Hangzhou (杭州市) offers one of the most diverse accommodation markets in eastern China. Travellers can stay beside West Lake (西湖) in a historic garden hotel, inside the wooded valleys near Lingyin Temple (灵隐寺), beside the waterways of Xixi National Wetland Park (西溪国家湿地公园), in a modern skyscraper overlooking the Qiantang River (钱塘江), or at a mountain, river or lake resort in Lin’an, Fuyang, Tonglu, Jiande and Chun’an.
The most important factor is not simply the hotel category but the location of the hotel in relation to the planned itinerary. Central Hangzhou is suitable for first-time visitors, short stays and public-transport travel, while the western mountains and southwestern counties are better for private tours, self-drive holidays, family resorts and slow-paced nature experiences. A hotel at Qiandao Lake or in Tonglu should be treated as part of a separate regional itinerary rather than as a base for daily sightseeing around West Lake.
General Accommodation Overview in Hangzhou
Hangzhou’s accommodation can be divided into five broad types. The West Lake and downtown market concentrates international luxury hotels, historic state guesthouses, business hotels and convenient mid-range chains. The Lingyin–Longjing–Xixi area specialises in garden resorts, boutique hotels, tea-village guesthouses and quiet wellness retreats. The Qianjiang New Town and Binjiang riverfront are dominated by modern luxury and business hotels with river and skyline views.
Outside the city centre, Xianghu, Liangzhu and Qingshan Lake offer family, cultural and suburban resort accommodation. Farther west and southwest, Fuyang, Lin’an, Tonglu, Jiande and Chun’an provide destination resorts, lakeside hotels, forest lodges, rural guesthouses and high-quality homestays designed for travellers who wish to spend one or more nights surrounded by mountains and water.
West Lake and Hubin Accommodation
Hubin Road, Longxiangqiao and the Eastern Shore of West Lake
The Hubin area is the most convenient place for a first visit to Hangzhou. Guests can walk to the eastern shore of West Lake, Hubin Pedestrian Street, shopping centres, restaurants and evening attractions. Metro access is convenient, and it is relatively easy to reach Hangzhou Railway Station, Wulin Square, Hefang Street and other central districts.
Representative hotels include Grand Hyatt Hangzhou, which is located on Hubin Road beside West Lake, and numerous international, local luxury and mid-range hotels around Longxiangqiao and Fengqi Road. Grand Hyatt is particularly convenient for travellers who want a full-service international hotel within walking distance of the lake and commercial district.
This area is suitable for first-time visitors, elderly travellers, shopping-focused guests and travellers with only one or two nights in Hangzhou. Its disadvantages are traffic congestion, busy public spaces and less privacy than the western or southern shores of West Lake.
Southern West Lake, Nanshan Road and Leifeng Pagoda
The southern shore is quieter and more scenic than Hubin, with convenient access to Leifeng Pagoda (雷峰塔), Jingci Temple (净慈寺), Taiziwan Park (太子湾公园), China National Silk Museum and the southern section of the West Lake cycling route.
Zhejiang Xizi Hotel (浙江西子宾馆·汪庄) is one of the best-known traditional garden-style hotels in this area. It stands on Nanshan Road near Leifeng Pagoda and Changqiao Park, combining direct scenic access with a quieter environment than the main Hubin commercial district.
The southern shore is especially suitable for couples, photographers, garden lovers and travellers who prefer lakeside scenery without staying in the busiest shopping area.
Yanggong Causeway and the Western Shore of West Lake
The Yanggong Causeway area offers some of Hangzhou’s most prestigious and secluded accommodation. Hotels here are surrounded by gardens, ponds, wooded hills and smaller West Lake scenic sites rather than major commercial streets.
Four Seasons Hotel Hangzhou at West Lake is set within Chinese-style gardens beside West Lake, with courtyards, lagoons and views of surrounding hills and temples. West Lake State Guesthouse (西湖国宾馆) occupies an extensive garden setting along Yanggong Causeway and is known for its landscaped grounds and historical role in receiving major official delegations.
