Lhasa has the widest selection of accommodation in Tibet, from international five-star hotels to charming Tibetan boutique guesthouses. But choosing the right hotel here isn't quite the same as booking a room in Beijing or Shanghai. The altitude, the location, and a few Tibet-specific practicalities all deserve a closer look before you decide.
This guide walks you through what actually matters when choosing a hotel in Lhasa—so you can sleep well at altitude, stay comfortable through the cold nights, and spend your energy on the travel itself.
1. Choosing International Chain Brand Hotels
At 3,650 metres (nearly 12,000 feet) above sea level, Lhasa's altitude means hotel conditions here may not be as good as what you're used to in other major cities.
We recommend high-rated, international chain-brand hotels such as the St. Regis, Shangri-La, and InterContinental, as they're more reliable choices.
St. Regis Hotel in LhasaThey usually offer better oxygen supply systems, heating, and humidifiers, all helpful for adjusting to the altitude.
Another important reason is that not all hotels in Tibet are licensed to host foreign guests, while international chain hotels are generally qualified to receive international travelers. However, foreign visitors can not book Tibet hotels in person; you still need to book the hotels through an authorized travel agency.
There are also some local chain brands, such as Tibethostel and Songtsam Linka. Their ratings are more like around 3 to 4, but they also have good facilities and qualifications to host foreign guests.
Except for the chain brands, there are also some Tibetan-style boutique hotels in Lhasa, and most of their buildings are old wooden structures with touches of the Tibetan lifestyle.
However, some older hotels and guesthouses do not have elevators, which can make climbing stairs with luggage or after a full day of sightseeing more tiring at high altitude. If you are traveling with seniors, have mobility concerns, or just prefer comfort and convenience, chain hotels are usually the better choice.
2. Choosing Diffused Oxygen Rooms rather than oxygen concentrators
There are two types of oxygen supplies in Tibet hotels: diffused oxygen (弥散供氧) and oxygen concentrators (制氧机). Diffused oxygen is usually the most comfortable option at night if the hotel provides a good diffused oxygen system.
Diffused oxygen pipes the enriched air through the ventilation system, raising the oxygen level throughout the entire room. You can breathe normally, or use the nasal cannula at the air outlet to alleviate altitude sickness.
Oxygen concentrators are bedside machines with a mask or tube. They can provide oxygen, but they do not actually increase the oxygen level in the whole room. They may also make some noise at night, which can affect sleep.
Tips: Rooms with diffused oxygen will be more expensive. Tell us your preferences and we'll confirm the right room for you before booking.
3. Choosing Hotels with Good Heating If Visiting in Winter
Lhasa's nights and winters are cold, and heating quality varies. Most international hotels use central heating or in-room climate control, which is reliable. Smaller guesthouses may rely on electric heaters and electric blankets, which can struggle to warm a room overnight when temperatures drop below freezing. If you're visiting between November and March, we suggest steering away from smaller guesthouses in older buildings.
4. Choosing to Stay around Potala Or Barkhor Street
Lhasa is not a large city, and most hotels are located in the downtown area. In general, accommodation falls into two main zones: around the Potala Palace or around Jokhang Temple and Barkhor Street. Both areas sit in the city center, close to Lhasa's main attractions, with convenient transportation and access to restaurants.
If you prefer more modern hotels and higher comfort, staying near the Potala Palace is usually the better choice. This area has more international chain hotels with newer facilities, and some rooms offer impressive Potala Palace views. It is also generally quieter and more spacious, making it the area we most recommend, especially for first-time visitors.
Tip: If a Potala Palace view matters to you, pay attention to the distance. Some hotels on the outskirts of the city advertise Potala views and deliver on the promise, technically. But for a genuinely impressive view from your room, look for hotels within about 4 kilometres of the Potala Palace. At that distance, the palace fills your window the way it should.
If you're more interested in a Tibetan cultural atmosphere, you can stay around Barkhor Street. This is the historic heart of Lhasa, where you can walk to Jokhang Temple and see pilgrims circling the temple throughout the day.
Many hotels here are Tibetan-style guesthouses in older buildings. They may not offer Potala Palace views from the rooms, but some have rooftop terraces where you can still enjoy wide views of the old city. Staying here feels more like living in the middle of local daily life.
A hotel featuring Tibetan-style architecture5. Our Recommended Hotels
With all of the above in mind, here are the hotels we recommend to our clients—selected for their foreign guest licences, oxygen setups, location, and overall comfort.
Here's a quick comparison:
- Overall Best Choice: St. Regis Lhasa Resort
- Best Potala View: Tibethostel Scenic Hotel
- Best Tibetan-style: Songtsam Lhasa Linka
For more information, you can check the table below.
| Hotel | Star Rating | Area | Oxygen Supply | Heating | Potala View |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| St. Regis Lhasa Resort | 5-star | Vicinity of the Potala Palace | Diffused (premium rooms);concentrator (standard) | Underfloor heating and air-conditioning | √Certain room types |
| Shangri-La Hotel Lhasa | 5-star | Vicinity of the Potala Palace | Concentrator in rooms; diffused oxygen lounge on ground floor | Air-conditioning | √Certain room types |
| InterContinental Lhasa Paradise | 5-star | Vicinity of the Potala Palace | Diffused (8 pm to 8 am); concentrator available | Underfloor heating and air-conditioning | √Certain room types |
| Tibethostel Scenic Hotel | 4-star | Vicinity of the Potala Palace | Concentrator | Underfloor heating and air-conditioning | √Certain room types |
| Songtsam Lhasa Linka | 5-star Boutique | Barkhor & Jokhang Area | Diffused (all rooms) | Radiator | No |
| Thangka Hotel | 4-star Boutique | Barkhor & Jokhang Area | Diffused (premium rooms); concentrator (standard) | Air-conditioning | No |
| Shambhala Palace | 3-star Boutique | Barkhor & Jokhang Area | No | Radiator | No |
Not sure which hotel suits you best? Tell us your preferences, and we'll recommend the right option and confirm all the details before booking.
Plan Your Lhasa Trip with Us
Choosing hotels in Lhasa may be overwhelming. Just tell us your preferences on location or comfort, and our travel experts will design a personalized itinerary including the best hotels for you.
Contact us to start planning, or see our popular Tibet tours below: