First of all, let me say, that I want value. Not the cheapest, not the best, but something clean and safe, the best for the money, and something that fits my needs. With that criteria, the UChoice is a great bargain. If you need a swimming pool, fancy restaurant, and glitz, this isn’t your place. If you want something nice, this is a great deal.

The Uchoice is fine. It has a huge lobby and most of the staff speak only a little English, but it’s better than my Mandarin. The only complaints would be that the air conditioning didn’t really keep us cool. There was a fan and we had our little fan, and after about 8 PM there seemed to be some cool air, but overall it was warmer than we’d prefer. Not hot hot, just not cool. The bed was quite hard but manageable. The room was nicely furnished with what seemed to be quite new furniture with no evidence of wear. On one night stand was a sort of universal remote control for the TV, radio, alarm clock, and all the room lights. The bathroom was well-lit with a modern toilet, and a sink and vanity. The water was hot in the bathtub/shower. The room was quiet, even when we opened the window to get more fresh air in.

Our laptop connected to the internet with a Ethernet cable which the hotel supplied. We were charged 10 Ұ per hour, prorated for the amount of time we actually used. There was also evidence that there was some kind of wireless connection, but it required a password, so we didn’t use that. On checkout we learned that there were instructions in the desk drawer on how to use the internet. Too late for us by then.

The Chinese breakfast provided with our room was fine. While it was a little odd for Americans who aren’t used to salads and cooked vegetables and fruit pizza for breakfast, there was enough of a selection so that anyone would be satisfied. We also went to the same restaurant for supper one night and found a large selection on the menu. We chose two soups which were well-prepared and tasty.

We didn’t use the exercise room or the meeting room.

The Uchoice is in the northern part of the city. Right across the street is a river with a park-like area on both sides, suitable for jogging, watching families with kids, or watching older people playing card or maj jong. This runs through what seems to be a nice residential area. Overall the hotel is very convenient. There are good shopping areas nearby, taxis are always at the door, and it is close to the zoo and the largest Buddhist temple in Kunming. There is also a travel agency in the hotel and the woman there helped us book a day trip to the Stone Forest by private car.

I would highly recommend the Uchoice.

The Uchoice is located right next to the little river that runs through Kunming. It is close to the zoo and the temple. It is somewhat north of the center but everything is easily accessible by taxi or even by foot. Supermarkets and restaurants are nearby next to the little river. It is a bustling area at night.

The hotel itself is a typical big chinese with not much character of it's own but it was very clean. Staff was very nice and if you are not speaking chinese, the receptionists spoke enough english for most questions and the assistant manager spoke excellent english.

The hotel restaurant specializes in seafood and is good, but there are a lot more smaller restaurants around that give you the "China" feeling.

Fitness room looks decent, though I didn't use it.

Breakfast is OK, but not outstanding. Choices are a but limited.

Bookings through HRS and CTS were without problems.