If you like to spend time walking about, this hotel is near lots of shops, the Barkhor Bazaar and the Jokhang Temple. Staff was friendly and the elevator worked most days. The room was small, but we were on the quiet side of the hotel. The only real problem was the shower, which didn't have hot water all the time.... more

Room on the Alley/street side are very noisy,not good for sleeping outside the hours of 11pm to 6am.Parking lot side would be much quieter I imagine. Staff were not friendly at all never smiling or acknowledging there guest...not even a thank-you, upon checking out. Breakfast buffet was good, but runs out of few things after the first hour. Summit Cafe... more

Stayed at this hotel during the winter period so there wasn't a lot of travelers. The rooms were adequate and comfortable with its own air conditioner. Everything was clean and tidy. Staff were helpful and friendly. Although there's only a few floors to the hotel, there's a glass lift for those who don't want to brave the stairs at such... more

You need to keep in mind that you are going to Tibet. Do not expect US comfort or amenities. Having said that, we loved it there. The room was small, dirty and basic...and everything we expected. The location is the best. We sat out front for hours and just watched the people go by. Keep your expectations reasonable considering where... more

The hotel was decent for staying in Tibet. (Just look around on the streets and see the living conditions.) There is a wonderful cafe, The Summit Cafe, which I would recommend going to. It's in the same courtyard and is a nice little haven with great coffee and pastries, The staff is great too. more

Our travel agent notified us the day before departing that we would not be able to stay at the Kyi Chu (sp?) hotel because they didn't have a triple room. We arrived at the hotel and it was perfectly fine. The room, though small, had everything we needed. Don't flush too much toilet paper; our's became clogged! The hotel was... more

The hotel reception area initially looks good, but we found the reception staff to be cold and unfriendly. Our room was very small, dark, and basically filthy dirty, with a soiled carpet. The bathroom was a joke. Shower didnt work except for dribbling tepid water. They had made an attempt to fit a marble counter top. The sink was installed... more

This hotel was a delightful find in Lhasa. The staff spoke some English, the room was clean and quiet, laundry service excellent, and the buffet breakfast was good and plentiful. Actually, the best breakfast of a 3 week stay in China and Tibet. The bonus is a great coffee shop with cheap internet access right next to the hotel. The... more

The Shang Bala is perfectly located for Jokhang Temple and Barkhor with good restaurants within metres. The hotel is a little dated but more than acceptable. The lift was broken down for our entire stay making the suffocating affects of altitude sickness all the more prevailent but hey, this is Tibet. Breakfasts were good. The Summit Cafe in the Hotel... more