Budget
Several budget guesthouses can be found in the old part of town, prices for a double should be in the region of ¥50 per night low season. Heating is not provided even in the winter months, but additional blankets are happily provided and electric blankets are common.
Kevin's Trekker Inn
This really cozy Inn has a range of three people dorms¥30/person, double rooms¥100, luxury double rooms ¥150 and a triple bedroom ensuite ¥120. 24-hour hot water and free Internet and wi-fi. Laundry service is available for ¥15/kg. Kevin and his wife are really friendly and speak fluent English. Awarded a top pick by a reputable travel book publisher.
Bright Hotel
Amenities include western style toilets, 24-hour hot water, and free wireless internet and computer to use at reception for free. Laundry ¥2 per piece. Owner can help with booking tours. Clean, comfortable rooms.
Harmony Guesthouse
Lovely, traditional, cosy little guesthouse. Has an excellent communal area with bar, log fire, tv and free internet. Has cheap, cosy dorm rooms with hot shower etc. En-suite rooms are largely oud of wood and have roof windows and squat toilets only. Nancy speaks very good english and can arrange transport and excursions and give local advice. Popular with travellers.
Shangri-la Traveller Club (HI Affillited)
Great youth hostel with clean and comfortable dorms and rooms with electric blankets. Good hot showers and decent toilets. The best part is the bar/restaurant/common room with a wood fired-stove. The staff are friendly, even if a little eccentric! Good travel advice and information January 2008.
Top end
Gyalthang Dzong Hotel
Opened in 1996, the hotel is the home base for travelers heading to/from the Kham region of Tibet and beyond. Beautifully situated on an alpine meadow in the lap of Rutapo Hill, it was designed in the traditional Tibetan dzong architectural style. The renovation preserved the traditional character of the hotel and enhanced many of the Tibetan aesthetic elements, while making it more comfortable and luxurious for guests.
Songstam Hotel
The most charming hotel in Zhongdian. Excellent service and beautiful rooms.
Banyan Tree Ringha
A wonderful resort in a stunning location. Each private 2-storey villa is gorgeously appointed and fully heated, with 24 hours hot water supply and wireless access. The spa is excellent, and with the most gracious and attentive of staff, the service is just downright amazing all round, all of the time.
The Olive (previously Noah Cafe and Inn)
Quiet, clean and spacious room. Air conditioning cold/hot, bathroom with hot shower and wc, TV, free Internet access cable or wifi in room. Washing machine and dryer are available for ¥25 a load. Also a good western food restaurant. Staff speaks English.