Shangri-La Resort, Shangri-La

Rooms and decor

If we had to sum up our number 3 in a line, it's the resort that talks altitude-shy travelers into booking Shangri-La — because between the heated pool, the 24-hour oxygen bar and a resort doctor on the team who can step in fast for guests who react to the altitude, it takes the worry out. Shangri-La Resort is the biggest and most complete 5-star Tibetan-style resort in town, running 228 rooms with applied-Tibetan architecture, red roofs and gilt fretwork. Our Deluxe Twin came in at 42 sqm with a high ceiling, a wood ceiling worked in mandala patterns, a soft bed and Shangri-La-grade linens. A big window faced the Longtan Park gardens, and the marble bathroom split the shower and tub.

Food and amenities

Here's the heart of it. The heated indoor pool runs 20 metres and stays open year-round, there's a fun kids' room, a gym, sauna and oil-massage rooms. The oxygen bar is open 24 hours and guests can walk in and breathe for free, while every room carries its own oxygen dispenser — together they make the 3,200-metre altitude much easier to settle into. The resort runs Tibetan sessions too: dressing up for photos, Tibetan calligraphy and a butter-tea class. There are 3 dining rooms and a bar, free EV parking and a free airport shuttle. Real guests score it about 9.5 across more than 2,800 reviews, with rooms from roughly $163 a night.

Location and getting there

It sits in central Shangri-La, facing the Longtan Park gardens you can stroll first thing in the morning. Dukezong Old Town is about 2.2 km away — a roughly $1 taxi ride — and Songzanlin Monastery is around 5 km. The resort makes an easy base for several days out at Pudacuo, Napa Lake and a wider Yunnan loop.

Things to know before booking

A few honest notes. You're about 2.2 km from the old town, so you'll take a taxi rather than walk over each evening. This is a large resort with a lot of guests, so it feels more like a hotel than the small boutiques in town. And you're still at roughly 3,200 metres — plan to take the first day slowly while your body adjusts, and lean on the in-room oxygen if you need it.

Our take

Shangri-La Resort is the best answer for families and couples who want a full-service base with a heated indoor pool, a 24-hour oxygen bar and Shangri-La-chain service. We'd vote it the safest, most convenient stay in town for anyone traveling with kids or older relatives.