To help you decide where to stay in Hangzhou, we have created a comprehensive guide detailing the city’s most popular areas and our top hotel recommendations.
Are you planning your first trip to Hangzhou? It’s important to identify the areas that best suit your needs for a fabulous, hassle-free holiday. Hangzhou is a charming city that is incredibly easy to explore, with its welcoming and warm-hearted residents. The city is adorned with stunning traditional Chinese architecture, beautiful lakes, and the tranquil Lingyin Temple, among other attractions. The picturesque scenery makes it a fantastic location for photography.
As the capital of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou (Chinese: 杭州) offers a wide range of accommodations, including hotels, hostels, and inns, to suit the needs of every visitor. Hangzhou is divided into several neighborhoods, making it convenient for travelers. Each area offers its unique experiences, including diverse dining options, shopping, nightlife, and accommodations that cater to all budgets.
If you’re unsure where to stay in Hangzhou, we’ve compiled this accommodation guide to help you make the best decision. Keep reading to discover the ideal places to lay your head at night during your visit.
Accomodation Guide: Where to Stay in Hangzhou
Finding for where to stay in stay Hangzhou in Hangzhou is quite simple. The main attraction in the city is West Lake, so you need to decide whether you want to stay close to the lake or prefer the convenience of the downtown area.
For a luxurious experience with stunning views, the West Area Scenic Area is the ideal choice. This location offers easy access to West Lake within walking distance, allowing you to enjoy the fantastic scenery at any time. Most accommodations in this area consist of 5-star deluxe hotels and comfortable 4-star options.
If you’re looking for more budget-friendly choices but still nearby the main attraction, you can opt for hotels that are still within walking distance to West Lake. There are many boutique and 4-star hotels available to fit your needs.
For convenience and a variety of food options, consider staying in the Wulin Square area. This busy commercial hub features shopping malls, restaurants, and various dining choices. It is also a great location for getting around Hangzhou easily.
Continue reading for more details and our top picks for hotels in Hangzhou.
Stay nearby West Lake
West Lake is the most popular area to stay in Hangzhou, attracting those seeking a relaxing retreat. This region is filled with various accommodations, as well as lakeside restaurants, cafés, and bars. Hangzhou is especially favored by couples and families. Staying near West Lake provides easy access to temples, boardwalks, and Longjing Village, making the experience even more enjoyable.
The hotels located near West Lake are predominantly high-end luxury establishments. Among the best recommendations are the Grand Hyatt Hangzhou and Shangri-La Hangzhou. If you prefer more economical options, the Merchant Marco Hotel and several featured hostels are excellent choices. Slight far away from West Lake but within walking distance.
Staying adjacent or nearby West Lake Scenic Area
Grand Hyatt Hangzhou is a five-star hotel located by West Lake. Its prime location offers an excellent opportunity for an early morning run or walk along the lakeside road, allowing guests to enjoy the breathtaking tranquility before the area fills with tourists.
Shangri-La Hangzhou has a classic and nostalgic charm. It is excellently situated for accessing West Lake, making it easy to visit the lake at any time. The nightly Westlake Impression show is just a stone’s throw away. Highly recommended—everything about this hotel was great. Check for room rate at Shangri-La Hangzhou.
Staying within Walking Distance to West Lake
Merchant Marco Hotel is centrally located within walking distance of West Lake. There are numerous shopping areas and a wide variety of food options nearby. The hotel is very convenient for getting around, with a five-minute walk to the metro. It is a clean hotel that is well maintained. Be sure to check for room availability at Merchant Marco Hotel.
Haoyi Hotel(Hangzhou West Lake Southern Song Yujie store) is an excellent choice for travelers. Its location is ideal, offering easy access to key attractions, restaurants, and public transportation. Everything is within walking distance, and the Ding An metro station is nearby. The service at the hotel is outstanding; the staff are friendly, attentive, and always willing to help with a smile. The room was impeccably clean, well-maintained, and very comfortable, making it a perfect place to relax after a long day. I highly recommend this hotel. Check for room availability – Haoyi Hotel(Hangzhou West Lake Southern Song Yujie store).
Wulin Square (Hangzhou City Center)
Located to the north of West Lake, Wulin Square (武林广场) is the most prosperous business district in Hangzhou. If you enjoy shopping, this area is an excellent choice, as it features numerous shopping malls throughout. There is also a wide variety of food options available. Staying in the Wulin Square area offers convenience, making it easy to reach various attractions around Hangzhou. Additionally, shuttle buses run from the airport, providing a hassle-free travel experience.
Where to stay in Hanghou – Wulin Square:
Zhejiang Hotel is another popular choice when looking for where to stay in Hangzhou. It boasts a superb location next to Wulin Street, which offers numerous dining options. Additionally, the hotel is conveniently situated right next to a metro station and is surrounded by shops and restaurants. The hotel is clean and comfortable, and the staff are professional, paying close attention to details that enhance the guests’ experience. Please note that there is another Zhejiang Hotel located in the West Lake area, so be careful not to confuse the two.
Pagoda Hotel West Lake Wulin Hangzhou is another popular choice for accommodations. The property is ideally located in the city center, with a nearby metro station for easy transportation. It’s also convenient for using Didi to get around. The rooms are spacious, and clean. Popular option – check for room availability for Pagoda Hotel West Lake Wulin Hangzhou.
Crystal Orange Hotel Hangzhou Xihu Wulin Square Yintai is highly recommended for those looking for accommodation in the area. The hotel is well-located with many restaurants nearby and is just a 5-minute walk from the Wulin Square metro station. The rooms are exceptionally clean and equipped with good amenities. The pricing is very reasonable, offering great value for the quality of service provided.
Overall: Best Hotel to stay at Hangzhou
All in all, we hope this Hangzhou accommodation guide is helpful. It does help provides you with a better understanding of the various areas in the city, making it easier for you to decide where to stay in Hangzhou. This charming city has a lot to offer, and we recommend taking your time to explore by staying a few extra nights.
For leisure travel, consider staying in the West Lake area, where we recommend the Merchant Marco Hotel as a top choice. If you prefer convenience, the Wulin Square area is a great option, and we suggest the Pagoda Hotel West Lake Wulin Hangzhou.
Lastly, this Hangzhou accommodation guide is part of our Shanghai Suzhou Hangzhou travel blog. Continue reading for more travel stories.
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