Don't hire a guide to take you on the "water system of Guilin tour" because the guides from the hotel won't get on the boat with you anyway. You can walk across the main road from the hotel to the platform and purchase the tickets yourself.
Restaurant Tip : Congee city (ask the concierge) which is 3 minutes walk from the hotel has good food and I think is worth checking out. They serve much more than congee. The custard "bao" with salted egg yolk and lots of moist butter is really yummy!