Linjiang Inn of Fenghuang

Rooms and decor

The Riverview Twin runs 24 square metres with large accordion windows that fold open onto a small balcony — big enough for two people and a coffee. The two beds are soft, the linens are clean and smell faintly of lavender, and the bathroom was renovated in 2022 with strong hot water and full-size toiletries. You also get an LCD TV, new air-con, and Wi-Fi that's fast enough. There's no mini bar, but the lobby keeps free water and tea going all day. Open the window at night and you'll hear the river running and the gondola boats sliding past — more romantic than the price suggests.

Food and amenities

The standout here is rare for Fenghuang: pets are welcome. The owner loves animals and keeps a golden retriever in the lobby, and there's a free dog-food tray and shampoo to use. You'll need to mention it when you book and pay an extra cleaning fee of about $7 a night. Luggage storage is free if you turn up before check-in, and you can rent an e-bike for about $4 a day. Real-guest scores land at Trip 8.5 and Agoda 8.4 — a little behind the others on this list, but the value is hard to beat.

Location and getting there

This is a genuine riverside spot — a 4-storey building right on the bank of the Tuojiang River, where opening your door puts the water in front of you. It sits on the north side of the old town, about 600 metres from Beimen Square and a 15-minute walk from Hongqiao Bridge. The walk along the river into the old town centre takes 12-15 minutes. The Fenghuang Ancient City railway station is roughly 9 kilometres away.

Things to know before booking

There's no elevator in the building, so you'll be hauling bags up the stairs — ask for a river-side room on the 3rd or 4th floor and pack light if you can. The review score sits around 8.5, just behind the rest of the list. And those open windows that make the river feel close at night also let in the sound of water and passing boats, so light sleepers should know that going in. Bringing a pet means notifying the inn ahead and paying the extra cleaning fee.

Our take

Linjiang Inn is the right call for budget travelers, backpackers who want a real riverside room, and anyone arriving with a pet in tow. We like it because a balcony over the river for about $22 a night is a deal you rarely find. If the lack of an elevator and a bit of river noise don't put you off, book it — ask for a room on the 3rd or 4th floor river side, and bring your own dog food if you've got a picky pet.