This is the preferred area for luxury leisure travellers, honeymooners, VIP groups, private cultural tours and visitors who value scenery and privacy more than nightlife or metro convenience.
Lingyin Temple, Longjing Village and the West Lake Hills
The western hills include Lingyin Temple, Feilai Peak, Yongfu Temple, Faxi Temple, Longjing Village, Meijiawu, Jiuxi and Manjuelong. Accommodation consists mainly of luxury retreats, boutique hotels, tea-village guesthouses and small design properties hidden among bamboo forests and tea gardens.
Amanfayun (杭州法云安缦) is one of the most distinctive properties in Hangzhou. It occupies a traditional village-style setting near Buddhist temples and forested hills, making it suitable for guests seeking architecture, wellness, meditation and a strong sense of place.
Hotels in Longjing, Manjuelong and Jiuxi provide a more intimate alternative, often with only a small number of rooms. Some overlook tea terraces, bamboo groves or mountain valleys. These properties are ideal for second-time visitors, couples and slow-travel guests, but access usually depends on taxis, private vehicles or local buses. Traffic around Lingyin can become extremely busy during weekends, public holidays and Buddhist festivals.
Xixi Wetland Hotels and Resorts
Xixi Wetland is one of Hangzhou’s leading resort districts. The atmosphere is defined by waterways, ponds, reed beds, orchards, traditional villages and landscaped gardens. The area is quieter than downtown Hangzhou but remains within the urban area, making it suitable for a two-centre stay combining West Lake and Xixi.
Banyan Tree Hangzhou offers spacious accommodation overlooking the wetland landscape and incorporates local culture, wellness and family activities into the resort experience. Sheraton Grand Hangzhou Wetland Park Resort provides full resort facilities, restaurants, event space, a spa and an indoor swimming pool. Hangzhou Muh Shoou Xixi Hotel, a member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World, provides a smaller boutique experience integrated with the wetland environment.
Xixi is suitable for family holidays, couples, wellness retreats, corporate groups and travellers with at least three nights in Hangzhou. Travellers planning intensive downtown sightseeing should check the hotel’s distance from the nearest metro station and wetland entrance, because different entrances are separated by considerable distances.
Qianjiang New Town and the Qiantang River
Qianjiang New Town represents modern Hangzhou. The area contains the Civic Center, City Balcony, major shopping centres, office towers and riverfront promenades. Hotels generally have newer facilities, large rooms, extensive meeting space and views of the Qiantang River or city skyline.
Park Hyatt Hangzhou overlooks the Qiantang River and Qianjiang New Town from a high-rise location, combining luxury accommodation with convenient access to the central business district. The Azure Qiantang, a Luxury Collection Hotel, stands on the riverbank and offers river views from its accommodation and restaurants. Hangzhou Marriott Hotel Qianjiang is another established full-service option in the Qianjiang central business district.
Qianjiang New Town is suitable for business travellers, conference groups, modern-city enthusiasts, couples interested in night views and guests who prefer large shopping centres and international dining. It is less convenient for travellers planning to walk around West Lake every day.
Wulin Square, Hangzhou Centre and the Grand Canal
Wulin Square and the northern downtown area provide a balance between business, shopping and cultural sightseeing. Guests can reach the West Lake northern shore, Hangzhou Tower, major shopping districts and sections of the Grand Canal relatively easily.
Four Seasons Hotel Hangzhou Centre is located within the Hangzhou Centre mixed-use development and represents the new generation of central-city luxury accommodation. JW Marriott Hotel Hangzhou provides full business and leisure facilities, including meeting space and an indoor pool, in the Wulin commercial area.
Farther north, the Gongchen Bridge, Xiaohe Historic District and Dadou Road sections of the Grand Canal are surrounded by smaller design hotels, renovated historic buildings and local guesthouses. This area is suitable for travellers interested in canal culture, neighbourhood life, museums and a slower urban atmosphere.
