The first decision in Guilin and Yangshuo is not which hotel but which base. Guilin is the city, with the airport, the railway stations and the Elephant Trunk Hill and Reed Flute Cave sights. Yangshuo is the small town about ninety minutes away, with the cycling, the bamboo rafts and the nightlife. Many travellers split the stay between them, and that usually works best. Here is how the areas compare and where the five hotels in this guide fit.
Guilin city centre: the lakes and the walkable base
If you want to be on foot, the waterfront around the Two Rivers and Four Lakes is the area for you. The Sheraton Guilin Hotel is a short walk from Shan Lake and about sixteen minutes on foot from Elephant Trunk Hill, with the railway station about seven minutes away by car. It is the practical choice for a first night or two in the city, with a rooftop terrace, a pool and several restaurants, and rates that are often moderate for a five-star hotel.
Guilin riverside: the full-service resort
Shangri-La Guilin sits on the riverbank and offers indoor and seasonal outdoor pools, a spa, a health club and a large number of rooms, with free stays for children up to eleven using existing beds. It is a quieter, more resort-like base than the city centre, and a good choice for families and for travellers who want facilities and calm after long days. You will use taxis or arranged transfers for sightseeing, so factor that into your plans.
Yangshuo town: close to everything
West Street is the social heart of Yangshuo, and staying within walking distance means you can eat, shop and rent bikes without taking a car. Huaxia Boutique Inn on Bilian Lane is the budget option here, about a nine-minute walk from West Street and next to Yangshuo Park, with simple mountain-view rooms and help with tours and tickets. It suits backpackers, couples on a budget and anyone who plans to spend their days outdoors. If you are a light sleeper, ask for a quiet room, since bars can run late.
The Yulong River countryside: quiet and scenic
For the best views and the quietest nights, stay on the river. Yangshuo Mountain Retreat is a country hotel with river-view rooms, free bicycles, a spa and hiking trails right outside, about eleven minutes by car from West Street. It is a good mid-range choice for cyclists, families and photographers. The trade-off is that restaurants nearby are limited, so you will eat at the hotel or ride into town for dinner.
Yangshuo's splurge
Yangshuo SugarHouse, on Dongling Road a few minutes from the Li River, is the most luxurious option, with garden rooms, townhouses, pool villas, a spa, an outdoor pool and a children's pool. It is about nine minutes by car from West Street, so it is peaceful but not walkable, which suits couples and families who want space and a resort feel. Expect higher rates than the others, especially in holiday periods.
How to choose
For a first trip, a good split is two nights in Guilin at the Sheraton or Shangri-La, then three nights in Yangshuo at the Mountain Retreat or SugarHouse for the countryside, or the Huaxia Boutique Inn if you want to be on foot and keep costs down. Book ahead for the October holiday and the autumn and spring peaks, when rooms are scarce and prices rise. Check transfer options from the airport and between Guilin and Yangshuo, since a pre-arranged car is usually easier than public transport. Finally, check the room details such as view, air conditioning and noise, because rooms vary by category and by building.
