Chongqing is a spread-out city, and the area you choose will shape your trip. The old centre is compact and full of sights, but the hills make it tiring and some neighbourhoods are noisy. Newer districts are calmer and more modern, but farther from the main attractions. This guide compares the main areas and suggests the types of hotel that suit different travellers.
Chaotianmen and the river tip
For scenery, the tip of the Yuzhong peninsula is hard to beat. Hotels here, such as InterContinental Chongqing Raffles City and Ascott Raffles City Chongqing, sit in the Raffles City complex where the Yangtze and Jialing meet. You get river views, restaurants under one roof and easy access to the night cruise area and the cruise piers. The downside is price and a position at the edge of the old centre, so you need a taxi or the metro for some sights.
Jiefangbei and central Yuzhong
If you want to be in the middle of things, choose the Jiefangbei area. Hilton Chongqing Hotel and Chongqing Marriott Hotel are examples of upscale hotels in the old commercial centre, with shopping, restaurants and metro stations on the doorstep. Mercure Chongqing Downtown offers a more affordable option in the downtown core. The trade-off is crowds, traffic and noise, but for a short stay the convenience is hard to beat.
Hongyadong and the Jialing riverfront
For night views, stay by the river near Hongyadong. Atour Hotel Hongyadong Riverside Chongqing is a stylish mid-range choice that lets you walk back to your room after dinner or a cruise. The streets are steep and busy, so ask the hotel for directions and a drop-off point. Light sleepers should request a higher floor.
Guanyinqiao and Jiangbei
Across the Jialing, Guanyinqiao is a lively shopping and dining district with its own metro station. Holiday Inn Express Chongqing Guanyinqiao gives good value, with simple, modern rooms and a convenient location. The area is less scenic than the river tip, but it is practical, and food options are excellent.
Yubei and the north
The Yubei district is newer, greener and quieter, with wide roads, parks and business centres. Hilton Garden Inn Chongqing Yubei Central Park suits business travellers, families and anyone who prefers a calmer base. The trade-off is the commute to Hongyadong and Jiefangbei, which takes time in traffic.
Near the airport
Novotel Chongqing Airport is best for early flights, late arrivals and layovers. Use it for a single night rather than as a base for sightseeing, since the old town is a long ride away.
Choosing by traveller type
Couples and honeymooners will enjoy a river-view room at a luxury hotel such as InterContinental Raffles City or Niccolo Chongqing, which offers boutique-style luxury with city views. Families may prefer the space of a serviced apartment at Ascott Raffles City, or the calm of Yubei. Budget travellers should look at Guanyinqiao or the downtown mid-range options. First-time visitors who want to walk to dinner will like Jiefangbei.
Booking tips
Rates rise sharply around the national holidays, so book early if you are travelling then. Always ask for a high floor and a view, since Chongqing is a vertical city and views are part of the appeal. Check whether breakfast is included, and confirm facilities such as a gym or pool before relying on them. Keep your passport handy for check-in, and save the hotel address in Chinese for taxi drivers.
Getting in and out
Chongqing has several railway stations and a large airport, so confirm which station your train uses before choosing a hotel. The metro links the airport and main stations to the centre, but with luggage a taxi or ride-hailing car is often easier. Ask your hotel about luggage storage if you have a late departure or a cruise check-in later in the day.
A word on noise and views
Chongqing hotels differ widely in what you hear and see from the window. Towers on the river give fine views but can be breezy and expensive, while hotels in busy pedestrian districts can be noisy until late. When you book, ask for a higher floor away from the street, and read recent guest comments for mentions of noise. If you are a light sleeper, an earplug set and a travel eye mask are cheap and effective, and many hotels will move you if you ask politely.