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5.0
#6 of 232 hotels in Yangshuo County
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The Secret Garden is a boutique hotel and restaurant near the Yulong River in the stunning Yangshuo countryside. Our hotel consists of Qing Dynasty buildings that have been beautifully restored in order to preserve the historic character, while providing customers with a unique and inspirational environment in which to relax or explore.
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An unexpected pleasure in the middle of the countryside. The service was personal and spectacular, to be honest. A boutique hotel with only a handful of rooms, but a restaurant menu like you where in a big hotel. The rooms are super-cozy and the food is very very good. Very Chinese country setting in an amazing environment. Probably not the first place you think of when you go to China, but I whole-heartedly recommend staying in this place when you happen to be around.
Evert Hulleman
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Date of stay: June 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Ian F, Owner at Secret Garden Boutique Hotel
Responded 3 Jul 2013
On behalf of all our staff we thank you for your review Evert. We are glad you enjoyed your time in our hotel and restaurant.
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I spent 2 nights at Secret Garden in May with my kids. The staff, especially Peter, are really friendly and helpful. The location is little bit further out of Yangshou than I expected, but the landscape and surrounding village is so beautiful I was really happy to be in a village and not in Yangshou, which is quite touristy. Despite the monsoon rains, we had a great stay. Despite the loss of power both mornings to our family room, we loved our accommodation. Breakfast by candlelight - the kids thought that was great. Our family suite was rustic and roomy. The only downside was the damp - being closest to the mountain, the rains had seeped through the downstairs walls, but again, to be honest, we didn't really care that much because Secret Garden is such a lovely and unusual hotel. The food was great, the staff are terrific, the driver Mr Mao was very reliable. Peter organised a tour to the Gold Water Cave on route back to Guilin Airport. I felt really relaxed after our short stay. Great!
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Date of stay: May 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Ian F, Owner at Secret Garden Boutique Hotel
Responded 24 May 2013
Thank you Leonie, Peter really appreciates your kind words. We are glad you took the power outages in your stride and enjoyed your candlelight breakfasts. All of us here at Secret Garden look forward to welcoming you back in future.
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Ever popular Yangshuo attracts scores of visitors with itineraries of varying degrees, but those who seek an authentic historical home stay, should make their way to the Secret Garden Boutique Hotel.
We arrived late in the evening and pulled our carry-on bags down a short, dim-lit cobbled walkway. Then after a right turn, we carried our luggage to the entrance due to the large natural stones along the pathway. At the front doors, we climbed a few block stairs into the lobby before checking in and crashing into our Family Suite dwelling.
(FYI: In traditional Chinese homes, each main entrance has an obstacle or large doorsill, which can represent a number of beliefs. It’s too lengthy to explain. But know, men should step inward with their left foot first; women with their right.)
On a mission to scour China and its popular attractions in three-to five-star hotels with our sons (ages 12 to 16) for a month, we woke up the following morning to comfort, delicious food options, and nature not to mention fresh air!
Breakfast (an additional cost) in the outdoor seating area (ceiling fans spin swiftly above) exceeded expectations. We enjoyed homemade bread made daily on the premises, seasonal fruit, freshly squeezed juice, tea, coffee and a western/Chinese menu. Take note: this is the only locale that offers a western breakfast in Jiuxian if you are staying elsewhere and want to drop in.
There are no TVs in rooms and Wi-Fi is slow during peak hours (as in all of the world), but this is a special place to be!
HISTORY—The current village dates back to the 15th Century Ming Dynasty; although, the neighboring gray homes restored, including the restoration of the hotel, were built during the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911). Basically, you’re walking into a history book and my boys were enamored with the layout of the premises and loved relaxing in the common areas after time spent exploring the open spaces during day activities.
FOOD & DRINK—Need specific food requests? No problem. Menus are in English/Chinese and there are even options for children and folks with allergies. During our 4-night/5-day stay we dined out twice for lunch and twice for dinner because we didn’t want to miss the remarkable cuisine the SG chefs prepare each day after visiting the markets. Our boys particularly loved the Li River stuffed snails, crispy duck with orange sauce, and flavorful dumplings. In addition, bottled water is used for cooking and ice. Enjoying country life can be thirsty work and refreshments did not disappoint. Cold beer and yummy imported wine flowed daily at low prices.
