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Where to Stay in Guli

Where to Stay in Guli

Guli Zhejiang, China Travel Guide

Accommodation Types

Shaoxing and Keqiao offer a spectrum of lodging choices, from budget-friendly options to luxurious stays, alongside unique local experiences.

Full Spectrum of Lodging Options

  • Hostels

    Mainly available in Shaoxing city center, hostels cater to budget travelers and those seeking a social atmosphere. They feature dorm beds and sometimes private rooms. Consider Hostelworld for options.

  • Cheap Accommodations

    Numerous local Chinese chain hotels (e.g., Hanting, Home Inn, Jinjiang Inn) and independent guesthouses present clean, basic, and affordable rooms. These are widely found in Shaoxing and Keqiao.

  • Mid-range Hotels

    International and local 3-4 star hotels (e.g., Wyndham Garden, Mercure) showcase more services, better service, and comfortable rooms. You will find these in both Shaoxing city center and Keqiao urban areas. Browse Agoda or Booking.com for choices.

  • Luxury Hotels

    5-star international brand hotels (e.g., Shangri-La, Crowne Plaza) are located mainly in Shaoxing city center and the main Keqiao urban area. They showcase high-end services, fine dining, and far-reaching facilities. Explore IHG Hotels or Booking.com.

Unique Local Accommodation Types

  • Guesthouses (客栈 - kezhan)

    Often found in the historical areas of Shaoxing, some guesthouses are renovated traditional buildings. They foster a more authentic local vibe and an unique stay.

  • Traditional Courtyard Houses

    A few properties in the old town might have rooms within beautifully restored traditional courtyard houses, presenting a glimpse into historical architecture and living.

  • Vacation Rentals & Apartments

    Vacation rentals and serviced apartments are available, often through platforms like Airbnb (though less prevalent in China now) or local equivalents like Tujia. These selections work well for families, groups, or those seeking self-catering facilities and a more local living experience. Consider Vrbo for vacation rentals.

  • Homestay/House-sitting

    Homestay and community-based tourism possibilities are less developed. While individual guesthouses exist, formal initiatives are not widespread. TrustedHousesitters is an option for longer stays.

Neighborhood Guide

This guide provides details on areas in Shaoxing and Keqiao District, supporting your decision on where to stay when visiting Guli Town.

Keqiao District 柯桥区

Pros
  • Convenience for high-speed rail connections (Shaoxing North Railway Station)
  • Modern facilities, beneficial for executives traveling for business
  • Proximity to Guli Town
Cons
  • Lacks historical charm relative to the Old Town
  • Further from Shaoxing’s main cultural attractions
  • A more generic feel

Shaoxing Old Town 越城区

Pros
  • Engaging cultural immersion, walkable to many attractions
  • Charming ambiance, numerous dining options
  • Proximity to major cultural sites
Cons
  • Might be busy, especially during peak season
  • Infrastructure in some historic parts might be less modern
  • Somewhere to stay can be pricier for characterful properties

Fu Mountain Area 府山

Pros
  • Peaceful, green spaces
  • Perfect for unwinding
  • Still close to Old Town attractions
Cons
  • Fewer direct transport links than central Old Town or Keqiao
  • Limited immediate dining options
  • Less commercial activity

Proximity and Ambiance Notes

Keqiao District:

Excellent proximity to Shaoxing North Railway Station, offering easy access to Hangzhou and Ningbo. Good local bus and metro connections. Can be busy and bustling on account of its commercial nature, especially during the day. All areas mentioned are generally safe with low crime rates. Standard precautions against petty theft apply in crowded tourist areas, notably in Shaoxing Old Town and shopping districts.

Shaoxing Old Town/Guli:

Shaoxing Old Town is walkable to many historical attractions with good local bus connections. Guli Town, within Keqiao District, is easily accessible by local bus or taxi/Didi from Keqiao's main areas and Shaoxing North Train Station. Old Town is generally quieter in residential lanes; Guli has a more local, residential feel.

Booking Strategies

Thoughtful booking strategies help secure optimal accommodation at the right price for your trip to Guli/Shaoxing.

Advance Booking Recommendations by Season

  • High Season (Spring, Autumn, Major Chinese Holidays): Booking well in advance (1-3 months) is wise. Demand runs high, and prices typically elevate. This avoids disappointment and secures preferred properties.
  • Shoulder/Low Season: More flexibility exists, but advance booking remains advisable for popular properties or specific room types. Better deals may appear closer to your travel date during these times.

