Universal Guilin

Via our in-country travel agent, Top China Travel, we requested a river view room, were assigned a two-room suite that was set up for families with young children, and it was SOO adorable! Being that we were a couple, NOT traveling with children, I wished we DID have kids with us because they would have squealed with delight when they saw the pink Peppa Pig bedspreads, wall decals on the bedroom and bathroom walls, rocking horse, foam blocks and kid-sized tent to play with, Peppa Pig mugs, and cutest of all, the toddler-sized bear cub-themed potty seat and step stool (check out my pictures). The two rooms were large enough, the windows overlooking the river, bridge, trees, a lit-up pagoda and a small park were huge, and the view of Guilin's famous karst mountains were stunning. Like others have written in reviews, these windows could certainly use a cleaning and the views would be even more compelling. We found a few amenities in the room to be unique to this hotel: while there were complimentary water bottles, there were also other bottles on the desk of presumably higher quality water for sale plus beer and wine, and, in the bathroom, there were boxes of ladies' and men's underwear, stockings and socks. Outside the door to the room/suite is a console with a doorbell, a light switch to request a room clean, plus a few other buttons and switches. There is also a cute, kid-style "My Room" sign hanging on that door. Breakfast here was a huge disappointment, with foreigners being "assigned" to the Western-style breakfast on one side of the dining room, and Chinese guests being ushered to the Asian breakfast on another side, for which everyone received a color-coded ticket to present at breakfast. Food choice was limited, the amount of it was also limited, and hot foods were served at room temperature. Not satisfying at all. The lobby is a VERY busy place as this appears to be a tour group go-to hotel, there is a massage day "spa" right off the lobby which had good prices, as well as a travel agency. The Zheng Yang Pedestrian Street, a perfect destination for people-watching, shopping, dining, the Sun and Moon Pagodas, etc. is steps away, and I'd recommend a walk on the Li River promenade, day or night.

We used this as our base for a river cruise on the riverLi,toYangshuo village. Guilin is surrounded by lime peaks,hills,unbelieveable country side,fishermen,buffalo,around every corner,although the town is really built up,and a tradeing town. The hotel was comfortable,central,good breakfast with all services provided.Busy night life on street,long street market selling lots of cheap soveneirs,food,2 minutes walk away, We returned here as it was reasonable priced with good facilities.

We have got the recommendation for this hotel from to chinese travellers on the train Xi'an - Guilin! - and now we recommend this hotel too, - nothing wrong for 3 nights :) Early birds, nothing wrong with the breakfast buffet either - Ok, well prepared, tasty and warm dishes for dinner! Friendly staff reception, restaurant and roomservice! ( April, some years ago!)