Enjoy a Luxurious Stay at one of Hangzhou's Finest Hotels during the Lotus Festival

Enjoy a Luxurious Stay at one of Hangzhou's Finest Hotels during the Lotus Festival
Visitors don't have to rough it while they enjoy this spectacular event: the city is rife with luxurious hotels to please even the most discerning customer. Here is a list of the top 5-star hotels:

West Lake

For those who truly want to be in the center of the action, there are many elegant hotels along West Lake.

Along the banks of West Lake, The Four Seasons Hangzhou at West Lake is set in a lakeside village, and this tranquil hideaway is populated with ponds, streams, and lagoons. All of the rooms come fully equipped with L'Occitane and Bvlgari bath amenities, and the hotel offers a 24 hour fitness center and an outdoor pool, and several lounges and restaurants. Rooms from $343/night.

The Xihu State Guesthouse is another gem of a hotel located on the banks of West Lake. Three of the property's sides face the lake, for a total of 2km of lakefront property. The Xihu State Guesthouse is situated in beautiful gardens in which the man-made structures, like pavilions and small bridges, flow seamlessly with the natural beauty of the ancient trees and natural landscape. Additionally the Guesthouse offers impeccable Gold Key service, and a picturesque restaurant on the banks of the river. For those who want to be active, the hotel has a fitness center, an 18-hole golf course, and tennis courts. Rates cannot be found at this time.

Downtown Hangzhou

If you're timing your visit to the festival with business, there are a variety of spectacular hotels located right in the commercial epicenter of the city.

Located in the center of Hangzhou's business district, the Wyndham Grand Plaza Royale Hangzhou is a great choice for those traveling for work. The Wyndham has achieved the notable distinction of being the top hotel in Hangzhou on TripAdvisor, which is due to the property's impeccable service, state of the art fitness center that includes a sauna and an indoor pool, a variety of restaurants, and a hair salon. Rooms from $150/night.

Shaped like s giant Ferrero Rocher truffle, one could be forgiven for mistaking the Intercontinental Hangzhou as another Oldenberg sculpture. Surrounded by pristine landscaped gardens, the Intercontinental Hangzhou is part of a larger complex that includes the International Conference Centre, a shopping centre, and the Grand Theatre. Although the Intercontinental is centrally located, one never needs to leave the premises because the hotel is fully outfitted with seven restaurants, a health club, and an indoor rooftop pool. Rooms from $164/night.

The nearby JW Marriott Hotel Hangzhou is another great choice in the downtown area. It's located in the heart of Hangzhou, and is close to West Lake, the Silk Museum, the Grand Canal, the train station, and the airport. The hotel's impeccable facilities includes a gym with trainers and studios, a sauna, and an indoor pool, three restaurants, and an executive lounge with stunning views, complimentary breakfast, and cocktails in the evening. Rooms from $157/night.

The Dragon Hotel delivers luxury at an attainable price. Their amenities include a fitness center, complimentary breakfast, a pool, a beautiful courtyard, and an elegant executive lounge serving breakfast and cocktails daily. In addition to a variety of restaurants, the Cantina Wine Cellar stocks the finest wines from all over the world. Rooms from $138/night.

Outside of Hangzhou

Although the bright lights and pulsing life of downtown Hangzhou appeal to some, there are several luxurious resorts outside of Hangzhou, for those who want a true escape.

Banyan Tree Hangzhou

The Banyan Tree Hangzhou is located in Xixi National Wetland Park, China's first wetland reserve. In addition to being eco-friendly, the hotel's architecture reflects a sense of place through its calm and peaceful atmosphere. The Banyan Tree has a stunning health club complete with yoga studio, aerobics classes, pilates, step classes, an indoor pool, with a steam room and sauna. The spa offers myriad treatments to assuage every tension, and malady. Additionally, the Banyan Tree's restaurants serve a panoply of cuisines. The hotel also has many boardrooms, ballrooms, and even a library, which are great for hosting meetings and conferences. Rooms from $317/night.

Amanfayun

The Amanfayun is also in a unique setting; the resort is situated in a picturesque valley that also happens to be a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Perhaps the most spectacular of all the resort's amenities is Fayun Place; two stunning townhouses on the center of the property that serve as meeting space, with lounges, a cigar room, and a library where speakers will discuss topics ranging from Buddhism to Traditional Chinese Medicine. Amanfayun's well-curated boutique sells antiques, silk parasols, jewelry, Chinese paintings, and brocade. The resort offers several restaurants and a fully equipped gym. The property is also close to spectacular Buddhist temples, the Tea Museum, and the Six Harmonies Pagoda. Rates cannot be found at this time.

Fuchun Resort

The Fuchun Resort, in the Fuyang section, is a bit removed from Hangzhou. The resort offers countless activities including taichi and yoga classes, a spectacular indoor heated swimming pool, two outdoor Jacuzzis with unspoiled mountain views, an 18 hole golf course, and two tennis courts. The full-service spa offers a wide variety of treatments, saunas, steam rooms, and fitness center. The resort's restaurants serve both local and international cuisine that will appeal to all travelers. Rooms from $372/night.