As one of China’s biggest tourist spots, Sanya has practically limitless hotel options! This guide contains advice from the five separate trips I took to Sanya, with links to the Sanya China hotels I know you’ll enjoy!
Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links. If you buy/book something through one of these links, I will receive a commission, at no extra cost to you!
Before we get started, I just want to let you know that I wrote a post about what to know before you book a hotel in Sanya China, which you may wanna check out first.
That post covers location, price ranges, and other tips to consider before you even start your hotel hunt.
If you’ve already determined which part of Sanya and which price range you want to stay in, then read on for recommendations!
A Few Things to Know Before Booking Your Sanya China Hotels
As I go over in this post, it’s really important to contact your hotel ahead of time before booking, as not all hotels have the licenses to host foreigners.
Most hotels in Sanya do, but it’s always good to check. Even with the hotels I’ll recommend here, while I know they’ve hosted foreigners in recent years, it NEVER HURTS to double check for yourself!
Also, I haven’t stayed personally at every hotel in this post. But if I haven’t, then someone I know has, and was able to recommend it to me.
Pretty much ALL of my expat friends in China have been to Sanya at some point. So I was able to get lots of recommendations!
Let’s jump in!
Hotels in Sanya Bay, Sanya China
Phoenix Island Resort Sanya
This is probably the most iconic hotel in Sanya, built on an artificial island jutting out into Sanya Bay. It’s a beautiful location, and fairly priced in the off season (though the prices skyrocket during peak seasons).
Honestly, this hotel has mixed reviews. Some people really love it, and other people say it’s overrated. Friends I’ve known personally who stayed there enjoyed it, but also didn’t seem particularly mind-blown.
I think it mostly depends on your taste and purpose for travel. It’s definitely a SUPER Instagrammable location. So, I’ll leave it up to you to check the reviews for yourself and make a call!
Best Western Premier International Resort Hotel Sanya
This hotel is definitely more budget-friendly, and still very lovely! The hotel itself has beautiful surroundings, gardens and pools. Whether for photo ops or just for enjoying the beauty, the environment is perfect!
The rooms are Italian style, very cozy, and many of them with balcony views of the bay. Reviews overall seem great, and with many people also saying that the hotel breakfasts are satisfactory.
Sanya Conifer Resort
Upscale bathtub in the room, and panorama infinity pool on the roof? Yes please! Sanya Conifer Resort is luxury quality with phenomenal reviews for its rooms and breakfasts.
Two of my friends who stayed here even extended their stays for 10 days because they were so in love with the facilities. The location as well is quite central and conveniently located.
Hotels in Dadonghai Bay, Sanya China
Barry Boutique Hotel
We love Barry’s because it has so many options: bare-minimum rooms for a very inexpensive rate, or super gorgeous, top-floor luxury rooms if you want to spend more.
Whether you book the nicest room or the cheapest, you’ll get fresh bath towels and beach towels whenever you need, and toiletries restocked every day, which is a huge plus!
As of 2023, we paid less than $35 USD for the basic room, and for a trip we took in the summer, the luxury room only cost us around $50 USD per night! (Not including breakfast).
Obviously, these prices go WAY up during May and October holidays, as well as Lunar New Year in the winter.
Harman Hotel Sanya
Want a super family-friendly hotel? Look no further than Harman! With a rooftop infinity pool (featuring a kids play area and a bar for the parents), there’s no shortage of fun at Harman.
Rooms are quite luxurious, and the breakfast buffet features both Chinese and Western favorites. My dear friend who stayed here would spend practically her whole morning with her book and endless coffee at the buffet!
All of these amenities do make the price tag a bit higher, especially when including breakfast. However, if you’re looking for a hotel in a perfect location, smaller crowds and luxury facilities, Harman’s got you!
Sunshine Resort Intime Sanya
If you’re the kind of person that wants the beach right in your backyard, Sunshine Intime has you covered! This hotel is just a minute walk from the beach, the best spot possible!
