Flames had surged up one side of the hotel and sent off huge plumes of black smoke, showering the ground with embers as police held back crowds of onlookers.
Xinhua news agency says the blaze, which started just after the building was showered with sparks from fireworks set off during a holiday celebration, was put out early Tuesday after burning for at least five hours.
One firefighter was killed in the fire, the state media has reported.
Seven people were injured in the fire and taken to hospital. Doctors said the injuries were not life threatening.