Suzhou's three main stay areas: 观前街 (convenient transport, ideal for first-timers), 金鸡湖 (bustling commercial, great for shopping and dining), 平江路 (cultural vibe, perfect for in-depth exploration). Each has its own character — picking the right one doubles your experience.
观前街 has dense hotel options from budget to 5-star, walkable to 拙政园 and core sights. Downside: touristy and noisy. 金鸡湖 is the commercial hub — shopping and dining are convenient, hotels tend to be newer and upscale. 平江路 has more local life, suited to slow-paced travelers.
Hotel selection principles: ① First visit → 观前街 for transit; ② Business → 金鸡湖 for amenities; ③ Deep dive → 平江路 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.