Escape to Paradise: Lavande Hotel, Guizhou's Hidden Gem
Escape to Paradise: Lavande Hotel - Guizhou's Hidden Gem (and My Very Chaotic, Very Real Review!)
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because I'm about to spill the tea (and maybe a little coffee, who am I kidding, probably a whole pot) on the Lavande Hotel in Guizhou. This isn't your sterile travel blog review. This is me, unfiltered, after a few days of pure, unadulterated relaxation (and maybe a slight existential crisis or two – that spa will do that to ya). Let's get messy!
Getting There & Getting Around: Can You HANDLE This?
Accessibility is KEY, right? Especially after a long flight! The Lavande scores pretty well here. They do have airport transfers, which is a godsend after navigating the wilds of Chinese airports (and the language barrier!). And, yep, they got on-site parking (free is always good, right?). They even have car power charging station! Now, I didn't drive there, so I can't vouch for the actual ease of using it, but hey, it's the thought that counts, right? Airport Transfer is the key for accessibility, as well as Taxi services, Valet Parking, and Car Park [free of charge], Car Park [on-site].
They also have "Facilities for disabled guests." I honestly didn't pay super close attention to the specifics, but the elevator certainly helped ME.
Getting around within the hotel seemed pretty straightforward. It's not a sprawling resort, which is a good thing – less walking, more relaxation.
First Impressions – The Lobby Vibe & That Damn Wi-Fi!
Okay, so the lobby… it was pretty. Like, zen-garden-meets-modern-minimalism pretty. And then I was like, "WHERE'S THE FREE WI-FI?!?" And then, the joy! "Free Wi-Fi in ALL rooms!" I honestly wanted to hug someone. The hotel has also got Wi-Fi in Public areas, but it is free Wi-Fi in all rooms which makes a difference.
Rooms: My Own Little Oasis (with Occasional Hiccups!)
I got a room, and it was CLEAN. Like, hospital-clean. They've clearly got their act together on that front. I mean, rooms are sanitized between stays. I'm all about that these days. And, they let you opt-out of room sanitization?! Nice! The standard stuff was there: Air conditioning (bless), a comfy bed (extra long, even!), blackout curtains (essential for sleeping in!), and a coffee/tea maker. They even have a reading light (because, books!).
BUT (and there’s always a but, isn't there?), my initial Wi-Fi was a bit…spotty. Kept dropping out! I mean, I needed to update my Insta stories with a picture of my avocado toast, dammit! But, I called reception, and they fixed it immediately. Super responsive. They have also got Internet Access [LAN].
The rooms are also designed with accessibility in mind, with Bathroom phone, Shower and Extra toilet!
Food, Glorious Food (and My Near-Disaster with the International Cuisine!)
Alright, let's talk food. Lavande had a buffet restaurant and lots of restaurants! They have Asian & Western breakfast options, plus "alternative meal arrangement" if you are a person with food allergies or preferences. It’s all pretty convenient. I had a breakfast at a buffet, but there was another restaurant offering ‘International cuisine’…That’s where things got interesting.
I went for the "International cuisine" (because, adventure!). It was a bit hit-or-miss. The pasta was… not quite al dente. The salad was fresh, though. I’m not saying it was terrible, but let’s just say I reverted back to the Asian options pretty quickly. (Thank god for Asian cuisine in the restaurant!)
The coffee shop was a lifesaver. The Poolside bar was a hit, and I have forgotten to mention the snack bar, which was amazing!
Things to Do & Ways to Relax (Where the Magic REALLY Happens!)
This is where Lavande shines. The spa! Oh. My. God.
Seriously, I spent a solid afternoon in the spa, probably spent a solid four to five hours in the spa! What can I say? The combination of sauna, steamroom, and that massage… it was pure bliss. I think I even saw a glimpse of my soul, shimmering in the steam! The massage was divine. The therapist really knew their stuff. They have a foot bath, which is fantastic. They have a pool with a view! I was so relaxed, I almost didn’t care when I got back to my room and my Wi-Fi was out again (it was fixed, eventually).
I almost forgot to mention the swimming pool! The swimming pool (outdoor) is heaven!
