Cheap & good are relative, but I think you can get something acceptable for under 200. Hostel for under 100 (try The Hump, which also has at least one single room for under 100).

People assume that hostels are a cheaper offering. Very often this is not the case. It offers a certain 'style', but very often these days you can find a better room, in secure hotel for less. The friend I mentioned in the last post, chose that hotel because he thought hostel prices were too high in KMG for what you get.

To look for hotels, rates, etc - go to ctrip.com, click on the English language button. They have general rates for most hotels, including the lower budget but ubiquitous Home Inns et al.

Stay away from the "love hotels" which typically charge in 4 hour increments - might not be as secure as the lower budget business hotels, although Home Inn also charges in 4 hour increments.

There's also the "Fairy Land" hotel chains.

ctrip english is more expensive than the chinese version fyi.

@laofengzi

Before I buy my ticket I usually check against the Chinese version. It's never been any different, although the information has been presented differently.

The Hotels I have wanted have always had the same price in both versions, although the Chinese version has more choice.

The Chinese version has more features such as entry tickets and group travel.

So In the 20-30 times I have used it, I have never seen any price difference between English and Chinese versions, although the Chinese version breaks prices down differently. I was also once able to buy a ticket on the Chinese version which was down as 'sold out' on the English version.

I'll always compare with booking.com and qunar.com before booking anything as many a time those other two are cheaper.

Note that you can often get a price lower than the prices advertised at hotel counter.

can nearly always get cheaper lots cheaper