Nanjing is such a fun city to explore because you get a little bit of everything in one trip. There are ancient city walls, beautiful lakes, historic temples, old neighbourhoods and some fantastic food, with many of the biggest sights spread across the city. That makes choosing where to stay in Nanjing surprisingly important. Stay in the right area, and you can walk to attractions in the morning, take the metro somewhere further away in the afternoon and still be back in time for dinner by the Qinhuai River.
I’ve picked these 10 best hotels in Nanjing based mainly on their locations, but I’ve also looked at what each one offers when you’re back from sightseeing. From full-service luxury hotels with pools and spas to simpler stays with breakfast and easy metro access, there’s something here for different types of trips.
Holiday Inn Nanjing Aqua City
If seeing the historic side of Nanjing is high on your list, Holiday Inn Nanjing Aqua City is one of the most convenient places to stay. The hotel is next to the Confucius Temple district and directly connected to Aqua City shopping mall. Confucius Temple is around a 10-minute walk away, while the Qinhuai River, Zhanyuan Garden, Zhonghua Gate and other historic sights are also nearby. You’re also within walking distance of Sanshanjie Station on Line 1 and Fuzimiao Station on Line 3, making it easy to get around the city.
Having Aqua City next door is handy too, especially if you want restaurants, shops and cafés close by without having to go far. The hotel has an indoor swimming pool, fitness centre, restaurants and comfortable rooms, giving you everything you need for a relaxing evening after a day of sightseeing.
The location is particularly nice after dark. The Confucius Temple area comes alive in the evening, with restaurants, shops and lights along the Qinhuai River. You can have dinner nearby and simply walk back to the hotel afterwards. For a first visit to Nanjing, this is a really practical base.
Shangri-La Nanjing
Shangri-La Nanjing is a great choice if you want to stay close to Xuanwu Lake and some of Nanjing’s northern attractions. The hotel is in Gulou District, right beside Xuanwu Lake, while Nanjing Railway Station is around a 10-minute drive away. Jiming Temple, the Ming City Wall and other sights around the lake are also easy to reach.
One of the biggest advantages here is the setting. Many rooms have views of Xuanwu Lake and the surrounding mountains, while the hotel has 450 rooms, 21 serviced apartments and four restaurants. There’s also a CHI Spa, health club, indoor swimming pool, sauna, steam room and whirlpool, so there’s plenty to enjoy once you’re finished exploring.
If you enjoy starting the day with a walk, I really like this location. Xuanwu Lake is right there, so you can enjoy one of Nanjing’s nicest outdoor spaces without having to plan a separate trip.
Jinling Hotel
Jinling Hotel is right in Xinjiekou, one of Nanjing’s main commercial districts, making it a good option if you want a central base with plenty of transport connections. The hotel is only around 200 metres from Xinjiekou Subway Station, where Lines 1 and 2 meet. Confucius Temple and the Presidential Palace are both roughly 3 kilometres away, so several major attractions are easy to reach.
There’s plenty around you once you’re back at the hotel too. Jinling has an indoor heated swimming pool, fitness centre, spa and wellness centre, along with six dining options.
This is a good choice if you don’t want to stay in a purely touristy area. Xinjiekou gives you a more modern side of Nanjing, with shopping centres, restaurants and excellent transport connections, while the historic sights are still easy to reach. I’d consider it if you want a central hotel that gives you plenty of flexibility each day.
voco Nanjing Oriental Pearl
voco Nanjing Oriental Pearl is another convenient option in Xuanwu District, particularly if you want a good mix of sightseeing and easy transport. The hotel is beside Xuanwu Lake and just steps from Fuqiao Subway Station on Line 3. Nanjing City Wall is around 1 kilometre away, while the Presidential Palace is also about 1 kilometre from the hotel. The popular 1912 bar and restaurant district is roughly a five-minute walk away.
The hotel has 174 rooms and suites, many with floor-to-ceiling windows and city views. There’s also a fitness centre, two restaurants, room service and on-site parking. One restaurant serves international dishes throughout the day, while the Chinese restaurant focuses on Huaiyang and Cantonese cuisine.
With its convenient location, transport links and comfortable facilities, it’s one of the Nanjing hotels near attractions I’d consider for a shorter city break.
InterContinental Nanjing
If you want a more luxurious stay around Gulou and Xuanwu Lake, InterContinental Nanjing is hard to overlook. The hotel sits at Gulou Square in Zifeng Tower, one of the city’s most recognisable skyscrapers. Xuanwu Lake, Jiming Temple, Gulou Park, the Ming Dynasty City Wall and Hunan Road Shiziqiao Food Street are all within easy reach, while nearby metro connections make getting further across Nanjing straightforward.
The hotel has indoor and outdoor swimming pools, a fitness centre, Touch Spa and four restaurants. There’s also a 45th-floor outdoor observation deck connected to the Nebula Lounge, with panoramic views across the city.