Binjiang District and the Olympic Sports Area
Binjiang lies south of the Qiantang River and is known for technology companies, modern residential developments, riverfront scenery and convenient access to the Olympic Sports Center area. Hotels are generally contemporary and better suited to business travel, exhibitions, sports events and longer urban stays than to traditional West Lake sightseeing.
Le Méridien Hangzhou, Binjiang overlooks the Qiantang River and Longjing Mountain area and provides contemporary rooms, restaurants, meeting facilities and an indoor pool. Crowne Plaza Hangzhou Riverside is another modern riverside business hotel in Binjiang.
Binjiang is a practical choice for corporate visitors, technology-industry travellers, event participants and guests travelling by private vehicle. Those spending most of their time around West Lake should allow for river crossings and city traffic.
Xiaoshan, Xianghu and the Airport Area
Xianghu Lake Resort Area
Xianghu is quieter and more spacious than West Lake, with cycling paths, hills, museums, family attractions and lakeside recreational facilities. It is particularly strong in family resort accommodation.
Hangzhou Senbo Nature Park and Resort is located in the Xianghu Scenic Area and combines resort rooms with family entertainment and water-based activities. The property includes numerous room styles and views of the surrounding hills and Xianghu landscape.
Xianghu is suitable for families with children, weekend resort stays and travellers visiting nearby theme parks. It is less suitable as a base for several consecutive days of sightseeing around West Lake.
Xiaoshan International Airport and Southern Xiaoshan
The airport area contains international chains, business hotels and practical overnight accommodation designed for early departures, late arrivals, airline crews and short business stays. Travellers should distinguish carefully between hotels near Xiaoshan urban centre, the airport terminals and the Xianghu resort area, because these are separate accommodation zones.
An airport hotel is useful for a final night before an early flight, but it should not be chosen for a first-time leisure holiday focused on West Lake.
Yuhang, Liangzhu and Future Sci-Tech City
Yuhang combines archaeological heritage, wetlands, suburban commercial centres and the growing Future Sci-Tech City. Accommodation ranges from international business hotels to cultural resorts and boutique wetland properties.
InterContinental Hangzhou Liangzhu is located on Yuniao Street and provides a high-end base for visiting Liangzhu Museum, Liangzhu Ancient City Archaeological Ruins Park and Liangzhu Cultural Village. AC Hotel Hangzhou is located in Future Sci-Tech City with convenient access to the metro network and Hangzhou West Railway Station. Muh Shoou Xixi Hotel lies in the Yuhang section of the wider Xixi landscape and is suited to boutique wetland stays.
Liangzhu is particularly suitable for cultural study tours, families, educational groups and travellers combining Hangzhou with northern Zhejiang. Future Sci-Tech City is more appropriate for business visits and passengers using Hangzhou West Railway Station.
Linping District
Linping is a practical accommodation area for business travellers, visitors to northeastern Hangzhou and travellers continuing toward Jiaxing, Haining or Shanghai. Hotels are generally modern business properties rather than destination resorts.
Renaissance Hangzhou Northeast Hotel is one of the district’s best-known international properties. It is suited to meetings, corporate travel and visitors who need accommodation in northern or northeastern Hangzhou rather than near West Lake.
Linping should generally not be selected by first-time leisure visitors unless their itinerary includes local attractions, business appointments or transportation connections in this part of the city.
Qiantang District
Qiantang District includes Jinsha Lake, the Hangzhou Economic and Technological Development Area, university campuses and eastern industrial and business zones. Accommodation primarily serves corporate travellers, university visitors, exhibition groups and longer-stay guests.
DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Hangzhou East is located on Jinsha Avenue near Jinshahu Metro Station and offers full-service business and leisure facilities. Crowne Plaza Hangzhou Qiantang is located on Shangsha Road and is another established international business hotel in the district.
