Radisson Blu Liuzhou: Luxury Escape in China's Hidden Gem!
Alright, buckle up, buttercups, because we're diving headfirst into the Radisson Blu Liuzhou! Forget meticulously crafted travel brochures, this is the REAL deal. I’ve spent a few whirlwind days there, and I have some thoughts… a LOT of thoughts. This isn't just a review; it's a rollercoaster of opinions, half-formed ideas, and the lingering scent of… well, remember that amazing foot bath? Okay, let's go!
Radisson Blu Liuzhou: Is This REALLY a Luxury Escape? (Spoiler Alert: Mostly, Yeah!)
First off, Liuzhou. Where the heck is Liuzhou? Exactly! This, my friends, is part of the charm. It's a hidden gem, a chance to actually experience China, not just the tourist traps. And the Radisson Blu? It's a pretty darn good basecamp.
Accessibility: A Mixed Bag, But Promising.
Okay, let's be honest, accessibility in China can be… patchy. The Radisson Blu tries, bless their hearts. They boast "Facilities for disabled guests," which is a good start. There's an elevator! (always a win!). But, I didn't personally experience using it, so I can't give you a definitive thumbs-up or a thumbs-down. I recommend contacting the hotel before you book to confirm specific needs are met. Seriously, call them. Get specific.
The Internet – Because We Can't Live Without It (Probably.)
- Internet Access: Yep, they got it.
- Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!: HELL YES! My inner millennial rejoices.
- Internet [LAN]: Apparently, yes.
- Internet Services: Standard stuff, but hey, it works, and that's what matters! No buffering nightmares, thank goodness.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Bring Your Appetite!
Okay, this is where things get interesting. The food situation at the Radisson Blu? Mostly spectacular.
- Restaurants: Multiple! We're talking some serious culinary variety here.
- Breakfast [buffet]: Behold! A glorious, carb-laden, egg-filled, Asian-influenced spread. Think crispy bacon beside fluffy bao buns. It's a buffet! What's not to love?
- Asian breakfast: Yep, absolutely.
- Asian cuisine in restaurant: You betcha.
- International cuisine in restaurant: Again, yes!
- Room service [24-hour]: Amen. Because sometimes, you just NEED those fries at 3 AM.
- Coffee/tea in restaurant: Essential. Fuel up!
- Poolside bar: Ahhh, the sweet sound of ice clinking in a cocktail glass… pure bliss.
- Snack bar: Got it.
- Bar: Yes.
- Desserts in restaurant: YES. (I may or may not have eaten three. Don't judge.)
- Happy hour: Always a good time to be had.
- Bottle of water: Free ones, in the room - always a plus.
- Alternative meal arrangement: Mention this when you book. They seem happy enough to accommodate!
My Personal Dining Anecdote (The One That Tasted Like Heaven):
I have got to tell you about the a la carte restaurant. I took a while and had a meal there, it was the best service, the best meal and best ambiance. The restaurant was beautiful, and the food was out of this world. The service was fantastic, it was attentive, but not intrusive. I actually felt pampered. Wow!
Ways to Relax: Spa Day, Anyone?
Alright, let's talk about pampering. This is where the Radisson Blu REALLY shines.
- Spa: Oh yes.
- Massage: Essential. Get one. Right now.
- Sauna: Sweat it out!
- Steamroom: Perfect for detoxing after that aforementioned buffet binge.
- Foot bath: Okay, this was a HIGHLIGHT. After a long day of exploring, sinking your feet into warm, herb-infused water? Pure. Relaxation. I could have stayed there all day.
- Pool with view: The outdoor pool is a delight, truly. I did a few laps early one morning with the sun streaming down. Honestly, it was life-affirming.
- Swimming Pool: The place to be.
- Fitness Center: I promise I used it. Once. After that massive buffet, I felt obligated.
Cleanliness and Safety: Navigating the Covid Era
Okay, let's tackle the elephant in the room: Covid. The Radisson Blu seems to have taken things seriously, which is reassuring. They've got the whole shebang: hand sanitizer everywhere, daily disinfection, staff wearing masks, blah blah blah. Feels pretty safe (or as safe as things can be, at least).
- Anti-viral cleaning products: Check.
- Hand sanitizer: Everywhere.
- Rooms sanitized between stays: Good.
- Staff trained in safety protocol: They seem to know what they're doing.
- Safe dining setup: Seems about as safe as you can get these days.
Services and Conveniences: They've Thought of Everything (Almost).
This is where they really try to impress, and they mostly succeed.
- Concierge: Helpful folk.
- Daily housekeeping: My room was always spotless. Always.
- Elevator: Essential.
- Luggage storage: Useful.
- Currency exchange: Handy.
- Air conditioning in public area: Praise be!
- Cash withdrawal: Good to know.
