Jiali Hotel - Qingyun Branch

Keep the hotel number handy and give it to your taxi driver to call for directions because he will most surely have never heard of this little hotel tucked away in this run down part of town. Also keep your hotel reservation print out and translation book handy because the confused, but friendly, monoglot front desk staff will need some time to get your check in worked out upon which they will walk you to your room. The first thing you will notice when entering the room is the crisp night air, perfect for those who enjoy a bit of the outdoors indoors. If sleeping in a 40 degree chill is not your idea of comfort, no worries. Just slide the wide open windows shut. Please do not try to turn on the heat because the big white monstrosity precariously hanging from the wall perhaps once operated as a heater of sorts during the mid-century (perfect for aficionados of antiques) but is now regulated to a noisy fan held together by several folded up wads of cardboard. Well, you might think at this point a hot shower could ward off that chill that has set in your bones. In this regard, you are in luck. Slip on your complimentary plastic slippers and step into the grimy shower where you can enjoy one of two temperatures: either a barely tolerable hot shower that will require you to spray water on your body in short spurts to avoid scalding, or, if you prefer, a boiling hot shower. If you fiddle with the faucet long enough you may stumble upon the elusive very cold water temperature for those with particular requirements. Time for bed! As you make the short walk from the bathroom to bed, take a moment to appreciate the unique rose pink and aqua blue decor. You may not see it anywhere else. As tempted as you might be to jump into bed and let your body and mind recuperate from travel, please refrain from doing so especially if you are elderly or suffer from poor bone density. So long as you distribute your weight evenly across the mattress, there is no risk of being gored by sturdy, unyeilding mattress springs. The ultra-thin poorly cushioned spring cover is another layer of safety to prevent the breaking of skin. If by some chance you are one of those who prefer something more comfortable than a bed of nails to sleep on, you may be tempted to lay on the floor until you actually take a closer look at the carpet. No worries! This bed will ensure you rise bright and early to give you plenty of time to look for a new hotel from the free internet terminal in the lobby. In the meantime, enjoy some TV before bed. Reminisce as the snowy, line filled screen brings you back to a time of frustrating rabbit eared antenna reception. Sweet dreams!