what are the prices like for the hotels in fenghuang city?

If you do not want to visit the old residences of some famous people, or take the ship on Tuojiang River, you need not to pay addmiddion fee. There are many hostels and inns in the old town, 100-200RMB, generally. Some better ones, such as Shiguangruchujian Coffee Hostels is about 300-350RMB with spacious room and riveside balcony. I like this one. When you get to the town, some people may talk to you and recommend their hostels. Thank them but look for a place by yourself!