Guilin Grand Link Hotel

There isn’t a bidet in the toilet, and the whole hotel feels old-fashioned. The employees don’t speak English, the breakfast is just so-so, and there’s nothing around the hotel. I wouldn’t recommend it for young people, and I probably wouldn’t book unless I were with a tour group. Still, if you’re looking for a budget hotel, it’s reasonably priced.

The rooms themselves were comfortable, nicely appointed, and had good beds, hot bath and shower water. But I wouldn’t stay here again. We had a lot of trouble communicating with everyone, from reception and the restaurants to room service, housekeeping, and the manager. Staff often had to use phone translator apps, and it was hard to order because I’d guess only about half the menu items were available. Of the hotel’s five restaurants and café, just two were open, and neither was a pleasant meal. People smoke in the restaurants, including inside the hotel, and there was a lingering cigarette smell in our room despite the NO SMOKING signs. We even had a ridiculous struggle trying to get fresh milk for tea in the room, and ended up paying CNY 4 for a tetra pack. The buffet breakfast was very Chinese, as expected, with nothing Western, so be prepared. Staff were quick to shake their heads and say the one English word they seemed to know, “NO”. This place isn’t suitable for guests who speak only English.

The rooms are clean and spacious, and it’s an inexpensive option for a stay of a few nights. Breakfast is mostly Chinese food, so don’t expect many Western dishes.

Guilin Grand Link Hotel is a four star hotel in Guilin city, set along the Li River. The city is known for having what people call the best scenery in China.