The best hotels in Guilin

This older section of the Waterfall Hotel property offers basic but clean rooms at a fraction of the main tower price. It sits on Binjiang Road, steps from the Two Rivers and Four Lakes scenic area. Rooms are compact and furnishings are dated, but everything works and the beds are comfortable. The location for exploring central Guilin on foot is hard to beat at this price. Skip the in-house restaurant and eat at the night market two blocks away.

The Bravo sits on Zhongshan South Road near the train station, making it a solid base for day trips to Yangshuo and the Reed Flute Cave. Rooms are simple but kept tidy, and the staff speaks enough English to be genuinely helpful. The breakfast buffet is included and covers the basics without being impressive. Noise from the street can be noticeable on lower floors so request a higher room. Good choice if you are spending most of your time outside the hotel.

This small independent hotel sits directly on the Li River bank on Binjiang Road, giving front rooms an unobstructed view of the karst peaks across the water. The building is modern and kept in good condition, with rooms that are comfortable without being flashy. It is a short walk to Elephant Trunk Hill and the central park. Staff are attentive and can arrange Li River cruise tickets at reasonable prices. Pay the small premium for a river-view room because the standard rooms face a back alley.

Vienna Hotel is a reliable Chinese business chain and this Guilin branch on Zhongshan Middle Road delivers consistent quality at a fair price. Rooms are well-maintained with firm mattresses, good blackout curtains, and fast WiFi. The location puts you close to the main shopping street and local restaurants. It is not a destination hotel but a practical and comfortable place to sleep after long days sightseeing. The lobby coffee bar is a convenient spot to plan your day.

The Landscape Hotel is located near Seven Star Park in the eastern part of the city, away from the busiest tourist corridors. Rooms facing the park have genuine karst hill views that feel authentic rather than staged. The property has a calm, garden-style courtyard and staff who are noticeably attentive. It is about a 15-minute walk to the central Two Rivers area but the quieter surroundings make the tradeoff worthwhile. A solid choice for travellers who want character over convenience.

The Lijiang Waterfall Hotel is one of Guilin's most recognized mid-range properties, famous for the large artificial waterfall cascading down its facade on Binjiang Road. The rooms in the main tower are spacious and well-appointed with views toward the Li River and surrounding peaks. Service is professional and the lobby is genuinely impressive in scale. The central location means you can walk to most major attractions including Elephant Trunk Hill in under ten minutes. Book the superior river-view rooms for the best experience.

Set near Gui Lake in the Xiufeng District, this hotel has a quieter and more refined atmosphere than properties near the train station. The traditional Chinese garden design of the grounds is well-executed and gives it genuine charm. Rooms are clean and tastefully decorated with wooden accents. The surrounding area has good local restaurants and the lakeside walking path is pleasant in the evenings. Couples will appreciate the peaceful setting and the lake-view room options.

The Sheraton Guilin occupies a prime position on Binjiang Road right on the Li River, and it remains one of the most professionally run properties in the city. Rooms are spacious and well-maintained with the reliable Sheraton bed quality you expect. The hotel has a full-service fitness center, a good outdoor pool, and multiple dining options. Business travelers will appreciate the meeting facilities and the consistent service standards. River-facing rooms on upper floors provide some of the best karst peak views available from a hotel in Guilin.

Rosewood Guilin sits within a large private estate in the Chuanshan District, surrounded by karst hills and rice paddies well outside the city center. The architecture is spectacular, blending traditional Guangxi village design with luxury resort standards. Villas and suites are exceptionally spacious with private courtyards or balconies facing the mountains. The spa, multiple pools, and fine dining restaurants make leaving the property optional for at least a day or two. This is the most complete luxury experience available in the Guilin region.

Banyan Tree Guilin is set on a hillside in the Yanshan District with dramatic karst peak scenery on all sides and its own private lake. Each villa is freestanding with a private pool and direct views of the limestone hills, making the design as impressive as anything in the region. The service level is consistently exceptional and the staff anticipates needs without being intrusive. The Banyan Tree Spa here is widely regarded as the best in Guilin. This is a genuine destination resort where the property itself is the experience.