This Labyrinthine Boutique Hotel In China Is Completely Surreal
Looking at photos of The Other Place, a guest house tucked away near the Li River in scenic Guilin, China, you can't help but think, "Is this for real?" Because the incredibly stripped down rooms — featuring Escher-like staircases that lead to nowhere, singular color palettes, and unusual lighting — look more like some Labyrinth meets 2001 business than actual life.
Chao Zhang
But yep, The Other Place is legit, and the 10-room boutique hotel is even listed on Airbnb. What you're looking at now are two recently renovated rooms, created by Shenzhen-based design firm Studio 10. Titled "Dream" and "Maze," each is defined by a precise color; "Dream" is done in a baby pink, while "Maze" is entirely forest green. Thanks to those wacky staircases and minimal furniture (it's literally either beds or clusters of the same stools), each space feels surreal. We can't guarantee what kind of dreams you might have there, but we can bet that you'd get some amazing photos out of it.
Chao Zhang
To maintain the other-worldly quality throughout the space, the firm hid extra components (like electronics) behind black doors.
Chao Zhang
Most of the furniture is bespoke and was made by a contractor on-site. Studio 10 keeps the rest of the furniture brands a secret. ::Shrugs::
Chao Zhang
The minimally decorated rooms experiment with unusual light placement. The result is a surreal and futuristic design.
Chao Zhang
Guilin, located in southern China, is a popular tourist destination, known for its idyllic landscape. While you can get wi-fi at The Other Place, it's meant to be a getaway from urban life. They even offer creative classes — past events have included folk art classes and hands-on traditional cooking workshops.
Chao Zhang
Doors that lead out to the forest are hidden throughout "Maze," which is painted in hunter green.
Chao Zhang
It costs about $150 per night to stay at The Other Place — not too pricey.
Chao Zhang