Hi,

I just came back from there. It is fatanstic. You can have fun in the bars /discos and also have a good rest in the mountains on biking. In addition, you can meet some people interesting.

Important: it is not important to reserve the hotel, for even on holiday, you can always find a place in the west street without reservation. It is better to look for a room after your arrival in the famous west street.

I am here now and have really enjoyed my stay. Yes there is obviously some growth in the town but it is still small and friendly compared to Shanghai and Beijing. Well worth seeing IMO. Prices at the market and restaurants are better than Beijing.
I am staying at the Magnolia standard rates 388rmb 488 for deluxe. Works out to about$65cad a day depending on exchange, which is getting better at the moment. Paradeso I believe is a little more expensive. It's right next to West street so a little noisy but the rooms are great. Noise is not a problem for me as it shuts down about 1am.
Do the Yulong raft trip for sure. Most reviews seem to prefer it over the motorized trip down the Li River. I did both and liked them, but the Yulong is more quiet and peaceful. More my style.
Highly recommend a local guide to save on time and wrong turns.
I would recommend Lilly Lu. 15yrs experience, good english and very reliable, single mom. Works out to about 500 rmb per day including driver, depending on where you go. Google Lilly Lu and Longshu for her web ad contact info.