Boasting colorful rooms, an accessible gym, and beautiful buffet spreads for whichever meals you want to eat in, Sunshine Intime will make you feel right at home in Dadonghai.
Hotels in Yalong Bay, Sanya China
Huayu Resort and Spa Yalong Bay Sanya
This beautiful resort in Yalong Bay has stunning room options. Palm trees and beautiful walkways fill the spaces between buildings, and the stunning Yalong Bay is within walking distance!
Be aware that several people in the reviews (as well as a couple I know who stayed there) advise spending more on the nicer rooms. Apparently the “cheapest” rooms are a vast step down from the slightly higher priced ones.
Yalong Bay Mangrove Tree Resort
Mangrove is one of the most popular resorts in Yalong Bay, and so many friends of mine have spent time there. Everyone who stays in Yalong Bay seems to love it for its lack of crowds and abundant nature.
The “nature” aspect lends itself to some gorgeous resorts, such as Mangrove Tree Resort. Rooms boast a stunning view of Sanya’s signature turquoise waters.
The breakfasts are reportedly delicious (and IG worthy!). While the glam surroundings do make this resort one of the pricier in Yalong Bay, you’ll find it still quite reasonable, especially compared to US hotel prices.
Palace Resort Yalong Bay Sanya
Another gorgeous resort in Yalong Bay with a slightly lower price-tag than Mangrove! Palace Resort offers clean and fresh room decor, an infinity pool, and even a dine-in aquarium!
With a great kids water-area outdoors, as well as a sprawling outdoor pool with deck chairs, this resort is especially family-friendly. There’s even an indoor play area with jungle gyms and ball pits for rainy days!
Reviews for this resort are very positive, making it all-around a great option for Yalong Bay.
Hotels in Houhai Bay, Sanya China
Xiaolu Chenke Seaview Surfing Homestay (Sanya Wuzhizhou Island Houhai Branch)
In the Easternmost Houhai Bay of Sanya, this stunning Homestay/hotel has rooms boasting panorama windows, private seaview bathtubs, and a outdoor public area for dining.
Right on the beachside, this hotel offers great access to the shore for your surfing lessons!
While their breakfasts/dining policies are a bit ambiguous, they do have a restaurant. Plus, tons of food stalls and shops are within just a few minute’s stroll along the shore.
The Taikang Sanya, a Tribute Portfolio Resort
A STUNNING facility, newly opened in 2022, Taikang is one of the more expensive options in Houhai. But goodness gracious is it beautiful!
This resort is the definition of luxury, with light wooden bamboo and linen vibes. With a crystalline outdoor swimming pool surrounded by lounge chairs, this is the perfect, private retreat for an island getaway.
Within close walking distance of the Houhai beach, Taikang gives you the best of both worlds: a bayside experience in Sanya’s party area, with a secluded resort for when you just want that alone time.
Sanya My Suite Maisui Internet celebrity seascape surfing vacation design Meisu
Another stunning option in Houhai Bay, Sanya My Suite offers rooms with the imperative panorama windows. Bathrooms are gorgeous, luxurious marble, and the downstairs restaurant offers all from burgers to seafood.
Reviews for this hotel are quite positive and promising, revealing a hotel with earthy/cave vibes in the lobby, and clean-cut luxury in the rooms.
Summary
As of 2023, all of the hotels in this post have positive reviews and are open to foreign guests. However, I always recommend you do your own research on hotels of interest before booking!
It’s possible for the quality of the hotel to change, as well as their foreign-guest policies. So take those extra steps to make sure your stay is perfect!
I hope you enjoy these recommendations as much as my friends and I have! Still have questions about the hotels in Sanya China? Drop them in the comments, I’m happy to help you out as you plan your trip!
You may also like:
Sanya China Beach Guide: All You Need to Know
8 Sanya China Restaurants You Will LOVE!
