China Travel Forum

[Mengjianguo]

Hello - I'm planning a trip to Hangzhou with my 70-year-old mother (we're Chinese who have lived abroad all our lives) in late June for two nights.
I have narrowed down the hotel choices to the following, but would appreciate any advice/suggestions on any of them - while I have gotten helpful information through websites, the information is still limiting based just on that:
Hyatt Regency Hangzhou
Hangzhou Xihu State Guest Hotel
Sofitel Westlake Hangzhou
Shangri-La Hangzhou
Given the short length of stay (2 days) I would like to choose the hotel that is close to the lake (or hotel rooms with lake views), easy transportation, and not too far from main attractions around the West Lake.
Thank you very much for all your help.

[aynor]

Hello, I have been to Hangzhou many many times, and by far and away the best hotel, is the Shangri-la, if you want a hotel with 'character'.
It's location is perfect (Ask for a lake-view room), and transport is very easy (Taxis are cheap and plentiful).
I've had the misfortune of staying at two of the other hotels you mention, but they might as well have been in London. The Shangri-la just has something about it.

[kamal]

I have stayed at the Hyatt, Shangri-la and Sofitel in the past few months.
In fact, I go to Hangzhou around once a month.
My choice would be the Shangri-La, every time- It has character, the staff are good, and the hotel doesn't feel like a business hotel.
The only reservation I might have, is that your Mother is 70 years old, and as the buildings are big, make sure you have rooms near the elevators, as there can be quite a lot of walking involved!.
The Shangri-La is 'special', and perhaps because of its great location- Its away from all the skyscrapers of downtown, and the boats to cross the lake stop just over the road.
My wife is Chinese, and in October, I am taking my Mother out to meet her parents (Who live in Mudanjiang), and we are having eight days at the Shangri-La, because I love the place.
Maybe I am biased after all, but the other hotels are more for business.
Take care, and I hope you choose whats best for you!