Budget
Lete Youth Hostel
In 2011, the hostel has had new management and has undergone many new renovations to the rooms and bar area. Its cozy environment sits high on the 16th floor with beautiful views of the city and mountainous backdrop. It's within walking distance to many downtown shopping areas. The staff speaks English. There is a travel company upstairs that will organise trips in the local province and into the Tibetan Autonomous Region.
There are dozens of small guesthouses near the train and long distance bus station. Look for the characters "æå¾ æ," which in this part of town are on every other building. Most places seem aimable to taking foreigners, and prices range from Â¥10 in a grimy four-room bunk expect the other occupants to smoke in the room all night long to Â¥100 for a deluxe double. More guesthouses can be found around the town's West Gate, or Ximen.
Qinghai Shuili Hotel
Midrange
Jianyin Hotel
Xining Tower
Qing Hai Moslem Mansion
Good hotel, near the railway station, heated in winter. Good restaurant, good American breakfast.
Top end
Yinlong Hotel
Five star hotel with rooms with free internet. Business center, beauty salon, ticket office, disco, billiards, fitness, massage and sauna available. Chinese and Western restaurants, coffee shop, bar and room service.
Qinghai Hotel
Recently renovated 2009. Rooms are spacious and clean. Good facilities and restaurants. A cheaper alternative to the Yinlong Hotel.