InterContinental Kunming

Rooms and decor

Deluxe rooms start at 48 sq m, which is roomier than most 5-star hotels downtown. The look leans brown-gold, with wood floors under thick carpet, a Sealy king bed that's soft but firm enough, and floor-to-ceiling glass that frames either the Xishan hills or a Chinese-style garden. The marble bathroom splits a jacuzzi tub from a rain shower, the soaking tub runs 1.8 metres long, and there's a desk set by the window — easy to picture a couple sinking into the tub at sunset. The rooms read as grand and modern rather than fussy, and reviewers single out the big windows as the thing that sells the stay.

Food and amenities

What sets this place apart is the resort kit. There's a heated 25-metre indoor pool with curved windows over the garden, a spa with 6 treatment rooms built around Yunnan herbs and Pu-erh tea, and a gym open 24 hours. The Chinese restaurant, Yuxi Pavilion, serves Yunnan classics like steam-pot chicken (qi guo ji) and crossing-the-bridge rice noodles, and the breakfast buffet runs 70-plus items, Yunnan coffee included. Real guests score the food and amenities around 9.5/10.

Location and getting there

InterContinental Kunming sits in Xishan District, against the Western Hills and just 3 km from Dianchi Lake. It's about 45 minutes from the airport by car, up in the cool 1,900-metre air that earns Kunming its Spring City nickname. You're close to Dragon Gate and the lake, and it's a 1.5-hour drive out to the Stone Forest. The trade-off is distance from downtown, so plan on a ride into town whenever you want city sights rather than mountains.

Things to know before booking

This is the highest starting price in our list — around $109 a night and up to roughly $214 for the top rooms. Because it's out in Xishan, you'll be taking taxis into the center, which adds up over a few days. And in high season the rooms go fast, so lock in your dates early if they're fixed.

Our take

The 20-storey tower curves like crane wings and holds 350 rooms, and the whole thing is wrapped in mountains rather than traffic. It fits honeymooners and families who want a resort stay without leaving the city behind entirely. We'd rate it 9.5 on service and the relaxed mood — a clear step above the usual chain hotel.