Qiantang hotels can provide larger rooms and good business facilities, but the district is far from most traditional attractions. It works best when the traveller’s main activities are in eastern Hangzhou.
Fuyang District and the Fuchun River
Fuyang’s accommodation is centred on the Fuchun River (富春江), tea-covered hills, Huang Gongwang Forest Park, Longmen Ancient Town and Hangzhou Wildlife World. The district offers riverside hotels, traditional resorts, golf-oriented properties and rural homestays.
Fuchun Resort (富春山居度假村) is the best-known destination resort in Fuyang. It is set among hills and water and offers Chinese-style suites, villas, spa and leisure facilities.
Visitors focusing on Hangzhou Wildlife World may prefer a hotel closer to the attraction or Fuyang’s main urban area. Travellers interested in Longmen Ancient Town and mountain villages should consider a rural guesthouse or private resort, especially when travelling by car.
Fuyang is suitable for golf holidays, wellness retreats, family self-drive tours and cultural itineraries based on the landscapes associated with Dwelling in the Fuchun Mountains.
Lin’an District: Tianmu Mountain and Qingshan Lake
Lin’an is Hangzhou’s principal mountain and forest accommodation region. Its major tourism zones include Qingshan Lake, Tianmu Mountain, Daming Mountain, Taihuyuan and the western mountain villages. Accommodation ranges from international hotels in the urban and Qingshan Lake areas to forest resorts, mountain lodges and rural homestays.
Hangzhou Marriott Hotel Lin’an is located in Qingshan Lake Science and Technology City against a forested backdrop. Renaissance Hangzhou Lin’an Hotel is located near Shishan Park and incorporates design elements inspired by the Song dynasty.
For Tianmu Mountain and Daming Mountain, staying close to the scenic area is usually more practical than commuting from central Lin’an. Mountain homestays are excellent for hiking and summer retreats, but travellers should confirm road access, luggage handling, heating, meal arrangements and the distance from the actual scenic entrance.
Tonglu County: Fuchun River, Yaolin and Mountain Resorts
Tonglu is one of the strongest resort destinations around Hangzhou. Its landscape includes the Fuchun River, Yaolin Fairyland, Daqishan National Forest Park, Tianzi Land and traditional villages. Accommodation ranges from international luxury resorts to family resorts, riverside hotels and architect-designed rural guesthouses.
Conrad Hangzhou Tonglu is located between hills, Tianxi Lake and the Fenshui River. The resort includes spacious suites and private villas and is suitable for high-end leisure stays, family holidays and small corporate retreats. Tonglu Senbo Exclusive Resort combines nature-based accommodation with a family-oriented resort zone inspired by local Jiangnan culture.
Tonglu’s boutique homestays are concentrated around river valleys and villages such as those near Qinglongwu. These properties can provide outstanding scenery and architecture, but some are reached by narrow mountain roads. Private transfers are preferable for travellers carrying large luggage or travelling with children or elderly family members.
Jiande City: Xin’an River, Meicheng and the Fuchun River
Jiande is known for the cool-water environment of the Xin’an River (新安江), the historic town of Meicheng, riverside landscapes and access to the western reaches of the Fuchun River. Accommodation includes riverside resorts, modern urban hotels, family retreats and boutique properties.
Mövenpick by Accor Hangzhou Xin’an River is located in Meicheng Town and provides an international-standard base for exploring the ancient town and surrounding river region. Wonderland Resort, Hangzhou Jiande, a Tribute Portfolio Resort is positioned beside the Fuchun River and offers a family-oriented resort environment.
Hotels in Xin’anjiang urban area are more convenient for riverfront walks, hydropower-station visits and local dining, while Meicheng hotels are better for historical and cultural itineraries. Rural resorts are suitable for self-drive travellers and guests planning a complete day of leisure inside the property.
Chun’an County and Qiandao Lake
Qiandao Lake has the most developed destination-resort market outside central Hangzhou. Accommodation is distributed among Qiandaohu Town, the Central Lake Area, the Southeast Lake Area, lakeside peninsulas, islands and remote mountain bays.
