The best hotels in Hangzhou

This hostel sits about ten minutes on foot from the southern shore of West Lake, which is genuinely impressive for the price. Dorm beds are clean and the private rooms are small but functional. The common area fills up with backpackers most evenings and the staff speak decent English. Breakfast is basic but included in some room rates. A solid base if you are watching your budget in an otherwise expensive city.

The Ibis near Xiaoshan International Airport makes obvious sense if you have an early flight or a late arrival. Rooms follow the standard Ibis formula, compact, clean, no surprises. The location in Xiaoshan puts you 40 minutes from West Lake by metro, so it is not ideal for sightseeing. The hotel restaurant is serviceable and the front desk is staffed around the clock. Prices are consistently low even during peak season.

This Wyndham property stands in Qianjiang New Town, Hangzhou's modern financial district along the Qiantang River. The rooms are large by Chinese city standards and the beds are genuinely comfortable. The lobby feels appropriately grand without being cold. Business travelers will appreciate the well-equipped meeting facilities and fast wifi throughout. It is a 20-minute metro ride to West Lake, which is the main trade-off for staying in this part of the city.

The Novotel sits directly beside Wulin Square and the metro station of the same name, which puts almost all of central Hangzhou within easy reach. Rooms are well maintained and the beds are firm, which most guests seem to appreciate. The hotel pool is a genuine draw, not a token afterthought. Staff at the front desk are efficient and most speak good English. The area around the hotel has plenty of local restaurants within a short walk.

Binjiang is the tech hub of Hangzhou and this Holiday Inn Express caters well to both business visitors and families passing through. Rooms are spacious by express-brand standards and the included breakfast buffet is one of the better ones in the chain. The Qiantang River is close by for a morning walk. Shopping malls and local noodle shops are within a five-minute walk of the entrance. West Lake is accessible via metro in around 30 minutes.

The Lakeview Hotel earns its name, with several room categories offering direct views over West Lake from Hubin Road. The building is older than many competitors but the rooms have been updated and feel comfortable rather than tired. Breakfast on the upper floor with lake views is a highlight worth budgeting for. The hotel is a short walk from Broken Bridge and the Su Causeway. Rates climb steeply during Golden Week so book well ahead if traveling then.

The Radisson Blu sits in Gongshu District near the Grand Canal, one of Hangzhou's less visited but genuinely rewarding historic areas. Rooms are large, well furnished, and the bathrooms have proper bathtubs. The rooftop bar has views over the canal and is worth visiting even if you are not staying here. Service is attentive without being intrusive. The hotel is about 30 minutes by taxi from West Lake, which is a consideration depending on your plans.

This Hyatt Place in the Lin'an area west of central Hangzhou is underused by international visitors, which is a genuine shame. The hotel is modern, clean, and surrounded by forested hills rather than urban sprawl. Rooms follow the Hyatt Place layout with the sofa-bed sitting area and a reliable breakfast spread. It suits travelers who want access to Tianmu Mountain and the outer western landscapes around Hangzhou. The drive into central Hangzhou takes about an hour, so this works best as part of a broader Zhejiang itinerary.

Amanfayun occupies a restored ancient village of farmers' cottages and tea houses inside the West Lake Scenic Area, near Lingyin Temple. The individual cottages are set among tea plantations and bamboo groves, and the sense of quiet is exceptional for a major Chinese city. Every detail from the stone paths to the handmade furniture is handled with care. The spa and wellness program is genuinely world-class. This is one of the finest Aman properties in Asia and the price reflects that without apology.

The Four Seasons sits on the northern shore of West Lake within its own gardens, blending classical Chinese courtyard architecture with modern luxury. Rooms and villas have private terraces or gardens that face either the lake or the surrounding hills. The on-site restaurant serves some of the best Hangzhou cuisine in the city, including the famous Longjing shrimp prepared with locally sourced tea leaves. Boat transfers across the lake can be arranged through the concierge. This is the benchmark property in Hangzhou and it consistently delivers at that level.