Banyan Tree Yangshuo

“Wonderful relaxing retreat in breathtaking scenery”

Our trip to the Banyan Tree came close to the end of a month-long trip to China, by which time we were certainly in need of some R&R. If that is what you are looking for, you will most definitely find it here. We were in contact with the property some time before our arrival since we travel indepe… more

Our trip to the Banyan Tree came close to the end of a month-long trip to China, by which time we were certainly in need of some R&R. If that is what you are looking for, you will most definitely find it here. We were in contact with the property some time before our arrival since we travel independently and had booked a high speed train here from Chongqing. There was some debate about which station to use since there are more options to Guilin, but Yangshuo is closer. It the end the hotel arranged a car for our arrival at Yangshuo which is only about 30 mins away max, and the same car took us to Guilin for our departure, which is more like 90 mins. Neither is particularly difficult, but this is obviously not a city hotel - that's the whole point. Upon arrival one is checked in efficiently and we were taken to our room by golf cart which was pleasant but unnecessary as the property is not very large and it linked together via walkways and pathways. Being from the US I am used to bell staff hovering for tips and that happened here, which is about the only place in China I encountered it. There isn't supposed to be a tipping culture here and my Chinese friends were appalled! Our room was delightful, more like a mini-suite with separate seating area and a balcony. The bathroom takes up a corner of the large bedroom and it is cordoned off with sliding doors. Hard to explain but works well. Separate toilet, walj in shower and massive tub. It is very comfortable. Two basins as well. The setting is breathtaking, being as it is set within the stunning karst landscape that features in the 20 Yuen note (if you can even find one in this largely cashless society). The river flows past the property and was very high and fast flowing when we arrived due to recent rains, although it dropped steadily during our 4 day stay. The grounds are a delight to stroll through and there are numerous resident birds, especially peacocks who make a lot of noise and will also display their wonderful plumage regularly. There is a picturesque pagoda, koi ponds etc. It is delightful. There are things to do here laid on by the hotel who are very helpful. Many of the friendly staff speak pretty good English but not all. However I don't expect people to speak my language wherever I go and translation apps certainly help here. There is a medium sized dining area that serves both traditional Chinese food and western fare should you prefer that. The menu is large and varied. Breakfast is in the same space and there are plenty of options there too. There was another restaurant on site but that appeared to be closed during our visit. There is an outstanding spa here. If you have the time I highly recommend it. Not cheap (the whole place is not cheap) but among the best treatments I have ever had. Try the traditional indian oil massage for example - absolutely outstanding. This is not a place to come if you are looking for nightclub and bar action but seriously, with all the wonderful cities in China, why would you come here for that? This is a place to come and relax and experience the otherworldly scenery and in it's attempt to provide that, it succeeds admirably.

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“Best resort for family in Guangxi and most friendly for traveling from Greater Bay Area”

Banyan tree will never disappointed you and name itself its kind of guarantee and I felt shamed to sharing my unforgettable experience this late but I do my best to recall every detail from the pictures our family took. It was right before CNY, I booked for my family as retreat, I booked 2 imperial… more

Banyan tree will never disappointed you and name itself its kind of guarantee and I felt shamed to sharing my unforgettable experience this late but I do my best to recall every detail from the pictures our family took. It was right before CNY, I booked for my family as retreat, I booked 2 imperial retreat villa at a packaged deal, with breakfast inclusive plus 1 hour photo taking inside hotel, that’s what we need to record another great year. Arrival experience is so smooth, warm without disturbing guests to collect too many informations, 2 villas just few steps away, with a nice garden, spacious living area, bedroom as well as the bathroom with bathtub already rose flower decorated~~~ with the quality of Banyan tree bath salt, definitely did a trial. Resort itself is a destination, hotel curated a range of activities, from the evening local minority dancing welcome ceremony in their costumes, so photogenic framed by Guilin phenomenal landscape. Evening turn down is another touch, my 85 years old mom just love it. Next morning, woke up for breakfast and it is also rich variety, cater guests with different appetites. Resort is it huge~~ my niece rent bike to biking around, peacocks around you and also some other animals like duck or swan on its pond, I should booked 3 nights next time. My entire family member highly commented this arrangement and I know I will come back.

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“Nice place but in need of refurbishment”

Nice hotel, well located on the shores of the river. Excellent western breakfast. Dining options for western food ok. Unfortunately the premises need urgent refurbishment. The pool area is tiny. The pool bar was closed all the time. Language barriers are very big and the staff cannot respond to… more

Nice hotel, well located on the shores of the river. Excellent western breakfast. Dining options for western food ok. Unfortunately the premises need urgent refurbishment. The pool area is tiny. The pool bar was closed all the time. Language barriers are very big and the staff cannot respond to basic questions in English.

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“Beautiful property, but falls short of the true Banyan Tree experience”

The property itself is absolutely stunning, but unfortunately, this stay did not live up to the high Banyan Tree standard we have experienced at other locations. It started with a stressful check-in process where we didn't feel particularly welcome. The overall service level was disappointing. The… more

The property itself is absolutely stunning, but unfortunately, this stay did not live up to the high Banyan Tree standard we have experienced at other locations. It started with a stressful check-in process where we didn't feel particularly welcome. The overall service level was disappointing. There was no water in our room upon arrival, and it took a staggering 2.5 hours to get some delivered after we requested it. In general, the staff was not as helpful or attentive as we are used to with this brand. While the breakfast offers a wide selection, the quality is inconsistent and feels a bit deceptive. For instance, the juice bar is decorated with plenty of fruits and vegetables to look fresh, but the juice is not freshly squeezed - they only want you to belive so. I actually witnessed a staff member pouring orange juice from a commercial carton into the pitcher in the kitchen area. There was also an ice cream buffet—a fun concept, but the ice cream was of the lowest quality and tasted terrible. The potential here is massive, but the service and execution need to improve significantly to justify the Banyan Tree name.

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