Where is the best place to stay in Nanjing for your first trip? I've considered three types of people and three budget levels.

Whether you arrive at Nanjing South Railway Station by high-speed rail or land at Lukou Airport, choosing the wrong area for accommodation in Nanjing will turn your daily commute into a grueling ordeal. This article doesn't list a long list of hotels; instead, it breaks it down into three categories: "mode of transportation," "travel companions," and "budget," clearly explaining which area and budget category you should choose to avoid unnecessary hassle.

First, let's look at transportation: high-speed rail, airplane, and driving—the first stop after exiting the station is completely different.

For those arriving at Nanjing South Railway Station by high-speed rail, prioritize accommodations along Metro Lines 1 and 3, specifically the section from Yuhuatai to Zhonghuamen, Confucius Temple, and Xinjiekou. The station itself doesn't have the bustling amenities one might expect. While there are many hotels in front of the station, dining options are limited in the evenings, and getting to the old city for a night cruise on the Qinhuai River requires several more stops. In contrast, the Confucius Temple and Xinjiekou areas offer direct access after high-speed rail arrival, allowing you to drop off your luggage and immediately start exploring – the most efficient option.

If you're flying to Lukou Airport, you have two options. If you just want to relax for the night and visit attractions early the next morning, choose the Jiangning area along Metro Line S1, such as near Cuiping Mountain. Prices are generally lower than in the city center, and it's less than 40 minutes from the airport. If you want to immerse yourself in the "Nanjing atmosphere" that day, take Line S1 to Nanjing South Station and transfer to the metro to Confucius Temple or Xinjiekou. Although it takes a little more time, you can enjoy duck blood soup that evening, which will give you peace of mind.

For those driving to Nanjing, parking is a crucial consideration. Parking in the core areas of Xinjiekou and Confucius Temple is expensive and difficult to find. It's better to park at hotels in the "Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum-Xiaolingwei" area in the east of the city, where parking spaces are generally available. During the day, you don't need to take the high-speed train to Zhongshan Scenic Area; you'll need to go into the city and take Metro Line 2, saving you the anxiety of finding parking in the old city.

Traveling alone: Stay in Xinjiekou or Laomendong for safety and convenience, and don't be afraid to go out at night.

If you're visiting Nanjing alone, especially if it's your first time, I wouldn't recommend choosing a remote, artsy inn or a hillside guesthouse. Half of Nanjing's charm lies in its nighttime atmosphere: the lights of Confucius Temple, the alleyways of Laomendong, and the food streets of Xinjiekou. When you're walking around at night and returning to your accommodation alone, convenient transportation and a lively atmosphere are far more important than "quiet."

For those with a mid-range budget, there are standalone hotels or upgraded rooms in chain brands south of Xinjiekou, with subway transfers right at their doorstep, making it less than half an hour to get anywhere. Those on a budgeter's block can choose small hotels or hostels near Laomendong; you can walk back home from Laomendong after 10 pm. For truly high-end budgets, resort hotels in Zijin Mountain are suitable for those seeking tranquility, but not for those constantly rushing around checking off landmarks, unless you simply want to spend time in nature.

A couple: Laomendong and Yihe Road, two directions, two different feelings of romance.

A couple visiting Nanjing chose accommodation along a route perfect for an evening stroll. The Laomendong area is a free-admission, beautifully lit neighborhood with many guesthouses converted from traditional Hui-style buildings tucked away in the alleys. While the most expensive isn't necessarily the best, the location is key. After enjoying Jiang Youji potstickers, the couple walked from Laomendong to Confucius Temple at a leisurely pace. This experience was far more memorable than staying in a high-rise in Hexi.

Another option is the Yihe Road mansion district, with its shady plane trees and understated, quiet Republican-era residences, perfect for couples who enjoy taking photos, drinking coffee, and not rushing through tourist attractions. The downside is that this area isn't as lively as Confucius Temple; the streets become less crowded after 9 PM, and you'll have to walk a bit to find late-night snacks. If you're the type who "spends the day sightseeing and just wants to relax in your room at night," then the business hotels in Xinjiekou are more practical—you'll get a good night's sleep and can get around easily, making it more worthwhile than paying for the atmosphere.

For family outings: Gulou or Chengdong area, size, elevator access, and nearby restaurants are more important than the view.

When traveling to Nanjing with elderly people and children, prioritize the Gulou area, which offers convenient access via elevator, restaurants downstairs, and easy access to hospitals. It's close to Metro Line 1, making it easy to visit Xuanwu Lake and Jiming Temple. There are also many local eateries nearby, so you don't need to eat at restaurants in tourist areas every time. For family trips, avoid squeezing into the narrow alleys of Laomendong or Confucius Temple, as dragging suitcases along cobblestone streets can be tiring and inconvenient for children.

If your child's itinerary focuses on Zhongshan Scenic Area, Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum, and Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum, then staying in the Xiaolingwei or Xiamafang area in the east of the city is more convenient. You can head into the mountains before the tour groups arrive in the morning, return for a rest at noon, and then visit the Nanjing Museum in the afternoon. Hotels in this area are mainly mid-range and chain brands; family rooms are easy to book, and breakfast and parking are convenient. Families with a higher budget can choose upscale hotels by Xuanwu Lake; the lake-view rooms offer a clear view, and children can sit quietly for at least ten minutes.

Group travel: The number of people determines where to stay; don't sacrifice efficiency in getting everyone together for the sake of a view.

When traveling in groups of four or more, the first principle isn't about finding the most aesthetically pleasing accommodations, but rather about convenience for meeting and parting. While the courtyard-style guesthouses in Laomendong have a certain charm, the bathroom and soundproofing can be awkward with multiple people. For groups, mid-range chain hotels near Xinjiekou or Daxinggong are better suited, offering single rooms or twin rooms, with the subway right downstairs. This way, some might want to drink while others want to sleep early, without disturbing each other.

For semi-formal groups like company team building or class reunions, the business hotel cluster in Hexi is actually very suitable. The hotels are new, the rooms are large, there are common areas, and they are close to the Nanjing Eye and the riverside promenade, making them great for taking photos in the evening. The downside is that you have to take the subway to get into the city, but the group isn't looking for "tourist attractions right outside the door," but rather for comfortable accommodations, easy conversations, and a good night's sleep.

Finally, consider the budget: cheap doesn't necessarily mean far, and expensive doesn't necessarily mean convenient.

For those on a budget, the most common choice is budget hotels along subway lines, such as the southern section of Line 1 and the northern section of Line 3, where the price per night is manageable. It's okay if you can't stay in the city center, but it must be within a ten-minute walk of a subway station. Nanjing's subway network is extensive, so even if you stay a little further away, as long as you're on a subway line, your travel will still be smooth.

For those with a mid-range budget, the widest range of choices is available. Comfortable hotels in Confucius Temple, Xinjiekou, Gulou, and Daxinggong all fall within this price range. The only consideration is whether you want to go out again after returning to the hotel today. If you do want to go out, choose Confucius Temple or Daxinggong; if you don't want to go out, choose a quiet side street in Xinjiekou.

For those on a high-end budget, it's not advisable to use "expensive" as the sole criterion. Nanjing's high-end hotels are distributed in three areas: Zijin Mountain, Xuanwu Lake, and Hexi, each with its own character. Zijin Mountain offers a sense of seclusion, Xuanwu Lake provides an urban resort feel, and Hexi exudes a metropolitan business atmosphere. Choose the area that best suits your lifestyle in Nanjing; otherwise, spending a lot of money only to wake up to an unpleasant view will be a waste of your money.