ROOMS—We cherished our family suite: rustic, cozy, and inviting. We slept in a master room with a king bed while our boys climbed a stairwell up to a “bunk” loft with two single beds and a powder bath. Our bathroom (sans bathtub) was located on the first floor but had sliding doors to close when in use. Hot water was plentiful. Bedding and mattresses were super comfy, western stylie. Individual A/C units worked promptly (during hot months) and electric blankets work too and are supplied when necessary (during cold months). A small refrigerator kept daily complimentary bottled water and sodas bought in the shops chilly. A tea/coffee maker and supplies (sugar, cups, stir-sticks) were provided too.
MUST KNOW—Western toilets, check! Toiletries such as soap, shampoo, and conditioner are supplied daily in generous proportions. Cots are available at no charge and no two rooms are alike. The hotel furniture is designed and made by local craftspeople, often using recycled timber, and rooms feature community artwork and antiques. Consequently, a lot of the bricks and building materials have been purchased from demolished buildings to demonstrate the “re-use” value of the ever-dwindling historical significance of preserving cultural heritage in the country; hence, encouraging other families/farmers to follow in the footsteps of Ian (the South African architect that visited China in 2002) and joined forces with local Faye, an ex-colleague in the travel industry, to create this unique accommodation.
ACTIVITIES—Our expedition company meticulously organized our activities including a driver and a tour guide: Daxu Old Town tour, Li River bamboo raft ride, Yangshuo Cooking School lesson, hiking through countryside farm villages, the Impression Liusanjie show, a private cooking lesson after market shopping, a brush painting class, a fan making class, and lots of shopping. The one free day we had, Faye and Lulu helped us rent scooters for the 20-minute ride into downtown where we scoured West Street for more souvenirs and loved the freedom to venture out on our own terms...but with a map of course! If you’re flying solo or with a group, both ladies can help you create a plan.
VIEW/LOCATION—The website clearly states, “Outside there is a stunning countryside to explore, where karst peaks rise above fields of rice while the Yulong River meanders.” So don’t expect rooms with a view until you exit the property.
In closing, at the end of each long day as large hotels or high-storied hostels disappeared in the review mirror, we yearned to get back to our secret garden.
Yes, I know there are many options in this charming part of China, but the congeniality of the staff that welcomed us with genuine smiles and laughter each day upon arrival was simply stellar!
And our family did not wish to be anywhere else.
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Date of stay: July 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Location: very good if you want peace and quiet - no need for ear-plugs here. Not good if you want the bright lights and bustle of Yangshuo, which is a 15-20 minute Y60 taxi-ride away.
Food: excellent, the best we ate in China (though Cloud 9 in Yanshuo was also very good). They do both the spicy SW/Szechuan style and the softer Cantonese flavours very well, or Western if you want it. Breakfasts vg, ditto coffee.
Stylish: yes, very. You're in rural China, with flourishes which seem pretty authentic. Nice, traditional buildings and courtyards, renovated while retaining olde-worlde flavour.
Comfort? Well, as above, you're in rural China. Comfort is what brings this excellent hotel down from 5* to 4*. it probably feels more comfortable outside the winter season, but when you're very cold and wet getting to a hotel you want a hot bath, which you won't get here. You want to be able to unpack properly, which you won't be able to do until they put in the promised chest of drawers. You don't really want a leak in your bedroom ceiling. You don't really want to carry your suitcases over muddy, rocky paths to get to reception. You do want a fridge in the room.
I make these points because I think it's important that prospective guests know what they are getting - it's a rustic boutique hotel, not the Sheraton. I also mentioned them to management who were very receptive and helpful, and I think will upgrade the comfort level.
Staff/service. Excellent, receptive and helpful. We had a really great time here, thanks in no small part to the efforts and suggestions of the staff, Ding in particular.
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Date of stay: December 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
What a fantastic experience .... in the middle of an old village and in the middle of the rice fields this hotel is just magic. the rooms are magics ... the food is magic and the service fantastic !!!! I would really recommend this hotel for any trip in Yangshuo. We tried an other one after it and you can't compare .... Clean, cheap and just EXCELLENT !!!!!!
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Date of stay: August 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from ian h, Owner at Secret Garden Boutique Hotel
Responded 17 Sept 2014
Thank you so much. We are all thrilled that you had such a magical experience in our Secret Garden.
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The Secret Garden Hotel is honestly a jewel. The project is a renovated cluster of houses from the Ming dynasty. So it is definitely much more original then anything else in this area. The renovation has been done with lots of effort and thought. The courtyard gardens are beautiful and giving you lots of possibilities to relax. The rooms are nicely done as well and the bathrooms are similar to that of a 5* hotel, just with much more personality.
