Full disclosure, hotels aren’t really something that I get all giddy over. It’s where I sleep, then what? The suite I had at Guilin‘s Tianlongwan Xiyue Hotel was an exception.
It overlooked Elephant Trunk Hill, which is why I woke up each morning to this view. And you know what? It made me actualy want to hang around in the room for a while rather than run out the door.
This article is about the suite, the lobby, and everything else I noticed in the hotel, as well as my walk over to Elephant Trunk Hill on the other side of river. This place will put you pretty much as near to the city’s most iconic sight as you can be if you are coming to Guilin.
My Stay at Tianlongwan Xiyue Hotel and Visit to Elephant Trunk Hill
Tianlongwan Xiyue Hotel Guilin
Located directly on the river front, I was able to spot one of those iconic karst mountain (with a pagoda on it) while outside. And yes, Guilin really is as beautiful as you’ve seen in photos, those limestone mountains just pop out everywhere!
Upon entering the lobby, I was very impressed at the polish and size of it all. It’s nicely spaced out. The high ceilings and marble floors gave it a proper high-end feel, but not in a stuffy way.
There was also a tourist map of all the main attractions in Guilin located around the reception area, this turned out to be very helpful when trying to get my bearings! There is plenty of seating around the lounge area as well in case you has to wait for someone or simply want to relax somewhere more comfortable than your room.
My suite began with a small entry hall followed by a good sized closet. It is practical space for hanging up clothes and unpacking, and there is nothing fancy here.
There were a few comfy chairs with views out the floor to ceiling windows in the living area which, truth be told, is where I sat most of my time here. It looked out over the karst mountains and even from the bed as well. However, other than that view the room wasn’t anything special design-wise, it was white linen, simple moddern decor, not terribly memorable, but clean.
The bathroom was quite open-plan (though the tub was actually freestanding in the main suite space). I rarely take baths, so I only used it once just because the setup felt a bit indulgent. , as well as the typical lineup of toiletries on the countertop.
It was clean and well-kept, what more can you ask for?
There was a Nespresso machine, a complete tea set, and a fully-stocked mini-bar. I would wake up each morning and make myself some coffee and simply hang out at the window; this became my own little ritual.
Because of where my room was located, I had a perfect view of Elephant Trunk Hill across the river.
Once you know what to look for, the hill really looks just like an elephant dipping his trunk in the water. I returned to that view again and again.
Because I had it, I could sit there watching it throughout the day. I saw everything from the soft morning light to the crowds of people circling it in the late afternoon, and finally everyone settling down for the night in the evenings.
Beside the bed were all the usual controls for the room, such as WiFi info. There was also some information sheets about the hotel services and local tips. It was nice to see that they had these in both languages.
As for space: yes, this is a very spacious suite. It’s almost more like an apartment than a hotel room! Looking back from the bedroom toward the living area and that bathtub setup, it felt more like a small apartment then a hotel room.
If being close to the major attraction is important (and you don’t want to battle traffic getting there), this hotel is a great choice. So have you visited Guilin? Is it on your list?
I’d love to know where else you’d suggest visiting around town.
