Guilin Qiong Family Apartment

This is certainly not the swishest hotel but the drawbacks are made up for by the owners. Even before I had left home I had been emailed asking if I needed transport from the airport as well as any tours arranged. Upon arrival about 9.30pm Mrs Qiong greeted me and asked if I needed anything. When I said I wanted milk and some other items she accompanied me to the local supermarket. She arranged for her husband to take me on a city tour (at a price of course) and sorted out a Li River cruise. On the morning of the river cruise she escorted me to where the bus was to collect me so I wouldn't get lost. All transactions are carried out in either your room or their room/office as there isn't really a reception area. The hotel has free wi-fi in all rooms plus a kitchenette, fridge and even a washing machine on the balcony. The place has a real family feel to it in the way the owners interact with the guests. Little wonder it was fully occupied. As I said, all this makes up for some drawbacks. There is no housekeeping service including emptying of wastepaper baskets. The bed is very hard as it is just a soft underlay thrown over a timber base, no real mattress. Worst of all it has an Asian style toilet. Just remember not to step back when in the shower as you have to step over the toilet to reach the shower in the first place. If your stay is a short one you may be able to just make minimal use of it. Whilst the negatives may sound bad, it's hard not to like this place after the friendly treatment by the great owners.