Renowned as a paradise on Earth, Yangshuo is famous for its landscape of Karst mountains, green hills and winding rivers, resembling a beautiful Chinese painting. In the midst of this stunning scenic landscape, an old sugar mill takes on the heritage setting for a modern retro design resort that is Sugar House Yangshuo. Sugar House Yangshuo paves the way for an exhilarating journey into the region's natural and cultural splendours, where guests may explore the many curated arts, music, culinary and outdoor programmes available to them. Join in the rock wall climbing challenge, or catch a performance of the legendary 'Impressions of Liu Sanjie' water show, performed at night on the Li River. Alila Yangshuo's unique architecture is a blend of new and the retro' 60s, resurrecting an era lost to the Cultural Revolution. The site is set against a green backdrop of misty hills, overlooking a beautiful panorama of the Li River.Since July 2020, the hotel has added art and cultural activities to enable the guests to gain a unique new holiday experience in a strong artistic atmosphere.
"Yangshuo Sugarhouse has always been a hotel I've wanted to visit, and a serendipitous opportunity finally brought me here, marking my first trip to Yangshuo. True to its pictures, it's exactly as you've seen it. Admittedly, it's no longer a new hotel, and I had some reservations beforehand, as similar-priced hotels in the same category might offer larger, more luxurious options. However, for design enthusiasts, Sugarhouse is special; it's a destination in itself.
My first impression was that the hotel is reasonably well-maintained, and the service is always pleasant and attentive. I always assumed these were standard expectations in such hotels, not worth mentioning. Yet, it wasn't until I truly experienced the various facets of Yangshuo that I realized Sugarhouse is an oasis in this bustling, chaotic, and often less-than-pleasant destination. Yangshuo is beautiful, but its natural charm isn't always enough to offset some disappointing tourist experiences. You might exert a lot of effort trying to soak in the legendary landscapes, only to be left unsatisfied, perhaps due to early mornings or overwhelming crowds. But at Sugarhouse, you can intimately connect with Yangshuo's mountains and rivers, as they are right outside your room, beyond the iconic pool view. During the day, you can fully immerse yourself in nature undisturbed, and as dusk falls, the lights of Impression Liu Sanjie illuminate them, making you a part of the landscape. Finding such tranquility in this destination is incredibly precious, a realization I only had after switching to other hotels.
The service here carries a hint of genuine, endearing awkwardness, and you can sense that achieving this level of service isn't easy. The bartender at 1969 Bar recommended a special concoction when I was indecisive, allowing me to savor the last season's season of loquat gin, which was unforgettable. Lucy at the front desk was incredibly helpful in resolving my issues, and when I pointed out some minor flaws in the room, they were already being addressed – truly tiny details that not everyone would notice, demonstrating their genuine care for guests. I met a gentleman at breakfast who enthusiastically and meticulously introduced me to oil tea and proactively helped me carry it to my upstairs seat when my hands were full. On my departure day, I even saw him standing at the lobby entrance at 36 degrees Celsius, assisting guests. Later, I learned he was the hotel's general manager. The people here are sincere and responsible, and what initially felt like minor imperfections transformed into a stark difference after comparison. I can give the experience here full marks.
Some friends might find it too boring, with too many cars on the highway outside the rooms. But if you've experienced the endless swarm of electric scooters, the ubiquitous paid parking lots, and the so-called villas that cost 3,000 yuan with no view whatsoever, you'll realize that not only is the pricing here quite fair, but it's also almost the only viable accommodation option in Yangshuo. Of course, this is just for reference if you don't plan on venturing out, but Sugarhouse still offers many interesting services that make it a highly recommendable choice."