I stayed at Xining Sanyu Hotel and found it to be a comfortable option for a short stay in the city.
During my visit, the hotel appeared to be catering mainly to large tour groups, so the atmosphere felt quite busy at times. Upon arrival, there was no assistance available with luggage, which was a little surprising.
That said, I was also told that service standards in Northwest China can differ from what travelers may be accustomed to in larger international cities, so I adjusted my expectations accordingly.
The hotel itself was comfortable enough for an overnight stay and served its purpose well. While the service experience was fairly basic, it remains a practical choice for travelers passing through Xining.
I had two short (two nights each) stays at the San Want. The desk staff is excellent- they get things done, are friendly with a tourist with no Mandarin, and seem to genuinely care about my well being. Checkin was easy and smooth. I had a reservation through Trip.com. There is a food street next door, a Bank of China branch on the corner, and plenty of available taxis and a public bus system that is efficient. It is not a new building, but the owners maintain it. The house restaurant is okay, but there are many choices right outside the door. I will stay again if I return to Xining.