Hangzhou, ChinaShangcheng
Sofitel Hangzhou Westlake
Song-inspired lakeside hotel
Shangcheng Hangzhou, China
Opened
2003
Price
$$$
Rated for
Luxe Social LocalOutside the door
The house
AccorSong-inspired lakeside hotel
Imperial Song motifs shape the spaces, and classic French hospitality guides daily service right beside the lake.
“the urbane Sofitel Westlake has the best location in town, with hot tea, cool shopping, and placid water all around”
What it’s good at
What they say
Michelin Selected
Michelin
Also in Condé Nast Traveler.
The 233 rooms blend Song Dynasty motifs with Sofitel's French aesthetic: marble bathrooms, pillow menus, floor-to-ceiling windows, and the rooftop Sky Garden Lounge has an unobstructed panorama across the water.
Right in the middle
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Yongjin Park and West Lake sit just across the street, and the China Academy of Art is next door.
The rooms
Floor-to-ceiling bay windows look out over the city or lake, and marble bathrooms have deep soaking tubs.
The indoor pool
Bring a swimsuit.
The indoor pool is heated year-round beneath mirrored ceilings and flanked by glowing wall murals.
The spa
Bali Spa uses herbal oils for traditional Balinese massages, and private suites come with sunken soaking tubs.
At the table
Kwee Zeen prepares international dishes at open cooking stations, and Le Bar pours afternoon tea beside floor-to-ceiling windows.
How it began
The building stands on the grounds of Jinhua General Temple, a site tied to Five Dynasties folklore.
Hangzhou
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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.