The Chinese have a saying: "In Heaven there is Paradise; on Earth there are Hangzhou and Suzhou". The beauty of Hangzhou has been recognised for centuries by Chinese and fortunate foreign travellers alike; yet it still is relatively unknown outside China.
I have been there twice now: the ... Read review
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Advantages: A city of outstanding beauty, Chinese yet showing Western influences Disadvantages: Can be very hot in the summer months
...Paradise; on Earth there are Hangzhou and Suzhou". The beauty of Hangzhou has been recognised for centuries by Chinese and fortunate foreign travellers alike; yet it still is relatively unknown outside China.
I have been there twice now: the first time a fleeting visit in 1998, the second time for 2 weeks in September 2001. The first visit left me with the impression of the most beautiful city I have ever visited; the second visit reinforced all ... ...and famous feature of Hangzhou is the West Lake (Xi Hu), a vast area of water to the west of the city, bordered on the south and west sides by towering green hills. This is an area to walk around, to take a boat across, to find peace and solitude, even on crowded days. In the Lake are 3 islands, the main one being Santanyinyue - The Three Ponds Mirroring The Moon - an imaginative title for a beautiful location.
The hills conceal another selection ...
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Advantages: Upmarket hotel Disadvantages: No swimming pool
...is a new hotel in Hangzhou close to Xi Hu "westlake". The soft opening of the hotel was in September 2003, so still very new.
1. Exterior: Nothing much to rave about. 2. Location: Top marks in this column. Most people come to Hangzhou to admire the beautiful scenery of Xihu "West lake" and this is as close as you can get. Very close to town centre and the railway station yet it is facing Xihu.
Cross the road from the hotel and bingo West lake is ... ...The food is excellent serving Hangzhou cuisine .
Service is good and the price is very reasonable. Amost half price compare with Shanghai similar type of restaurant!
The only complaint I have is for the breakfast which the situated at the cafe on the ground floor. The staff fill up the trays too slow and service are slow too.
Aaprt from that this hotel is excellent in terms of its price, room size, service and location.
5. Price: About 100 pounds ...
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Advantages: Good location, view from some rooms Disadvantages: Back-facing rooms don't have a good view
...From the outside, the hotel doesn't look impressive, especially when compared to other hotels in Hangzhou such as the Radisson, in the city centre, or the Grand Hyatt, which is right by the lake.
One thing that does beat the hotels based in the city centre, is the location. If you have ever been to Hangzhou, then the West Lake area is the best area to stay in - simply because the West Lake is beautiful.
Sofitel Westlake isn't right by the lake itself, but take a 2-3 minute walk, and you're there. So for lake viewing, it is more than convenient enough.
I stayed on the business-class floor, and the service was fantastic there. Located on the same floor is also the business lounge, which provides snacks and beverages - and also a really lovely balcony which gives a great view of the lake.
The room was spacious, basic, but very...
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22.03.2008
