We stayed at the Golden Elephant for 2 nights and booked online as we needed an early check in as we were arriving in the morning on the sleeper train from Shenzen. This was no problem and they let myself, my husband and our 2 year old check in at 8am. They even had a baby cot ready for us.

The location was good but the room was very tatty and worn and the beds very hard. The view was of the back of the building and air con units and high rises, not very inspiring but quiet.

The room got very hot and stuffy during the day but even though there was aircon the hotel staff were very reluctant to turn it on at the main controls. Every time we asked they said it was broken and would come on at 6 or 7pm, when it was cooler and not needed. We complained and amazingly it started working again, this happened several times each day. The hot water also seemed to have this problem and we had to ask for it to be turned on to enable us to shower.

The staff are very difficult and seem to understand English perfectly some times and not at others.

Okay stay but I would advise to check out the other hotels in the area before deciding to stay here.

This was the best hotel we stayed at during a 3 week trip to China (but considering some of the places we stayed this is not saying much). We spent 3 nights at the hotel and found it to be reasonably clean and our room was light, airy and spacious. The veiws from our window to the elephant rock were beautiful. The hotel staff were quite helpful. The only real criticisms were that the air conditioner did not work (in 35deg + temps) and the breakfast was disappointing. The outside balcony cafe was closed most of the time and the staff took a dim view of us sitting out there while trying to escape the heat of our room in the late evening.

Located just steps from the Li River, the Golden Elephant Hotel (Jin Xiang Hotel) is quiet and convenient. The rooms are a bit dingy, but quite nice overall, with comfortable beds and clean bathrooms. The staff is quite helpful, and can speak decent English. The cafe was empty the whole time we were there, giving it a desolate vibe. There are plenty of great little cafes nearby, though.

Having previously read poor reports from this site we were not expecting much, however we were pleasantly suprised. We arrived late and left early but had chance to look and around and have a drink on the terrace in the hotel, very nice. Next to the river, it was lit up at night and was very pleasant. Rooms were very spacious and were comfortable. This is a mid range hotel and meets those requirements.