Cleanliness & Safety: Peace of Mind in a Post-COVID World
This is HUGE for me right now. The Lavande gets a gold star here. They've got ALL the things: Anti-viral cleaning products, daily disinfection in common areas, hand sanitizer everywhere, staff trained in safety protocol, and even a doctor/nurse on call. They have also got essential stuff like first aid kit and smoke alarms, fire extinguisher, and CCTV in common areas and CCTV outside property. It really felt like they were taking things seriously. They have Safe dining setups, and Sanitized kitchen and tableware items, and they removed shared stationery.
Services & Conveniences: The Little Things That Make a Big Difference
They have a concierge! They can help with all kinds of things. Daily housekeeping is a must-have. Dry cleaning and laundry service are fantastic (especially when you spill spaghetti sauce on your favorite shirt… which, ahem, I may have done).
For the Kids: Family-Friendly Fun!
Okay, I don’t travel with kids, but there are "kids facilities" and a "babysitting service." So, if you have the little ones, the Lavande’s got you covered. They also have "family/child friendly" which is a bonus.
Overall: Would I Go Back?
Absolutely, without a doubt. Despite the occasional Wi-Fi hiccup and the so-so international cuisine, the Lavande Hotel in Guizhou truly is a hidden gem. The relaxation factor is off the charts. The staff is friendly and helpful. And, let's be honest, after the year we've all had, we all deserve a little slice of paradise, right?
Now, for the hard sell! (Because, well, I have to convince you!)
Escape to Paradise: Lavande Hotel - Your Guizhou Getaway Awaits!
Tired of the same old routine? Yearning for tranquility? Craving an escape that nourishes your mind, body, and soul? Then it's time to book your stay at the Lavande Hotel in Guizhou!
Here's why you NEED this: (And Why you can’t ignore it.)
- Ultimate Relaxation: Pamper yourself in our world-class spa with massage, sauna, and steamroom, and a foot bath!
- Delicious Dining: Savor authentic Asian cuisine, or grab a quick bite at our snack bar.
- Unmatched Cleanliness & Safety: Rest easy knowing your health is our top priority with stringent hygiene protocols.
- Unbeatable Convenience: Stay connected with our free Wi-Fi in all rooms and take advantage of our airport transfer, concierge services, and more.
- Experience Guizhou: Explore the beauty and culture of this unique region, where the food is delicious and the people are welcoming.
Special Offer!
Book your stay at the Lavande Hotel now and receive a complimentary [Offer specific benefit – e.g., spa treatment, bottle of wine, upgrade to a room with a view]. Don't wait, because this offer lasts while it lasts!
Click Here to Book Your Escape to Paradise! [Insert Link]
(P.S. – Seriously, book the spa treatment. Trust me.)
UAE's Hidden Gem: TIME Oak Hotel & Suites - Unforgettable Luxury Awaits!
Okay, buckle up buttercup, because we're about to dive headfirst into the absolute glorious mess that was my trip to the Lavande Hotel Qing Town Zhijiao City Shiguang in Guizhou, China. Honestly? Looking back, it's a miracle anything actually happened as planned. Here we go!
The Guizhou Gauntlet: A Chronicle of Chaos and Charm
Day 1: Arrival and Existential Dread in the Lobby (and a surprisingly good noodle soup)
Morning (or what felt like morning after a red-eye): Landed in Guiyang, China. The airport was… well, it was an airport. You know how it is. Tired, slightly nauseous, and already regretting all the questionable airport snacks I'd just consumed. Finding my way to a shuttle was a comedy of errors involving miming, pointing, and a lot of hopeful nodding. Finally, I just gave up and followed the herd.
Afternoon: The Great Hotel Hunt & Initial Disappointment. The ride to Zhijiao City was scenic, at least. The road was, let's say, characterful. It was about an hour drive, and as we pulled up to Lavande Hotel, my heart sank. Lavande! It sounded all fancy, but I hoped it wasn't going to be too posh. I wanted something that didn't feel the need to announce to the world how "luxe" it was. The lobby was… sterile. The lighting was harsh, casting an unflattering glow on everything and everyone. I swear, even the potted plants looked judgmental. The staff was polite, borderline robotic. Felt like I was being gently processed. My room, after a minor struggle with the keycard (classic), was…fine. Clean, efficient, and utterly devoid of personality. (Side note: the TV only had Chinese channels, which, after a 10-hour flight, felt like a cruel joke.)
