Hotel Universal

The Hotel Universal has a great location facing the Li River. It has undergone renovations and now crosses the border between a 3 or 4 star rating. That makes it comfortable enough for most travellers to Guilin.

Facilities

The renovations created a huge lobby. This is required for the Chinese hotel rating system but serves no great purpose.

Only some rooms were renovated. Hopefully all will be soon as there are some very 'tired' rooms. If you get one of these then ask to change.

Rooms are of a decent size and offer the typical furnishings that you would expect for  this type of hotel. Bathrooms are clean, with consistent hot water round the clock. Air-conditioning is centralized leaving you with less control but the temperature range is acceptable to most.

Services

The Hotel Universal offers a good level of service for foreign guests. There is always at least one member of staff at reception who speaks English, and often others who speak other European languages.

Since many groups stay at the hotel before a Li River Cruise you can expect the breakfast hall to be busy between 07:30 and 08:30. Busy is good in that this results in more choice and fresher foods.

The Bell Boys are exceptional; they are helpful upon arrival but really show their organisational skills when it comes to getting bags down in the mornings. Arrange to have your bags taken down whilst you are eating, and relax - mixups are rare.

Location

The Hotel Universal is located on Jiefangdong Road and faces the Li River. This puts it just one block from the pedestrian shopping area and within easy reach of Guilin's main street, ZhongShan Lu.

Many of Guilin's key sites are walkable from the Hotel Universal; too many to list.

In the evenings the section of Binjiang Road from the hotel and to the right becomes a street market, making for a pleasant evening stroll.