Stayed 3 nites here before and after our Yangshuo trip, good location and walking distance to the main shopping street. The hostel is located in a small lane, overlooking the 'tao hua' river, simple n clean room but the TV channels are limited. They changed us to a better room as we found our room toilet had some worms running at the edges of the wall tiles. The girl at front desk wasn't friendly to all guest, when we seek some assitance, she can just answered our queries by looking at her computer without eye contact on us. Of course she helped at the end, but not a polite way. I will go back again, for the low rates and strategic location.

the staff at this hostel is incredible, must be the best we've ever seen. they just went above and beyond their job description and helped us in every possible thing. also the food that they bring from the restaurant across the street is delicious. the rooms were pretty nice for a hostel, but it was the service that totally won us over.

This is a budget level hotel but at stunningly low rates (about $25 per night). Beds are firm and facilities spartan but adequate. Shower area includes the toilet. No wash cloths (common in China). A good western breakfast is made to order for a modest 25 RMB. A 10 minute walk to the lake-pogoda area. 5 minutes to the bus station. Staff speaks good English and is very helpful in arranging tours. On the river with nice views.

Stayed 2 nights here.

The 1st night was in the family room (1 queen size bed+1 single bed) which is normally for 3 pax. I went with my old folks and my brother, so i asked for an extra bed for myself. Funny thing happened. When we go got back to the hostel after 10pm at night.

While we were sitting on the bed and sofa, we saw a huge centipede fell on the queen bed from the ceiling (pic attached)! We were shocked and while it was still moving on the bed and my brother reacted quickly by killing it with the TV's remote. I immediately went out and called the staff about it. They changed the mattress since the old one had the bits of pieces of the dead centipede. Anyway we all had a hard time sleeping that night. Imagine if actually it fell when we were all asleep in total darkness! Also the extra bed provided was very hard, small and uncomfortable. It wasnt exactly a bed....like those expandable sleeping bench you find on the beach but they placed a thin mattress on top of it. Suffice to say i didnt sleep that well that night .

Anyway the next day we left our luggages at the hostel and went to Yangshuo. But we went back to Riverside Hostel on the third day and stayed in 2 double rooms this time around. So much better than the first night. However, we still checked the rooms just in case there were any more surprises in stored for us :)

The staffs were very helpful and friendly. If not for the centipede, i think I'd have rated this hostel higher and gave it about 4 stars. Nearby the hostel, there were tall trees and I believe that's the reason the centipedes were lurking around...perhaps the previous person who stayed in that room left the window opened. I suggest better to stay in the upper levels/floors :)

Location wise is quite good and there's a night market nearby along the Xicheng Pedestrian Street where you can buy cheap things (souvenirs, shirts, snacks,etc).

For the price and value, Riverside Hostel is still a good choice though I will probably not stay there again if I visit Guilin. The centipede incident still haunts me until this day :)