Late Afternoon & Evening: Food, glorious food (and a minor existential crisis): I was wandering around the hotel trying to find dinner and I spotted the little restaurant. The menu was all in Mandarin, the pictures… not particularly helpful. But the aroma? Divine. I pointed at a random selection, fully prepared for the worst. It turned out to be a steaming bowl of the most incredible noodle soup ever. The broth was rich, the noodles were perfectly chewy, and there was a spicy kick that woke up my taste buds and, honestly, my soul. I devoured the entire thing. I also, while eating, kind of realized I had no idea what I was doing in China, or where I was going to go the next day. Cue the minor existential crisis. But hey! At least the soup was good.
Day 2: Qing Town's Charms & The Case of the Wandering Camera Lens
Morning: A Qing Town Awakening (and a minor, near-disaster with my camera): I got up early, determined to be a "cultured tourist". I felt good about it. Qing Town was a short taxi ride away and a sight. Cobblestone streets, ancient buildings, tourists everywhere. I was trying to remember how to use my camera, when I dropped one of my lenses during the day. The glass was just shattered, I just hoped the camera itself was still functional.
Afternoon: The Water and the People, the food, and the food! (and the frantic search for the lens): The water pouring through the town was a must see. The people were friendly, lots of vendors sold food. The food was amazing! I managed to eat some deep-fried tofu that was a religious experience. It was so simple… yet perfect.
Evening: The Lens of Doom & Fried Chicken Redemption: I went back to the hotel. I went to the desk staff and after a lot of very strange gestures and the help of google translate, I managed to get them to call the taxi driver again, so I could look for the lens. No luck. It was gone. The world felt like it was ending. I tried to salvage the last of my trip when I ordered some fried chicken. It was a moment.
Day 3: The Shiguang Caves and A Farewell to Guizhou (of sorts)
Morning: A Pre-Cave Breakfast & The Great Packing Debacle: Okay, I'm admitting it, I slept in. Then, the whole morning was a hurried scramble to pack, which somehow involved almost setting the hotel room on fire (a hair dryer incident, don't ask). I grabbed a quick breakfast of… well, I'm not entirely sure what it was, but it was vaguely edible.
Afternoon: The Shiguang Caves – A Symphony of Dripping and Wonder. the hotel to Shiguang Caves. The caves were unbelievable. The scale of them was incomprehensible. The formations were beautiful. I was so absorbed in the beauty, in the quiet, dark, beauty that I forgot to take picture. I think, in a way, that was a blessing.
Evening: Departure (and the lingering question of the lost stuff): Bye China, I'll keep you in my heart. I really did just get back, and now I want to go again and do it all over again.
Post-Trip Ramblings:
Okay, was it perfect? Absolutely not. But that's the beauty of it. I got lost, ordered questionable food, almost broke my camera, had existential crises in hotel lobbies, and still, Guizhou managed to sneak into my heart. It was a hilarious mess, and I wouldn't trade it for a perfectly planned, sterile, "luxury" trip any day. This trip was everything I wouldn't have expected it to be and still so much more.
So, if you're considering Guizhou, go. Just… go prepared for the unexpected. And maybe, just maybe, pack an extra camera lens. You know, just in case.
And now? I need a nap. A long one. With all these memories I think I will never sleep.
Escape to Paradise: Echarm Hotel's Yulin Oasis Awaits!
Escape to Paradise: Lavande Hotel, Guizhou - The REAL FAQs (Because Let's Be Honest)
Okay, Seriously, Is This Place ACTUALLY Paradise? Like, *actual* paradise? Don't give me the marketing fluff.
Alright, buckle up buttercup. Paradise? Well, depends on your definition. If paradise involves pristine beaches and cocktails with little umbrellas, then NO. If your paradise is more about… well, getting *away* from that, then *maybe*. Look, Lavande is ruggedly beautiful. Think verdant mountains, that misty Guizhou air (it's a character, I swear), and the sounds of… well, nature. Sometimes that nature includes a rooster, a LOT of crickets, and the occasional barking dog. So, not *exactly* a silent retreat. I personally, had a few moments I felt like I'd stumbled into some lost world, and that feeling was pure bliss. But perfection? No. And honestly, that's kind of the charm.