Trusted Booking Platforms and Local Systems

  • International Platforms: Booking.com, Agoda, and Sites like expedia are beneficial for larger international chain hotels.
  • Chinese Platforms: Ctrip (Trip.com), Fliggy, Meituan, and Elong are widely utilized in China. Ctrip (Trip.com) features an English interface and has a reliable choice for flights, hotels, and train tickets.
  • Direct Bookings: Some local guesthouses might extend better rates or special packages upon direct booking through their websites or by contacting them.

Financial and Cancellation Details

Deposits & Policies
  • Deposit and cancellation policies vary significantly by hotel and booking platform.
  • Always review these terms carefully before you confirm your booking.
  • Deposits are common, especially for longer stays or higher-end properties.
Flexibility & Negotiation
  • Many platforms offer free cancellation up to a certain point, which has flexibility if plans alter.
  • Negotiating walk-in rates is less common for established hotels.
  • Small guesthouses or budget hostels might offer slight discounts for walk-ins, specifically in the off-season when vacancies are higher. Polite inquiry hurts nothing.

Seasonal Price Fluctuations

Peak Periods

Prices for accommodation typically elevate during major Chinese public holidays (e.g., Chinese New Year, National Day Golden Week holiday period in japan, May Day).

Availability

Anticipate higher rates and limited availability during these periods.

Best Value

Traveling during the off-season generally has better value.

Accommodation Recommendations

Selecting the right accommodation supports an enjoyable trip. These recommendations focus on Shaoxing City and Keqiao District, as Guli Town itself has limited tourist-specific options.

Top Picks for Budget Travelers

Shaoxing International Youth Hostel

A favorite choice for backpackers and solo travelers, fostering a social atmosphere and a good location in the old town.

  • Dorm beds and private rooms available
  • Social events and communal areas
  • Central location in Shaoxing Old Town
Chinese Budget Chains

Hanting, Home Inn, Jinjiang Inn are reliable options throughout Shaoxing and Keqiao. They present clean, functional rooms at affordable prices.

  • Widespread availability and consistent quality
  • Basic amenities for comfortable stays
  • Good value for budget-conscious travelers

Mid-Range & Luxury Choices

Mid-Range Hotel Options

Mercure Hotel Shaoxing (Keqiao District) has modern amenities and access to the business district and Shaoxing North Train Station. Courtyard by Marriott Shaoxing (Yuecheng District) features comfortable rooms and facilities in a city center location.

  • Modern amenities and comfortable rooms
  • Convenient access and good facilities
  • Excellent balance of quality and price
Luxury Hotel Options

Shangri-La Hotel Shaoxing (Yuecheng District) is a premium choice, offering excellent service, fine dining, and extensive facilities, often with city or canal views. Crowne Plaza Shaoxing (Keqiao District) has a modern luxury experience.

  • Exceptional service and fine dining
  • Extensive facilities and premium experience
  • Suitable for business or leisure travelers

Targeted Stay Types

  • Family-Friendly Options

    Look for hotels with larger rooms, family suites, or connecting rooms. Many mid-range to luxury hotels offer amenities like swimming pools, children's play areas, or babysitting services.

  • Solo Traveler Recommendations

    Hostels or affordable hotels in the Yuecheng District (Shaoxing Old Town) are recommended. They create openings for social interaction and are close to many attractions, making independent exploration easier.

Unique & Extended Stays

  • Long-Stay Accommodations

    For extended stays, serviced apartments appear in major cities like Shaoxing. Vacation rentals via platforms like Tujia or negotiating weekly/monthly rates directly with smaller hotels constitute other options.

  • Cultural/Historical Significance

    Some guesthouses (kezhan) in Shaoxing Old Town (Yuecheng District) are renovated traditional buildings. These properties promote a more deep cultural experience.

Additional Considerations

Guest Feedback

Review recent reviews before booking. Guest feedback delivers current information on cleanliness, service, and neighborhood ambiance.

  • Check online platforms for ratings and comments
  • Focus on recent reviews for up-to-date information
  • Pay attention to mentions of noise, location, and staff
Confirm Your Booking

Always confirm your booking with the hotel directly a few days before arrival. This avoids misunderstandings or issues upon check-in.

  • Call or email the hotel a few days prior
  • Confirm check-in times and special requests
  • Have your booking confirmation ready

Homestay and Camping

Homestay Opportunities

Homestay and community-based tourism opportunities are less developed in Shaoxing and Keqiao compared to more rural or ethnically diverse regions of China.

Formal Initiatives

While you might find individual guesthouses, formal community-based tourism initiatives are not widespread.

Camping Options

Camping is not common in the immediate Guli/Keqiao urban area. While some designated camping sites might be present in protected natural areas further afield in Zhejiang Province, they are not a main accommodation choice for visiting Shaoxing.