- Doorman: Yep.
- Dry cleaning: For those inevitable spills.
- Ironing service: A must.
- Laundry service: Ditto.
For the Kids: Babysitting and Fun!
I don't have kids, but I saw a few families. The hotel has "Family/child friendly," and "Kids facilities," seems to be a good place to take your kids with babysitting options.
Getting Around: Easy Peasy.
- Airport transfer: Convenient.
- Taxi service: Available.
- Car park [free of charge]: Free parking! A real win.
Available in All Rooms: The Necessities (and Some Luxuries).
The rooms are comfortable, modern, and well-equipped.
- Air conditioning: Essential in Liuzhou's climate.
- Free bottled water: Always appreciated.
- Wi-Fi [free]: Yay!
- Bathrobes: Swanky.
- Coffee/tea maker: Yes.
- Desk: If you must work.
- Hair dryer: A life-saver.
- In-room safe box: Peace of mind.
- Refrigerator: To keep those drinks chilled.
The Imperfections:
Look. No place is perfect. There was a minor mix-up with my room type (easily fixed), and the English of some staff members could be a little shaky, but they always tried their best. It added a bit of charm, honestly.
My Emotional Reaction:
I left feeling… recharged. Relaxed. Slightly fatter, but hey, worth it! The Radisson Blu Liuzhou isn't just a hotel; it's an experience. It's a chance to escape and explore.
My Quirky Observation:
The sheer number of different breakfast options was overwhelming, in the best possible way! I may have spent an hour just looking at food.
Final Verdict: Go!
If you're looking for a luxurious and relatively affordable escape in a unique location, the Radisson Blu Liuzhou is an excellent choice. It's a solid performer with great facilities and a truly relaxing atmosphere. Don't hesitate. Book it. Go!
A COMPELLING OFFER FOR RADISSON BLU Liuzhou: (Because You Deserve a Break!)
Tired of the usual tourist traps? Craving a true escape? Radisson Blu Liuzhou is calling your name!
Book your stay now and unlock a world of hidden treasures:
- Exclusive Offer: Book a minimum of 3 nights and receive a complimentary upgrade to a River View room and a free welcome bottle of wine.
- Unwind & Rejuvenate: Enjoy a complimentary spa treatment (choose from a relaxing massage or a revitalizing body scrub) to melt away your stress.
- Culinary Delights: Experience the world-class dining options, including a complimentary dinner for two at the [A la carte restaurant] (Yes, you need to try it!).
- Explore the Hidden Gem: Discover the beauty of Liuzhou with a complimentary half-day guided tour, showcasing the city's cultural highlights.
Why Radisson Blu Liuzhou?
- Unbeatable Comfort: Luxurious rooms, top-notch amenities, and the perfect base for your adventure.
- Blissful Relaxation: A spa experience that will leave you feeling utterly
Radisson Blu Liuzhou: My Brain Dump of a Trip (Sort Of)
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because this isn't your perfectly manicured travel blog. This is me, flailing my way through Liuzhou and the Radisson Blu, and giving you the raw, unfiltered truth. Prepare for glorious imperfections.
Pre-Trip Freakout (aka Flight Cancellation Blues)
Remember that scene in “Planes, Trains and Automobiles” where everything goes wrong? Yeah, that was me a week before this trip. My initial flight was scrapped! Panic mode activated. My brain turned to scrambled eggs. Luckily, after several phone calls and a near-breakdown with a customer service rep, I was on a different flight, albeit with more layovers than should be legally allowed. The anticipation was killing me, which, I’ll admit, is partly my fault for reading an article about the "Top 10 Grossest Foods in China" the night before. Did I need that? Absolutely not. Did it haunt me? Absolutely.
Day 1: Arrival - The Embrace (and Maybe Judgement) of a Hotel Room
- Morning: Somehow, miraculously, I made it. Liuzhou airport was… well, an airport. Efficient, understandable signage, and a distinct scent of… something I couldn’t quite place. But hey, at least it wasn't the "Top 10 Grossest Foods" scent.
- Afternoon: The Radisson Blu. Ah, the sanctuary. The lobby was all gleaming marble and hushed whispers. They’re doing a great job, but it's exactly what you'd expect, you know? Kind of… corporate-sleek. I’m not gonna lie, I briefly judged the overly-friendly concierge. I mean, it’s always sunny with these people. Where’s the grit? Where’s the weary traveler sympathy?! (I'm definitely projecting).
- The Room: Okay, now we’re talking. My room was gigantic, like, I could’ve hosted a small tea party in the bathroom gigantic. The view overlooked… well, I’m not sure, a bunch of buildings, but with a river in the distance. Important detail. Good start. The bed? Cloud-like heaven. I sprawled. I conquered. I napped. Jet lag, you are defeated. (For now.)