The Reviews Mention "Stunning Views." Are we talking Instagram-worthy or, like, “Meh” views?
Stunning. Emphasis on the STUNNING. I literally gasped when I first saw, and then I almost cried when I had to leave. Now, it's not *all* perfect. My room’s balcony view? Glorious, overlooking the misty mountains and a patchwork of rice paddies. But, and this is a big but – the view from the *restaurant*? Even better. And sometimes, the mist is SO thick you can barely see your hand in front of your face. Which, honestly, is also kind of stunning in its own, slightly claustrophobic, way. Just make sure you get a room with a view. Seriously. Beg for it. Bribe them with chocolate.
What's the deal with the food? Is it just, like, hotel food? Or actual Guizhou food? I'm a foodie, people!
Okay, foodie friend, prepare to be… intrigued. The food is… *interesting*. They try VERY hard to be authentic. Think mountains of chili peppers (which, full disclosure, I *loved*), local produce I couldn’t even *name*, and flavors that will make your taste buds do the tango. My first meal? A fiery noodle dish that left me sweating and happily contemplating my life choices. The second meal? Somewhat less fiery, but still delicious. The next day? Well, let's just say I developed a very close relationship with the provided water bottles. It's NOT always what you expect, but that’s the fun of it! Embrace the unknown. And maybe bring some antacids. Just in case.
How do I even GET to this place? The travel logistics are stressing me out, I'm not going to lie.
Alright, this is the part where you need to mentally prepare. Getting to Lavande involves a bit of adventure. You'll probably fly into a nearby city (like Guiyang), then you're looking at a car ride, a *long* car ride. The drive itself is a scenic experience, think winding roads, through villages and it's breathtaking. The roads can be… let's say, "character-building." Some of them are narrow. Some of them are bumpy. I may or may not have clutched the door handle for the majority of the journey. (I did). Bring motion sickness medication if you're prone, and also a playlist of your favorite songs and good conversation material for your travel companion. Once there? Pure bliss.
What's the atmosphere like? Is it a place to unwind, or a place for, like, party animals?
Party animals? Honey, no. This is the place for serious, soul-soothing relaxation. Think cozy vibes, quiet corners, and the general sense that you're miles away from the hustle and bustle of… well, everything. I'm not saying the hotel is silent. I’m also not saying you’ll be sleeping soundly. The sound of the rooster, and other animals can be really loud, and wake you at dawn. The staff is super friendly, though, and most of the guests seem to be people who are looking for a break, and not an all-night rave. It’s the kind of place where you're perfectly happy reading a book on the balcony, or just staring at the view for hours on end (which, admittedly, I did).
Are there any interesting activities? Or am I just stuck looking at a mountain all day?
Okay, so the mountain-gazing is definitely a MAJOR activity. But you're not *just* stuck looking at it. There are hiking trails nearby (wear appropriate shoes!), and you can wander around the local villages, which are quite charming (though you might need a translator if your Mandarin is rusty, like mine). They also offer some cultural experiences. I tried a tea ceremony (so relaxing!). More walking. More looking. Consider that you are more likely going to be exploring nature, and the pace is the real draw.
What about the rooms? Are they nice? Or are we talking "questionable cleanliness"?
The rooms? Generally nice! CLEAN. Clean is good. The rooms are comfortable and well maintained. They are also well decorated and the details are nice. The bathroom's water flow is good. They are not immaculate. They are not luxurious. They are welcoming and the staff do very well to present them. One thing to note is that the walls aren't thick, so you hear the sounds of activities from other rooms, and the common areas. But I had no real complaints, and I have high standards!
This is all sounding pretty good, but... what's the biggest downside? Don't sugarcoat it. Lay it on me.
Alright, the biggest downside? Two things, really. First: the language barrier. Unless you speak Mandarin, communication can be… interesting. Google Translate will become your best friend. Second: the, ahem, *unique* service style. Things are generally *laid back*. Don't expect lightning-fast service. Don't expect everything to go exactly as planned. Embrace the slower pace, the little imperfections, and the cultural differences. Adaptability is key. That's part of the adventure, and it's a *huge* part of the charm. And honestly? It’s a small price to pay for that view… and the incredible sense of peace.
