Nearly blending into the dust, the Sofitel Hotel at the prime location of Hangzhou's West Lake

The Sofitel West Lake Hotel in Hangzhou undoubtedly has a great location, just across the street from the lake's Yongjin Park, and West Lake Heaven is also within easy reach. However, it is almost impossible to witness the lake and mountains from the hotel, simply because the lakeside trees are too tall and dense. Of course, this is a common issue for all hotels around West Lake. Specifically for Sofitel, apart from the top-floor terrace and garden where you can catch a glimpse of a corner of the lake, there are no rooms facing West Lake at all. Therefore, one must be open-minded. Rooms facing the noisy street side are not an option, leaving only rooms with a view of the residential buildings inside. One of the few privileges that Accor Platinum members can enjoy at this hotel is an upgrade to an executive room on the fifth floor. The advantage, according to the young man at the front desk, is that it's more convenient to go to the lounge, and that's about it. After all, the hotel has been operating for many years. Although the rooms are still well-maintained, the aesthetic is clearly outdated, with a decor style similar to an old-fashioned state guesthouse or sanatorium, carrying a sense of solemnity. The executive lounge is located at the end of the corridor facing West Lake. The offerings do not disappoint, whether it's afternoon tea or evening happy hour, both are very rich and not crowded. There is also a small outdoor garden where you can barely glimpse the sky and water through the shade of the trees. The breakfast the next day is praiseworthy. It can serve as an example for many five-star hotels that use cost control as an excuse for their perfunctory offerings. With a similar variety of meals, it shows a different kind of care. Either highlighting the characteristics of the Jiangnan region, with Wenzhou sticky rice, Longyou rice cake, Suzhou-style noodles, sweet rice wine dumplings, beef vermicelli soup, etc., or adding a touch of finesse, like a buffet salad with not only common green leaves, tomatoes, and corn kernels but also less common yam or water radish. The same fresh-squeezed juice becomes richer with the addition of avocado. Such small details instantly brighten the experience. In summary, it is more suitable for first-time visitors to Hangzhou who must stay around West Lake. Room Information: Room Number: 516 Official Name: Executive Floor Deluxe King Room Area: 42 square meters TV: Samsung Bluetooth Speaker: JBL Shower and Metal Fittings: Hansgrohe Basin: Kohler Bathtub: Roca Toilet: Manual Kohler Hair Dryer: Tonney Body Scale: Camry Amenities: Large bottles of Lanvin Electric Kettle: Baye Coffee Machine: Illy Tea Bags: TWG Bottled Water: Nongfu Spring Mini Bar: Chargeable