Hilton Hangzhou Qiandao Lake Resort overlooks the lake and mountains and provides indoor and outdoor pools and other resort facilities. voco Thousand Island Lake is located in the main Qiandao Lake tourism area with convenient access to the town’s commercial facilities. Vignette Collection Yanshan Qiandao Lake provides a more secluded lakeside resort environment with panoramic lake and mountain views.
Qiandaohu Town is the most convenient base for restaurants, cruises and local transport. Peninsula resorts are better for privacy, lake views and family relaxation, while remote resorts require private transfers and are better suited to guests who intend to spend most of their stay inside the property.
Travellers should check which cruise wharf, cycling route or scenic section they plan to visit before booking. “Qiandao Lake” covers a large geographical area, and two hotels carrying the same destination name may be far apart by road.
Where to Stay in Hangzhou
As for accommodation areas in Hangzhou, if you want to enjoy convenient shopping and transportation to urban attractions, it is better to stay in the center area like Wulin Square; hotels near West Lake is also highly recommended as you can have easy access to the place where can mostly display the beauty of Hangzhou; Wushan Square Area is best for experiencing the cultural atmosphere of the city, as well as tasting local snacks and enjoying the bird view of West Lake.
Recommended 5-star Hotels
- The Azure Qiantang, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Hangzhou
Add: No.39, Wangjiang East Road, Shangcheng District, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
Tel:0571 -2823 7777
Attractions nearby: Hangzhou city planning exhibition hall, Hangzhou Grand Theatre, Hu Xueyan’s Former Residence, Qiantang River Bridge. Located in the Shangcheng area. It is equipped with luxurious equipment. They have indoor swimming pool and public coffee areas.
- Sheraton Grand Hangzhou Wetland Park Resort
Add: No.1, Zijingang Road, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
Tel: 0571 - 8500 2222
Attractions nearby: XIxi National Wetland Park, Zhejiang University, Lingyin Templ, West Lake, Zhejiang National Museum, West Lake Square. it is equipped with 3 canteens and spa, indoor swimming pool, children’s club, 24-hour fitness center.
- Giantman Hotel
Add: No.363, Kunpeng Road, Wangjiang East Road, Shangcheng District, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
Tel:0571 - 86568777
Attractions nearby: Hangzhou city planning exhibition hall, Hangzhou Grand Theatre, Hu Xueyan’s Former Residence, Qiantang River Bridge
- Sofitel Hangzhou Westlake
Add: No.333, West Lake Grand Road, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.
Tel:0571 - 8707 5858
Attractions nearby: West Lake, West Lake World, West Lake Yintai Shopping Center, China Academy of Art, Wushan Night Market, Wushan Square, ect. Located on West Lake Grand Road, it’s just 0.6 miles away from the West Lake. They offer babysitter service, airport shuttle bus, indoor swimming pools, ect.
- Sheraton Qiandao Lake Resort
Add: No.311,Xin’an North Road, Qinadao Lake Town, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.
Tel: 0571- 6488 8888
Attractions nearby: Qiandao Lake, Shijiatang Park, Wangutang Culture Park
More about The Best Luxury 5-Star Hotels in Hangzhou
Recommended 4-star Hotels
- Zhejiang Xizi Hotel
Add: No.37,Nanshan Road, West Lake District, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
Tel:0571-87021888
Attractions nearby: Near to the West Lake. They provide indoor swimming pool, independent living room, fitness center, ect. The nearby attracttions are: West Lake, Leifeng Tower, China Silk Museum, Wushan Square, Su Dongpo Memorial Hall, Taiziwan Park, etc.
- Tea Boutique Hotel West Lake
Add: No.69, Yugu Road, West Lake, Hangzhou District, Zhejiang, China.
Tel:44 75 20 63 45 67
Attractions nearby: Huanglong Sports Center, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou Botanical Garden, Yuewang Temple.
