Huzhou, ChinaGolden Lakeshore
Sheraton Huzhou Hot Spring Resort
Curving lakeside spectacle
Golden Lakeshore   Huzhou, China
Opened
2013
Price
$$
Rated for
Design Wellness ResortOutside the door
The house
MarriottCurving lakeside spectacle
The ring-shaped tower rises straight from Lake Taihu, staging a dramatic waterfront stay with natural mineral springs on shore.
What it’s good at
Notable
Natural mineral waters feed 26 themed soaking pools across an expansive glass-domed bathhouse.
What they say
Also in Condé Nast Traveler.
The 321-room architectural stunner also has more nuanced, locally inspired details, such as a 28-ton rough-hewn jade centerpiece in the lobby, as well as white jade, citrine, and cryolite accent materials throughout.
Tucked away
A place apart: the property is the destination.
Lake Taihu stretches across the water toward Suzhou, while Huzhou city center sits a short drive inland.
The rooms
Every guest room opens onto a private balcony over the water, and select bathrooms look straight across Lake Taihu.
The pool
Bring a swimsuit.
A circular pool with blue mosaic tiling sits right beside the lake, and loungers line the timber deck.
The spa
Twin treatment suites hold built-in stone bathtubs, with floor-to-ceiling glass looking onto secluded plunge pools.
The gym
The fitness center lines up cardio machines and free weights under acoustic wood paneling and warm cove lighting.
Restaurant
Guang Yilou
Private dining rooms seat banquet parties around vast lazy-susan tables, serving Cantonese fare and local Taihu fish.
At the table
Cocktails are poured under tiered crystal chandeliers high above the water, and lakeside terraces seat guests directly along the shore.
How it began
Architect Ma Yansong modeled the looping structure on the arched stone bridges seen in traditional Chinese ink paintings.
The app
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Our shorthand
How we rate hotels.
The medals
Gold
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Silver
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
Bronze
They did this well. You’ll notice.
Listed
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Design
Built around a vision. Even the door handles have a designer.
Luxe
Cared for at every turn. The bath is drawn before you ask.
Local
It could only be here. You wake up knowing where you are.
Social
Where the city goes out. The bar is full and the night is young.
Heritage
A building with a story. Once a palace, a monastery, a station.
Wellness
You leave feeling new. Rest, sweat, soak and sleep like a stone.
Classic
The city grew up with it. Same rituals, same regulars, same bar.
Resort
A world of its own. Something to do from breakfast to nightcap.
The scene
Lively
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Central
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Quiet
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
Secluded
A place apart: the property is the destination.