Sunyata Dali Hotel

Location- excellent spot, at the bottom of the pedestrianised walk up the hill to the heart of Dali ancient town. Full of local speciality shops, restaurants and bars. On the westside of erhai lake with the cycle trail that passes through *4 try Hotel - Small boutique hotel, modernist /scandi style. Well thought out and designed layout. Room was well equipped and clean. Great coffee and good quality set daily breakfast. Staff - warm friendly service, always happy to help, but make bookings and advise on itinerary. A credit to the hotel. Negatives - Shower has wear and tear and could be redecorated. Showing signs of damp. Aircon on the duplex unit noisy and needs replacing. Also room really needs a small 2seater sofa to complete it. Great little hotel with amazing service!

I cannot recommend Sunyata Homestay in Dali enough! From the moment we arrived, it was clear that this was more than just a place to stay—it was an experience of genuine warmth and care. The rooms were impeccably clean and comfortable, providing a serene escape after long days of exploring. The afternoon tea and breakfast they served were nothing short of extraordinary. I’ve stayed in multiple 4-5 star hotels across China over the past month, but the gourmet food here easily surpassed them all. Every bite was thoughtfully prepared, leaving me in awe of the flavors and quality. The location of Sunyata Homestay is also perfect. It’s just far enough from the bustling crowds to remain peaceful and quiet, yet close enough to Dali Ancient City that it’s only a few steps away from great eateries and the heart of the ancient town. The balance is ideal for anyone seeking convenience without sacrificing tranquility. A special shout-out to the young lady working in the coffee shop up front—her coffee is unparalleled! My husband, who is a daily coffee drinker and rarely impressed, couldn’t stop raving about her brews. It was, hands down, the best coffee we had during our travels. The staff here deserve every bit of praise. They were attentive, accommodating, and genuinely cared about making our stay memorable. However, what truly sets Sunyata apart is the incredible owner. My father had a bad accident in Dali on a rainy day, and I can honestly say I don’t know what I would have done without his support. Despite my limited Mandarin, he spent an entire day accompanying me to the hospital, ensuring we were well cared for and understood. The next day, he went out of his way to pick up the CT scans for us. His kindness and compassion left me speechless. The owner’s dedication to his guests is reflected in his amazing team, all of whom go above and beyond. Without his help, I would have had to cut my trip to China short. Instead, he turned a difficult situation into one where we felt supported and cared for like family. Sunyata Homestay is truly one of a kind, and I will forever be grateful for their hospitality. This is not just a place to stay; it’s a haven of comfort, care, and culinary delights. Thank you, Sunyata, for everything!

Lovely stylish modern hotel with very helpful staff in a good central location. Nice rooms around an attractive courtyard, and lovely communal areas for tea etc. we enjoyed our stay.

Because we arrived in the morning we were happy to go into our room and prepare the day trip. The afternoon tea with cake and also the breakfast were excellent. The room and the atmosphere are stylish and simple. It was a pleasure to stay at these boutique hotel.

Had a wonderful 3 nights here. The well-designed property offers a calm respite from the buzz of the streets outside. We had a room on the second level that let good sunlight in during the days, allowing us to sit by the huge window for tea. Though the toilet and shower was a little small, the stone bathtub was huge. Room was clean & had all basic amenities one would expect. We loved the Coco-mat pillows. The breakfast was a highlight every morning, offering varied & healthy options. Coffee was good too. They served complimentary night desserts/snacks. They didn’t have many staff but service was good and prompt, always ready to offer tips & advice whenever needed. This included texting them via WeChat anytime you needed something. When the caretaker lady found out that we were heading to the other JiXiaShan properties after Dali, she took the initiative to inform them about our pending arrival & asked that we be accorded good hospitality. She also helped to link up with the Dida driver when we needed to arrange the transport between cities. We didn’t miss Dali Ancient City that much, but we sure miss this wonderful property, and we won’t hesitate to stay here again if we were to pass by this way.

Great place