- Hilton Hangzhou Qiandao Lake Resort
Add: No.600, North Ring Road, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.
Tel: 0571 -6508 6666
Attractions nearby: West Park Pier, Qiandao Lake, Shijiatang Park. It is near to the Qiandao Lake, and they provide air shuttle bus, indoor and outdoor swimming pools, public coffee area, etc.
More about The Best Comfortable 4-Star Hotels in Hangzhou
Recommended 3-star Hotels
- Lin An He Run Shi Jia Resort
Add: No.183, Xikou Village, Taihu Lake Town, Linan city, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.
Tel:0571 -63700000
Attractions nearby: Lin'an Shenglong River, Canglong Waterfall, Baishui Waterfall.
- Atour Hotel - Xiaoshan People's Square
Add: No. 1038, Jincheng Road, Xiaoshan District, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
Tel: 0571 -8378 7288
Attractions nearby: Hangzhou Paradise Park, Hangzhou Polar Ocean World, Hangzhou City Planning Museum.
- EAC Center Apartment
Add: No.26, Jiaogong Road, West Lake District, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.
Tel:1 385-355-7901
Attractions nearby: West Lake, Huanglong Sports Center, Baoshi Mountain, Baochu Tower, Hangzhou Theatre, Wulin Square, West Lake Exhibition Museum, Zhejiang University, etc.
- Xinyu Hotel
Add: No. 118, Jiaogong Road, West Lake District, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.
Tel:0571 -8775 8888
Attractions nearby: West Lake, Huanglong Sports Center, Baoshi Mountain, Baochu Tower, Hangzhou Theatre, Wulin Square, West Lake Exhibition Museum, Zhejiang University, etc. Closed to the West Lake. It has pub and provides airport pickup and hotel car rental service.
More about The Best Budget 3-Star Hotels in Hangzhou
Hotels Located in the Center of Hangzhou
- Sofitel Hangzhou Westlake
Add: No.333, West Lake Grand Road, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.
Tel:0571 - 8707 5858
- Midtown Shangri-La,Hangzhou
Add: 6 Changshou Road, Kerry Central, Hangzhou
Tel:0571 - 8733 8888
- Grand Hyatt Hangzhou
Add: 28 Hu Bin Road, Hangzhou
Tel:0571 - 8733 8888
- Midtown Shangri-La,Hangzhou
Add: No.228, Xinye Road, Jianggan District, Hangzhou
Tel:0571-56966666
Hotels Near Hangzhou’s Major Tourist Attractions
| Tourist attraction or scenic area |
Recommended accommodation zone |
Representative hotels and property types |
Best suited to |
| West Lake – Hubin and Broken Bridge |
Hubin Road, Longxiangqiao and Fengqi Road |
Grand Hyatt Hangzhou; international and local city hotels |
First-time visitors, short stays and shopping |
| Su Causeway and Yanggong Causeway |
Western West Lake |
Four Seasons Hotel Hangzhou at West Lake; West Lake State Guesthouse |
Luxury leisure, VIP groups and couples |
| Leifeng Pagoda and Taiziwan Park |
Nanshan Road and southern West Lake |
Zhejiang Xizi Hotel and garden-style hotels |
Photographers, couples and relaxed sightseeing |
| Lingyin Temple and Feilai Peak |
Lingyin and Fayun Village |
Amanfayun; mountain boutique hotels and guesthouses |
Temple visits, wellness and cultural travel |
| Longjing and Jiuxi |
Longjing, Manjuelong and Jiuxi |
Tea-village guesthouses and design hotels |
Tea culture, hiking and slow travel |
| Xixi Wetland |
Xixi Paradise and Wuchang |
Banyan Tree, Sheraton Grand and Muh Shoou Xixi |
Families, couples and nature holidays |
| Grand Canal and Gongchen Bridge |
Gongshu and Wulin |
Central luxury hotels, canal-side boutique hotels and local guesthouses |
Cultural walking and urban slow travel |
| Liangzhu Archaeological Ruins |
Liangzhu Cultural Village |
InterContinental Hangzhou Liangzhu |
Families, study tours and heritage travel |
