Heilong Lake, an IHG Hotel
For hotels with the Chinese retro-style in Chengdu, besides Yiuteung Mansion mentioned above, there is also Hotel Indigo Heilong Lake, an IHG Hotel in Heilong Lake.
Hotel Indigo Heilong Lake, an IHG Hotel consists of 8 buildings in the style of western Sichuan mansions. In the 1920s, the traditional courtyards of Sichuan were influenced by Western culture, and the representative elements of western Sichuan, such as blue bricks, gray tiles, and flower windows, were cleverly mixed with Western design.
Therefore, this is an Indigo hotel with the Republic of Chinese retro-style, and also a western Sichuan mansion.
The best luxury hotels around Chengdu
Qingcheng Mountain
Mount Qingcheng Grand Hotel
Speaking of luxury hotels in the Qingcheng Mountain area, Mount Qingcheng Grand Hotel and Six Senses Qing Cheng Mountain have good reviews. I haven’t stayed at Six Senses Qing Cheng Mountain, so I can’t say.
Although I haven’t stayed at Mount Qingcheng Grand Hotel either, I have learned about it in detail. Mount Qingcheng Grand Hotel is the first Hyatt Unbound in Asia Pacific. If I go to Qingcheng Mountain, I would like to stay at this hotel.
Dujiangyan
Song Hotel Chengdu, Steigenberger Chengdu & Mauve Glamor Chengdu
I always say that Dujiangyan is a place where you have to stay for one night. Dujiangyan should not be just a one-day tour scenic spot. You can only experience the beauty of Dujiangyan when you stay. Because the night of this city is so beautiful.
Dujiangyan has a Sunac Resort, which is a resort complex that can handle eating, living, traveling, playing, shopping, entertainment, and culture in one go. I recommend three luxury hotels: Song Hotel Chengdu (hot spring villa), Steigenberger Chengdu (five-star hotel with hot spring), and Mauve Glamor Chengdu (panda IP theme hotel). Among them, Song Hotel Chengdu is the most expensive, and Mauve Glamor Chengdu is the most cost-effective.
Jintang
Ocean Spring Resort Chengdu, MGallery by Sofitel
Jintang is the place where Chengdu hosts the triathlon. For tourists, this is the closest real hot spring to Chengdu. So if you want to soak in a real hot spring, please don’t hesitate, choose Ocean Spring Resort Chengdu, MGallery by Sofitel.
Guantang
Ahnluh Guantang
Guantang is the rural area of Chengdu. It is about an hour’s drive from Tianfu Square in the city center of Chengdu. The main feature of Guantang is the pastoral scenery. Especially in autumn, the golden rice fields are beautiful.
Guantang has a Ahnluh Guantang, which is a western Sichuan village style, rammed earth wall, thatched roof. It is suitable for calming down and enjoying a slow vacation.
Heilong Lake
InterContinental Heilong Lake, an IHG Hotel, Hotel Indigo Heilong Lake, an IHG Hotel
Heilong Lake is a reservoir, known as the “best lake of western Sichuan”, and also a China AAAA-level scenic tourist area, the backyard of Chengdu people’s vacation. People like me from other places, go less. So Heilong Lake’s InterContinental Heilong Lake, an IHG Hotel and Hotel Indigo Heilong Lake, an IHG Hotel have always been mediocre when it comes to the business. But I have been to both hotels, and they are really good.
Especially in summer, InterContinental Chengdu Global Center, an IHG Hotel will be very expensive, but in fact, InterContinental Heilong Lake, an IHG Hotel in Heilong Lake also has a large water park. Going here is obviously more cost-effective.
Sancha Lake
InterContinental Sancha Lake, an IHG Hotel
Sancha Lake and Heilong Lake are similar, both belong to the places where local people go more and outsiders go less.
This InterContinental Sancha Lake, an IHG Hotel is also similar to InterContinental Heilong Lake, an IHG Hotel in Heilong Lake, with a large water park (mainly because the owner is the same).
Choose the best luxury hotels in Chengdu based on cuisine
#8 Hot Pot Restaurant, Grand Hyatt Chengdu
#8 Hot Pot Restaurant is known as the Hermes of hot pot, with a one-diamond rating from the Black Pearl (The Chinese Black Pearl restaurant rating system is similar to the Michelin Guide in awarding one, two, or three diamonds to restaurants based on their culinary skills, consumer experience, and innovation). The highlight is the quality of the ingredients, using M8 and M9 beef for the hot pot.
Jinxuan Restaurant, Jinjiang Hotel Chengdu
If you want to eat authentic Sichuan cuisine, Jinxuan Restaurant at Jinjiang Hotel Chengdu and Minxuan Restaurant across the street at Minshan Hotel Chengdu are both highly recommended. You can ask your Chengdu friends if these two restaurants serve the real old Sichuan dishes.
Jinxuan allows you to order half portions of dishes, which is very considerate.
Their signature dishes are all classic Sichuan dishes, such as twice-cooked pork, mapo tofu, kung pao chicken, boiled cabbage, and more.
Mille-Feuille, InterContinental Chengdu Global Center, an IHG Hotel
Their mille-feuille is especially delicious. If you stay there, remember to buy some. Or you can go to their buffet, where mille-feuille is unlimited.
When are the luxury hotels in Chengdu the most expensive?
China Food and Drinks Fair is held twice a year in spring and autumn (but the dates vary each time). During the China Food and Drinks Fair, the prices of luxury hotels in Chengdu are often higher than during the Spring Festival, Labor Day, and National Day.
Apart from that, various holidays and summer months (July and August) are also the peak season for tourism in Chengdu, and the prices of luxury hotels soar.