- Dinner at the Hotel Restaurant: I was exhausted, so I succumbed to convenience. Ordered a safe, predictable plate of… something. (I honestly can't remember what. It wasn't on the "Top 10 Grossest Foods" list, so bonus points for that.) The service was impeccable, almost too attentive. I felt like a precious, delicate flower that could shatter at any moment. I kind of hated it, but also kinda loved it. Contradiction. My middle name.
Day 2: Rivers, Noodles, and a Whole Lotta Walking (and maybe some crying)
- Morning: I made a feeble attempt at the hotel gym. I say "attempt" because I lasted about ten minutes. My legs were still protesting the flight. Plus, the treadmill felt… judgey too? Like, “Oh, you’ve only done ten minutes? Pathetic.” I bailed. Found the coffee shop instead. Mission accomplished. Caffeine is my best friend.
- Afternoon: Liujiang River Stroll: Armed with a map that looked like it had been through a blender (thanks, Google Maps!), I attempted to walk along the Liujiang River. It was beautiful. The air was humid, the river was wide and murky (but in a good way, I swear!), and I, of course, got utterly lost. I ask a local man for directions, using my broken Mandarin and his limited English. We managed, eventually. He pointed, smiled, and then pointed again, and I think I may have looked like I might cry on the spot.
- Food Quest: The Noodles of My Dreams (and Disappointments): I was on a mission: finding the perfect Liuzhou snail noodles (Luosifen). This is where the wheels really fell off. I did my research, found a highly-rated local eatery (after asking a few more locals and practicing my point-and-smile technique). The place was bustling, the aroma was… powerful. Now, some of you might be thinking, "Oh, this is where the story gets delicious!" Wrong! It smelled like a swamp that had decided to party with a gym sock and a bag of fermented tofu. > I bravely ordered a bowl. They were… uh… intense. The broth was thick, the noodles chewy, and the various toppings were… varied. I took a bite. My face crumpled. It was not the flavor explosion I'd hoped for. It was a flavor… explosion of different kinds. I couldn't finish it. I think I mumbled some apologies to the bowl and quietly retreated. This is what I'll remember of Liuzhou food, and I'm both pleased and disappointed with it.
- Evening: Back to the Hotel, and Deep Down the Rabbit Hole: I crawled back to the sanctuary of the Radisson. Showered. Binged a trashy show. Ordered room service (again, convenience is king when you’re emotionally exhausted). I stared at the ceiling for an hour, contemplating the meaning of life, the universe, and why snail noodles exist. Eventually, sleep.
Day 3: Reflections, Regret and the Promise of More (and a final goodbye)
- Morning: A glorious, guilt-free breakfast in the hotel. Buffet? Absolutely. Pancakes? Absolutely. (I might have had three.)
- Afternoon: Final river walks, more aimless wandering, and one last desperate attempt to find a souvenir that wasn't a plastic trinket. Found a fan. Bought it. Perfect.
- Evening: Farewell Dinner. I opted for local fare, slightly braver this time. I ate some dumplings. They were good.
- Goodbye: The drive to the airport was quiet. I looked out the window, a little sad to be leaving, a little relieved, too. This trip was imperfect, messy, and occasionally humiliating. It didn't go as planned, but it made me do a lot of introspection. I wouldn’t trade it for the world. Maybe I’ll visit again. But maybe the "Top 10 Grossest Foods in China" better hide. I'm very glad to have been there but I will never eat snail noodles again. Ever.
Final Thoughts:
The Radisson Blu Liuzhou? Solid. Comfortable. A refuge when you need it. But honestly, the best part of the trip wasn't the hotel itself. It was the experience. The walking, getting lost, the failed noodle quest, the brief chats with locals, the sheer, glorious unpredictability of it all. It was a reminder that travel isn't about perfection; it's about the messy, beautiful, and sometimes utterly bizarre things that happen along the way. And believe me, a lot happened.
Changchun Getaway: Unbelievable Hanting Hotel Guilin Road Deal!
Radisson Blu Liuzhou: Expect the Unexpected (and Maybe Bring Extra Socks)
Okay, so, Liuzhou? Where *IS* that exactly? And why should I care?
Alright, picture this: China. Big, right? Now, zoom in on the Guangxi region. Still with me? Good. Liuzhou is smack-dab in the middle of it. Think lush, green mountains, a river that winds its way through the city... and a whole lot less "tourist-fied" than, say, Beijing or Shanghai. It's a hidden gem, they say. And honestly? They're kinda right. It's a different China, a real China. You'll feel it. You'll smell it. You might even *eat* it (more on that later). And the Radisson Blu? Well, it's your luxurious home base for exploring this whole, utterly fascinating mess.