But what makes this place a warm and welcoming is definitely the crew. From the owner to every single employee. Everyone tries to make you feel as comfortable as possible. We arrived quite late from the airport (Guilin) but Peter for example did not hesitate to get into the kitchen and prepared us a delicious meal. The food in the hotel is outstanding, especially the Chinese cuisine served into any corner of the garden.
You will find lots of activities around the hotel which is located in-between tranquil and beautiful rice fields surrounded by the famous limestone hills. You will find a bike rental just in front of the hotel or as well the rafts on the river are not too far.
This property is one of the nicest and cosiest places I've stayed and as a purser of a international airline I may say, that I've seen quite a bit. I can recommend this place to everyone, who does not want to stay in the middle of a touristy and loud area.
I'll definitely return, on my next trip to this beautiful spot.
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Date of stay: December 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Ian F, Owner at Secret Garden Boutique Hotel
Responded 17 Feb 2014
On behalf of Peter and the rest of the Secret Garden family, thank you so much for your kind words. Thank you also for the compliments on the renovation of the buildings. It really is a labour of love and means a lot to us when it is appreciated by people such as yourself.
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I recently stayed here 4 nights on a visit to Yangshuo. Overall I found the place to be a really fantastic place to stay with very good service from all the staff. Facilities were very good as well.
When looking at places to stay in Yangshuo I did consider staying in the town itself. I must say i am glad I didn't. Secret Garden is located in a small village about 15 km out of town. For some that may be a downside, others a positive. If you want to stay somewhere peaceful with the scenery literally on your doorstep then you really can't go wrong by staying here. If you are going to Yangshuo to hit the bars at night, then this place probably isn't for you.
The food in the restaurant was great as well. Very reasonably priced, with fresh ingredients and really very tasty. In fact when i did go into Yangshuo town one day, I found the price of food at the hotel to be generally cheaper than what I saw there.
I found all the staff to be very helpful and friendly. Certainly no complaints there. Well, one minor quibble. It did seem word of me paying the deposit had not been communicated to all staff leading to a bit of confusion. This was resolved quite quickly, but perhaps it shouldn't happen in the first place. A minor blemish though.
So any downsides? The damp as others have mentioned, but I had a room on the upper floor and this was minor for me and was not a problem. The only other thing I can think of is the location. But this being a downside will really depend on what it is you want to see in Yangshuo - the scenery or the streets of the town? For me, I wanted the scenery and this place fitted the bill perfectly.
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Date of stay: May 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Ian F, Manager at Secret Garden Boutique Hotel
Responded 8 Jun 2013
We too are glad you chose to stay with us in the beautiful countryside and share our fresh produce. The staff really appreciate your positive comments. Thank you.
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This was one of the best places I have had the privilege to have stayed. Located in the country side only 10 minutes or so away from the hustle and bustle of Yangshuo, This hotel was the perfect escape. The rooms were nice, and the grounds of the hotel were beautiful, It truly was a secret garden. The people who worked there were some of the nicest we met, all very good at speaking English. This was a tip top experience and I would recommend this hotel to anyone. Nice people, nice rooms, nice food, and nice environment.
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Date of stay: May 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Ian F, Owner at Secret Garden Boutique Hotel
Responded 8 Jun 2013
Thank you so much for your positive feedback. We are all so happy you enjoyed your stay with us and hope to welcome you back to our Secret Garden one day.
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I stumbled upon this place, and the owner showed me around. While I did not stay here, I can comment on the location, decor, and setting. Truly unique. The location and setting are phenomenal. Set back in a small village, against the karsts. Views and experience are one of a kind. The entire hotel was immaculate.
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Date of stay: October 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Definitely the most beautiful place I’ve stayed in China. Amazing Qing Dynasty buildings have been renovated with real love and an eye for detail. The village and surrounding countryside are beautiful. The whole experience was so amazing we didn’t bother heading back to the crowds of nearby Yangshuo after our first visit. Thanks to Sam at reception for looking after us during our stay and to Faye for helping arrange all our sightseeing and other travel plans.
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Date of stay: November 2011
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
The nearest ATM is in Yangshuo town, so about 7or 8 Km but, yes, we do accept credit cards in the restaurant so you should be able tosettle up your final bill without getting stuck with too little or too much cash.
There are more places to choose from in the Yangshuo County area.
PRICE RANGE
£32 - £57 (Based on Average Rates for a Standard Room)
LOCATION
ChinaGuangxiYangshuo County
NUMBER OF ROOMS
7
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