Zhejiang Xizi Hotel · Wangzhuang · West Lake Famous Garden

Wangjiang Hotel is an incredibly beautiful place. For years, I've just loved Liu Zhuang and Wangjiang Hotel. This is my seventh year coming to Hangzhou and choosing either Liu Zhuang or Wangjiang Hotel. The scenery is picturesque, like a wonderland.

This place truly fulfilled my expectations for spring! Compared to Xizi and West Lake, I personally prefer Xizi, because: 1. Xizi is just the right size; West Lake is so big you'll walk until your legs give out. 2. Xizi's paths feel designed for pedestrians, while West Lake's roads feel like they're for cars. 3. Spring in Xizi is a vibrant, limited-time palette of colors, whereas spring in West Lake is just an abundance of green. 4. From Xizi, you get an unobstructed view of West Lake, but from West Lake itself, your views are often blocked. 5. Xizi pays attention to the little details, while West Lake is rather conventional. 6. Xizi tells stories with a personal touch, like recounting cherished family treasures, while West Lake's exhibition hall feels like a generic 'been there, done that' experience. 7. The air in Xizi in spring smells of sweet water, and surprises await around every corner. In West Lake, the air is full of midges, catkins, and Photinia flowers – where does it all end? 8. When leaving Xizi, ride-shares pick up quickly. Leaving West Lake means endless traffic jams, so make sure to allow plenty of time. However: 1. The food in West Lake feels better than in Xizi... 2. There was a note on the table about tea-picking activities on weekends, but the staff said this year's events had already finished, which was a bit confusing. It would be great if special activities during the stay could be indicated when booking on Trip.com... 3. There's no need to reserve for the cultural tour; just gather in the lobby at 4:00 PM. The duration depends on the guide; mine was 40 minutes.

I always make it a point to visit Hangzhou every year, and seeing the lush greenery by West Lake is always such a beautiful sight! Even with the bustling crowds around West Lake, you can still find a sense of peace and tranquility here. The Xizi Hotel is definitely worth considering for your stay. **Room Facilities:** The dark, reddish-brown furniture gives the room a grand and elegant feel. Welcome fruits and local snacks are neatly arranged in compartments. The bathroom has both a shower and a bathtub, though overall, it feels a bit dated. **Value for Money:** The room rate is quite steep, but considering the hotel's stunning views, excellent service, and prime location, I still think it offers good value. **Breakfast:** The selection is incredibly rich and varied, and having breakfast right by West Lake is a lovely experience. There's a mix of Western and Chinese options, plus local Hangzhou specialties. You can definitely eat your fill, but it's best to go early, as after 9 am, you'll need to get a number and wait for a table. **Bed:** Just average. **Cleanliness:** We were initially given a room on the first floor which felt quite damp, and it seemed no one had stayed in it for a while. After discussing it with them, they moved us to a second-floor room, which had much better sunlight. **Parking:** They have a dedicated parking lot. **Room View:** Our room was quite far back, so the view was mostly of the mountain behind the hotel. **Location & Transportation:** The location is incredibly convenient. Leifeng Pagoda is right next door, and you can see its full panorama from the hotel. Across the street are Jingci Temple and Prince Bay Park. Bus 1314 stops right outside and goes directly to Lingyin Temple and other attractions. If you exit through the west gate, you're very close to 'Viewing Fish at Flower Pond'. We chose to take a boat from Majiawan Pier and explored Yuangu Bay, Turtle Pond, and Three Ponds Mirroring the Moon, experiencing a different side of West Lake. However, since the hotel is quite large, it's a bit of a walk to the main entrance. **Service:** The staff proactively shared information about the hotel with us – truly a testament to its renowned reputation. We interacted most with the shuttle bus drivers. When we mentioned it was our first time staying there, both the drivers and security guards enthusiastically told us about the hotel's features. A special shout-out to shuttle driver Xiao Mu, who waited patiently in the pouring rain for us to finish taking a night photo we wanted. There's also a building manager service for Building 2, responsible for managing the entire building, including check-in arrangements and turn-down service. The staff here are very thoughtful and attentive, and they even offered us some complimentary incense. **Swimming Pool:** There's a separate, heated indoor pool. **Gym:** The gym is located in a separate area. **Complimentary Activities:** 1. At 4 PM, a hotel guide takes guests on a tour of the entire hotel, providing explanations of sites like Pearl Spring and the G20 banquet hall (which isn't accessible outside of booked events, but it's very grand). We learned about the origins of the estate, saw the self-picking Longjing tea garden, and a quiet spot for playing music. The highlight was Building 1, offering a perfect view of Leifeng Pagoda and the building's harmonious composition. The tour lasts about 40 minutes. 2. A travel photography session. Each room receives five photos, which isn't really enough. If you want photo editing, it's an additional 5 RMB. Choosing more upscale costumes costs another 100 RMB. If you truly want some good photos, you might need to spend an extra 200 RMB or so. The photographer does guide you, but the pace felt very fast, and the overall shoot didn't feel very thorough, with the photos not being particularly outstanding. This is just my personal experience, though.

This hotel is essentially a massive park, nestled right within the West Lake scenic area. It's incredibly pleasant to stroll along the lakeside, gazing at the shimmering waters and the boats passing by. The hotel is located right at the foot of Leifeng Pagoda, so you can admire it without even leaving the premises, and you can also see Su Causeway from the hotel grounds. The entire garden is bursting with spring colors, lush green trees, and vibrant lawns – the scenery here is simply unparalleled. We stayed in Building 6, which was newly renovated, very stylish, and exceptionally clean. It was fully equipped with all the summer essentials, which I absolutely loved.

Built by the lake, it boasts stunning views of West Lake. The pavilions are charmingly varied, with lush trees, and the mountains and water reflect each other, creating an absolutely breathtaking scene. The rooms are spacious and spotless, with elegant and tasteful furnishings. The staff are courteous and attentive, ensuring all aspects of your stay, from accommodation to dining, are well taken care of. Strolling through the gardens, you can admire the sights of Qiantang and immerse yourself in the beauty of江南 (Jiangnan - a region south of the Yangtze River). Staying here, the hustle and bustle fade away, leaving your mind at peace. It truly is a perfect lakeside retreat.