My own "aha!" moment? I was expecting... let's face it... a bit more "roughing it." You know, the usual China travel stuff. Construction, questionable street food (which, by the way, IS often the best food), and the constant feeling of being just a tiny bit out of your depth. BUT! The hotel? Glorious. Soft beds. Good AC. And a lobby that smelled faintly, intriguingly, of… something… that I never managed to identify. Vanilla? Incense? Maybe just the pure, unadulterated scent of *luxury* in the middle of Guangxi?
Is the Radisson Blu actually *luxurious*? I mean, it's China, right?
Yes. And yes again with extra emphasis! Think sleek, modern design with a *hint* of traditional Chinese influence, which is nice. The rooms? Spacious. The bathrooms? Clean. The beds? Oh, the beds. I swear, I could've happily spent a week just migrating between the bed and the ridiculously oversized bathtub (and I almost did!). The staff are generally lovely and helpful, even if the English isn't always perfect. They try their best. And that, my friends, goes a long way. I remember once, I tried to order a late-night snack and completely mangled the Mandarin. The poor waiter just stared at me for a solid minute before bursting out laughing. Then, bless him, he *got* what I wanted and brought me the most amazing chicken noodles at like 2 AM! That’s luxury, my friends. That’s caring.
Now, *perfect*? Nah. This isn't paradise. There was that one time my room service order was… let’s just say, *lost in translation*. I got something that *definitely* wasn’t what I ordered and, frankly, wasn't even close. I’m still not sure what it was. But hey, that's part of the adventure, right? And the pool? Gorgeous by the way, but sometimes seemed a little… underused. People just aren't as into swimming as they should be!
What's the food *really* like? Specifically, the hotel food?
Okay, food. Let's talk food. The hotel offers a buffet breakfast that is… *massive*. Seriously, prepare to be overwhelmed. It's got everything you could possibly imagine: noodles, dumplings, congee, eggs (cooked every way imaginable), pastries, fruit… the works. The quality? Pretty good, to be honest. Sometimes a little… *samey* after the fourth day, but hey, when are you going to complain about having too much to eat, really?
The real treasure? The local cuisine. *THAT* is where you need to be. Liuzhou is the birthplace of the famed "Luosifen" (snail rice noodles). And… it’s… intense. The smell hits you first. It’s… distinctive. It's… well, it's fermented, let's put it that way. I'm not going to lie, it took me a couple of tries. The first time, I think I gagged. But, oh man! The second time, I was hooked. The broth is incredibly flavorful, the noodles are chewy, and the toppings… well, let's just say they're not for the faint of heart. If you're a foodie, GO. If you're not, still GO, and be prepared to be challenged. And by challenge meaning: It’s not for the faint of heart. You have been warned.
One small gripe about the hotel's buffet: they had a "Western" breakfast section, which mostly consisted of sad-looking canned fruit and bread that had the texture of… well, I'm not sure. Avoid. Stick to the local stuff. Trust me.
What's there to *do* in Liuzhou? Besides eat, I mean.
Okay, let's be real: Liuzhou isn't exactly Paris. You aren't going to be swarming to it in droves. But that's kinda the point! There's the Liujiang River, which you can stroll along in the evening. It’s lovely. There are some parks. There’s the statue of the "Singing Sister," which is nice. There’s a museum that you have to wade through a lot of chinese characters to fully be able to understand, but, if you're a history buff like I am, that is not going to stop you, right? There are markets where you can wander around (and bargain like your life depends on it). And of course, you can wander through the streets and just experience the day-to-day life of the city. It is amazing. The hustle and bustle. The people. The scooters. It is really quite something.
But my VERY best recommendation? Book a driver for a day and get yourself outside the city. The surrounding mountains are breathtaking. Seriously. I spent a day hiking in the mountains and it was utterly glorious. I nearly lost my footing a couple of times; I was sweating; and I was covered in dirt. But there were views. Oh, the views. And it was all so… authentically *China*. The stuff you actually *see* is way better than any photo you can take. The whole experience was worth the flight, the jet lag, and the slightly dodgy Luosifen I’d eaten the previous night.
Is the language barrier a problem?
Yep. Absolutely. It's a real problem. Especially outside of the hotel. Learn a few basic Mandarin phrases, download a translation app, and be prepared to point and gesture a *lot*. You'll be doing that, anyway. But the hotel staff try harder than you might expect. However, outside the hotel, communication with locals is an exercise in charades. I once spent a solid 20 minutes trying to explain to a taxi driver (in broken Mandarin, English, and frantic hand gestures) that I wanted to go to the *hotel*. He eventually just shrugged and drove me somewhere completely different. It was hilarious. After I eventually found my way back. So, yeah, the language barrier is real. Embrace it. It's part of the adventure.
And for goodness sake, get a VPN. They're super helpful!
