If you're visiting Chongqing (重庆) and want a room with a jaw-dropping view without breaking the bank, the Nova Planet High Altitude River View Hotel is worth considering — with a few caveats.
Finding the Place
Getting to the hotel is an adventure in itself. Signage leading to the entrance is minimal, so give yourself extra time. Once inside the building, you'll take one elevator up to around the 40th floor, then switch to a second lift to reach the hotel on the 61st floor. It's a bit of a journey, but it sets the tone for what's to come.
The Room
Be prepared for some wear and tear. The lobby carries a noticeable smell of stale cigarette smoke — the kind that builds up in an indoor space over years — which was the biggest downside on arrival. The rooms themselves are serviceable but show their age, with older fixtures and fittings that have seen better days. One window hinge in my room was completely snapped, with only a chain keeping it attached to the building — not something you expect 61 floors up.
There's something about the hotel's faded futuristic aesthetic that oddly works. It leans right into Chongqing's well-earned cyberpunk (赛博朋克) reputation.
The bathtub-by-the-window setup — a highlight of the stay.
The View — The Real Reason to Stay
This is where the hotel earns its keep. The panoramic views of Chongqing from this height are genuinely spectacular. During my stay the weather was foggy and rainy, but rather than being a disappointment, the nighttime view was unforgettable — the city lights illuminating the fog in layers, creating an atmospheric, almost cinematic glow across the skyline.
Chongqing's skyline through fog and rain — better than a clear night.
Pricing & Who It's For
Rooms range from roughly $30 to $70 USD depending on when you book. At the lower end of that range, it's absolutely worth it. This hotel is best suited for travelers who prioritize views and atmosphere over polish, and who don't mind a little rough around the edges in exchange for a one-of-a-kind Chongqing experience.
Book via Trip.com (携程) and keep an eye out for the best rates.
Rough around the edges, but the 61st-floor views more than make up for it. At $30–50 a night, this is one of the most memorable stays you can have in Chongqing. Come for the views, stay for the atmosphere — just go in with realistic expectations about the condition of the rooms.