I think this is a particularly nice option if you want your hotel to feel like part of the trip rather than simply somewhere to sleep. You can spend the day exploring Nanjing, come back for a swim or spa treatment and finish the evening with dinner and a view.
Nanjing Central Hotel
Nanjing Central Hotel is another solid option if you want to be in the middle of the city without paying for a luxury tourist hotel. Its central location gives you easy access to areas including Xuanwu Lake, Confucius Temple and Nanjing’s main shopping and restaurant districts. It works well if you’d rather have one convenient base and use the metro or taxis to reach different attractions each day.
The hotel has an indoor swimming pool, fitness facilities and several dining options, so there’s enough on site for a comfortable stay if you decide to have a quieter evening.
I’d consider this one if flexibility is more important to you than being able to walk directly from your hotel to a particular attraction. You can build your itinerary around the sights you want to see without feeling tied to one neighbourhood.
Holiday Inn Express Nanjing Xi’anmen
Holiday Inn Express Nanjing Xi’anmen is a useful choice if you want to stay between several of Nanjing’s main sightseeing areas. The hotel is on Zhongshan East Road in Qinhuai District, giving you access to attractions including the Presidential Palace and Confucius Temple by public transport or taxi. It’s also a practical option if you’re travelling by car, as the hotel offers complimentary parking.
The hotel has 129 rooms with features including 65-inch screen-mirroring TVs, separate wet and dry bathroom areas, Wi-Fi and workspaces. There’s also an indoor pool, fitness centre, restaurant and EV charging.
What makes this location useful is that you’re not tied to just one neighbourhood. You can spend one day around Confucius Temple and the Qinhuai River, another around Xuanwu Lake and the city wall, and still have a comfortable base to return to. It’s particularly worth considering if you’re driving or simply want a practical hotel with a few extra facilities.
Atour Hotel Sun Yat-Sen Mausoleum Scenic Spot Nanjing
If your main reason for visiting Nanjing is exploring Purple Mountain and its historic sights, I’d look at staying closer to the scenic area rather than booking a hotel in the city centre. Atour Hotel Sun Yat-Sen Mausoleum Scenic Spot Nanjing is located in the Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum Scenic Area, putting you much closer to the mausoleum and the wider Purple Mountain area.
This part of Nanjing is also home to the Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum and Linggu Temple, so you can spend a full day exploring some of the city’s most important historical sites without constantly travelling back and forth.
The hotel itself is better suited to travellers looking for a quieter base, with comfortable rooms and practical facilities for a straightforward stay. It’s not the choice I’d make if you want to be in the middle of Nanjing’s nightlife, but it makes a lot of sense if Purple Mountain is a big part of your itinerary.
The trade-off is that you’re further from Confucius Temple, the Qinhuai River and Xinjiekou. But if Purple Mountain is high on your list, staying nearby can save a surprising amount of travel time.
Ascott Xuanwu Lake Nanjing
Ascott Xuanwu Lake Nanjing is another good option if you want to base yourself around Xuanwu Lake, particularly if you’re staying for several nights. The location in Gulou District puts you within easy reach of the lake and northern parts of the city, while the serviced-apartment setup gives you more space than a typical hotel room. This can be especially useful if you’re travelling as a couple, with family or simply like having a little more room.
The property offers apartment-style accommodation with kitchen facilities and amenities designed for longer stays, so it feels more like a comfortable home base than a traditional hotel.
The Xuanwu Lake area is also lovely if you enjoy walking. You can head out early, explore the lake and surrounding city wall, then use public transport to continue sightseeing elsewhere.
The Westin Nanjing Xuanwu Lake
The Westin Nanjing Xuanwu Lake is a lovely option if you want to stay close to one of Nanjing’s most beautiful outdoor spaces. The hotel overlooks Xuanwu Lake and is well placed for exploring attractions in the northern part of the city, including the Ming City Wall and Jiming Temple. Nanjing Railway Station is also nearby, which can be useful if you’re arriving or leaving by train.
The hotel has comfortable rooms, several restaurants, a fitness centre and an indoor swimming pool, so there’s plenty to come back to after a day of sightseeing. Some rooms also have views over Xuanwu Lake, which makes the location even more enjoyable.
I’d especially consider this hotel if you like having somewhere peaceful to return to after exploring a busy city. You can start the morning with a walk around Xuanwu Lake, spend the day visiting Nanjing’s historic sights and then come back for a relaxed evening. It’s a good balance between sightseeing and having a comfortable place to stay.
Make the Most of Your Nanjing Trip
Nanjing is the kind of city where choosing the right base can make your whole trip much easier. Stay in an area that suits your itinerary, and you’ll spend less time travelling between attractions and more time enjoying the city itself.
I hope this guide helps you find the best hotels in Nanjing for your trip. For more China travel guides and practical tips, visit my blog Travel For Phoebe and join me on YouTube for more of my travels around the world.
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