How to Choose a Hotel in Sanya? Mark This Hotel Selection Guide

Wondering how to pick the perfect hotel in Sanya? This guide has you covered!

▶️ Sanya Bay
✅ Pros: Close to the airport (just a 10-minute taxi ride) / Fine sand perfect for kids to play in
❎ Cons: No private beach

Most online recommendations for Sanya accommodations focus on Haitang Bay and Yalong Bay, but my stay at the Pullman Sanya Bay Resort was fantastic. The hotel has an underground passage leading directly to the beach and Coconut Dream Corridor, offering a quiet and relaxing vibe reminiscent of a Southeast Asian getaway. The hotel even upgraded me to a panoramic sea-view suite on the 16th floor with stunning ocean views!

I also stayed at the Resort Intime Sanya, which I don’t recommend. The rooms are outdated, with non-central AC and even a fan. The walk to the beach is a bit long, though the price is cheap—around ¥500 on weekends.

▶️ Haitang Bay
✅ Pros: Many luxury hotels, great for staying in and taking photos, close to the duty-free mall
❎ Cons: Strong waves, not suitable for swimming

Since I wanted my child to play in the sand and water, I skipped booking a hotel here. Note: It takes about 40 minutes by taxi from Yalong Bay to Haitang Bay. If you plan to shop at the duty-free mall, consider booking a luxury hotel here for a night.

▶️ Yalong Bay
✅ Pros: Many luxury hotels with private beaches
❎ Cons: Choosing the right hotel

Many hotels in Yalong Bay share the same stretch of beach, like MGM, Sheraton, and Marriott, which are just a few hundred meters apart. I stayed at MGM this time and was underwhelmed—I wouldn’t go back. The check-in wait was two hours, and the crowded atmosphere ruined the relaxing vibe. The on-site dining is overpriced and mediocre.

On a nice day, though, lounging on a chair with the breeze, watching Dad swim and Mom nap while the kids play in the sand makes for a perfect afternoon.