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Author: Yangers | Total views: 20 Comments: 0
Word Count: 742 Date: Sat, 28 Mar 2009 3:46 AM

Magnolia Hotel, Yangshuo

The Magnolia Hotel, Yangshuo, is located on Die Cui Road, one block back from the Li River and one block away from Yangshuo's famous West Street. This suits most visitors, especially those who want to be right in the heart of Yangshuo's thriving activities. There are a few bars on the side street leading up to West Street so guests must accept some noise until late. That said, few complain; they are either out enjoying the nightlife or tired after a full day and not disturbed by the background beat.

The hotel offers three types of room:

Standard Rooms have twin beds.;
Deluxe Double Rooms offer one large bed; and
Family Rooms offer one bedroom with a large bed and another with twin beds.

All rooms have en-suite bathrooms with 24-hour hot water, air-conditioning and cable television.

The decor throughout the hotel is calming. It was apparently inspired by the Ming Dynasty style and there are some nice touches in the rooms as well as in the public spaces.

The Magnolia Hotel offers not just a lobby but several other spots for guests to relax. Behind the reception there is a sitting area with a fish-pond and a small library. Upstairs there is another semi-open sitting area. Off to the side of reception there is a small sitting area with a computer for the use of guests, with a reasonably fast internet connection. (Those with a laptop can enjoy free wi-fi connection throughout the hotel.)

The hotel has just introduced an on-line booking service meaning that you can check availability and get instant confirmation of your booking at the price of a 10% deposit made through Paypal.

This booking system allows you to arrange a transfer to the Magnolia Hotel from your previous point (usually Guilin airport). This is most convenient as it can be very expensive to catch a taxi from Guilin if only arranged upon arrival.

The ground floor contains three outlets of interest.

The Pure Lotus Vegetarian Restaurant offers great food in attractive surroundings. Meat eaters enjoy the food as well as those who regularly abstain.

The Yangshuo Seven Star Plantation Tea Shop offers tea grown locally as well as other teas from around China.

The Tribal Leather Bag Shop has a range of ethnic-style bags; ideal as gifts or a souvenir of your visit.

Most visitors to Yangshuo enjoy excursions to the countryside. These can be arranged from the hotel.

One of the best options is to take a bike ride. Mountain bikes can be hired from just outside the Magnolia Hotel. Maps are available and you can easily ride off on your own. Do not forget water, sun protection and your camera. You can choose to take a guide if you like. It is worth finding out about experience and checking the level of English as these important factors vary quite widely.

Hiking is also enjoyable. Some of the best hikes follow the Li River and Yulong River banks. Boat trips are becoming more popular as the range of options has increased over the last few years. These can be combined with bike trips or hikes to make for wonderful days out.

The less active enjoy Yangshuo because of its great range of shops and restaurants.

The best bargains to be had are on local arts and crafts though there has been a trend towards more boutique-style outlets. Clothes shopping is now on par with many cities.

Traditional local dishes, broader Chinese dishes, other Asian foods and Western foods are all available at a range of establishments from budget to relative luxury. Look out for Guilin Noodles for breakfast and Beer Fish for an exotic dinner.

You can also use your time in Yangshuo to learn a new school. Lessons are a popular option. There are several cooking schools offering a trip to the market as well as instructions in the preparation of dishes. Many like to try their hand at Tai'Chi, and painting/calligraphy lessons can be surprisingly fun.

Whatever you decide to do, check out the Magnolia Hotel, Yangshuo for your accommodation. It is comfortable and convenient; a home away from home.