| Qiantang River and City Balcony |
Qianjiang New Town |
Park Hyatt, Azure Qiantang and Marriott Qianjiang |
Business, luxury and city-night views |
| Olympic Sports Center |
Binjiang and Qianjiang New Town |
Le Méridien Binjiang and Crowne Plaza Riverside |
Events, exhibitions and business |
| Xianghu Lake |
Xianghu Scenic Area |
Hangzhou Senbo Nature Park and Resort |
Families and resort holidays |
| Fuchun River and Fuyang |
Dongzhou and Fuyang riverside |
Fuchun Resort and local riverside hotels |
Golf, wellness and self-drive tours |
| Tianmu Mountain and Qingshan Lake |
Lin’an |
Hangzhou Marriott Lin’an, Renaissance Lin’an and mountain homestays |
Forest retreats and summer holidays |
| Fuchun River and Yaolin Fairyland |
Tonglu and Fenshui |
Conrad Hangzhou Tonglu, Tonglu Senbo and rural design hotels |
Families, couples and mountain holidays |
| Xin’an River and Meicheng |
Jiande |
Mövenpick Xin’an River and Wonderland Resort Jiande |
River scenery, history and family leisure |
| Qiandao Lake |
Qiandaohu Town and lakeside peninsulas |
Hilton Qiandao Lake, voco Thousand Island Lake and Vignette Collection Yanshan |
Lake holidays, families and extended stays |
Complete Hotel Guide by Hangzhou Tourism Region
| District or tourism region |
Main attractions and business areas |
Accommodation character |
Representative hotels |
Recommended guests |
| Shangcheng District (上城区) |
Hubin, Hefang Street, Southern Song Imperial Street, Qianjiang New Town |
Central luxury, business and shopping hotels |
Grand Hyatt Hangzhou; Park Hyatt Hangzhou; The Azure Qiantang |
First-time visitors, business travellers and couples |
| Gongshu District (拱墅区) |
Wulin Square, Hangzhou Centre, Grand Canal, Gongchen Bridge |
Downtown luxury, business and canal-side boutique accommodation |
Four Seasons Hotel Hangzhou Centre; JW Marriott Hotel Hangzhou |
Shopping, business and canal-culture travellers |
| Xihu District (西湖区) |
West Lake, Lingyin, Longjing, Xixi Wetland |
Garden resorts, heritage hotels, wellness retreats and boutique guesthouses |
Four Seasons West Lake; West Lake State Guesthouse; Amanfayun; Banyan Tree; Sheraton Grand Wetland Park |
Luxury leisure, cultural travel and couples |
| Binjiang District (滨江区) |
Qiantang River, technology district, Olympic Sports area |
Modern business hotels and river-view properties |
Le Méridien Hangzhou, Binjiang; Crowne Plaza Hangzhou Riverside |
Corporate travel, exhibitions and events |
| Xiaoshan District (萧山区) |
Xianghu, airport, southern business districts |
Family resorts, airport hotels and business accommodation |
Hangzhou Senbo Nature Park and Resort; Xianghu-area resorts |
Families, transit passengers and resort stays |
| Yuhang District (余杭区) |
Liangzhu, Future Sci-Tech City, Hangzhou West Railway Station, western Xixi |
Cultural hotels, business hotels and boutique wetland retreats |
InterContinental Hangzhou Liangzhu; AC Hotel Hangzhou; Muh Shoou Xixi |
Study tours, business and nature holidays |
| Linping District (临平区) |
Linping New Town and northeastern Hangzhou |
Business-oriented hotels and practical urban accommodation |
Renaissance Hangzhou Northeast Hotel |
Corporate travellers and regional transit |
| Qiantang District (钱塘区) |
Jinsha Lake, university town and development zone |
International business hotels and extended-stay accommodation |
DoubleTree by Hilton Hangzhou East; Crowne Plaza Hangzhou Qiantang |
Corporate, university and exhibition visitors |
| Fuyang District (富阳区) |
Fuchun River, Longmen Ancient Town, Wildlife World |
Riverside resorts, golf hotels and rural guesthouses |
Fuchun Resort; Fuyang riverside hotels |
