Dali's three main stay areas: 古城 (convenient transport, ideal for first-timers), 双廊 (bustling commercial, great for shopping and dining), 下关 (cultural vibe, perfect for in-depth exploration). Each has its own character — picking the right one doubles your experience.
古城 has dense hotel options from budget to 5-star, walkable to 洱海 and core sights. Downside: touristy and noisy. 双廊 is the commercial hub — shopping and dining are convenient, hotels tend to be newer and upscale. 下关 has more local life, suited to slow-paced travelers.
Hotel selection principles: ① First visit → 古城 for transit; ② Business → 双廊 for amenities; ③ Deep dive → 下关 for value. Budget reference: economy 200-400 RMB/night, mid-range 500-800, high-end 1000-3000. Note special requests when booking — most hotels try to accommodate.