Suzhou is small and easy to walk, so stay near the canals.
Where to stay in Suzhou
Sleep in Suzhou instead of doing a day trip from Shanghai. The canals are prettier after dark, once the day-trippers have left.
The hotels I'd pick
How long to stay
One night is enough. Here is what to do.
Quick answers
Is it better to stay in Suzhou or do a day trip from Shanghai?
Stay one night. The canals are prettier after dark, and you can do the canal boat before 9 the next morning without the queue.
How much is a hotel in Suzhou?
Around $35 a night for the cheap one on the canal street.