Self-drive, golf, family and wellness travellers |
| Lin’an District (临安区) |
Qingshan Lake, Tianmu Mountain, Daming Mountain |
Forest hotels, mountain resorts and countryside homestays |
Hangzhou Marriott Lin’an; Renaissance Hangzhou Lin’an |
Hiking, summer retreats and nature travel |
| Tonglu County (桐庐县) |
Fuchun River, Yaolin, Daqishan and mountain villages |
Luxury resorts, family resorts and design homestays |
Conrad Hangzhou Tonglu; Tonglu Senbo Exclusive Resort |
Families, couples and private tours |
| Chun’an County (淳安县) |
Qiandao Lake and surrounding mountains |
Lakeside resorts, peninsula hotels and rural retreats |
Hilton Qiandao Lake; voco Thousand Island Lake; Vignette Collection Yanshan |
Lake holidays and extended resort stays |
| Jiande City (建德市) |
Xin’an River, Meicheng and Fuchun River |
Riverside hotels, historic-town accommodation and family resorts |
Mövenpick Xin’an River; Wonderland Resort Hangzhou Jiande |
Cultural tours, summer holidays and families |
How to Choose the Right Hangzhou Hotel
For a first trip of two or three nights, stay around Hubin, Longxiangqiao, Nanshan Road or Wulin. These areas provide the easiest combination of West Lake sightseeing, restaurants, shopping and public transport.
For a quiet luxury holiday, choose Yanggong Causeway, Lingyin, Longjing or Xixi Wetland. The environment is significantly calmer, although transfers may take longer and restaurants outside the hotel are less concentrated.
For a family resort holiday, choose Xixi Wetland, Xianghu, Tonglu Senbo, Jiande or Qiandao Lake. These areas provide more space and on-site leisure facilities than downtown hotels.
For business, exhibitions or modern city views, choose Qianjiang New Town, Binjiang, Qiantang or Future Sci-Tech City. Select the district that is closest to the meeting venue rather than choosing a hotel solely because it carries “Hangzhou” in its name.
For a mountain-and-river itinerary, combine two or three nights in central Hangzhou with separate stays in Lin’an, Tonglu, Jiande or Chun’an. Changing hotels is more practical than making long return journeys to West Lake every day.
Practical Accommodation Tips
Book West Lake, Lingyin, Xixi, Xianghu and Qiandao Lake hotels well in advance for spring flower season, autumn, weekends and national holidays. A property described as “near West Lake” may still require a taxi or metro journey, so confirm its exact position rather than relying only on the marketing name.
For lake-view and river-view rooms, confirm the actual room orientation, floor and whether the view is direct, partial or obstructed. At Qiandao Lake and the Fuchun River, the quality of the view can vary substantially between different buildings within the same resort.
When booking rural homestays, confirm vehicle access, parking, staircases, elevators, breakfast, heating or air-conditioning and luggage assistance. International visitors should also provide passport details correctly and confirm that the property can complete the required guest-registration procedure.
West Lake and Lingyin may introduce temporary traffic controls during weekends, holidays and major events. Travellers staying in the scenic area should arrange transfers in advance and avoid planning extremely tight railway or airport connections immediately after sightseeing.
Hangzhou’s best accommodation strategy is usually one urban hotel plus one scenic resort: for example, West Lake with Tonglu, Xixi with Qiandao Lake, or Qianjiang New Town with Jiande. This provides both convenient city sightseeing and a deeper experience of Hangzhou’s mountains, rivers, wetlands and lakes.