Hangzhou Hideaway at West Lake
Next to West Lake with its park-like setting, temples and pagodas, a brand-new Four Seasons in Hangzhou blends ancient Chinese tradition with 21st-century designer living.
Updated July 29, 2010—In a city that can keep you very busy with business and sightseeing, the new Four Seasons Hotel Hangzhou at West Lake gives you the chance to relax in nature, while enjoying one of China’s most famous settings.
“We have the best location of any hotel in Hangzhou,” says Rudolf van Dijk, the new Hotel’s General Manager. “We’re right at the edge of the legendary West Lake, with beautiful views of the water and gardens.”
Resembling a small lakeside village, the Hotel’s design pays tribute to traditional Chinese architecture. It looks as if the buildings have always been here, among West Lake’s collection of historic temples and pagodas. Featuring forest glades and gardens, the grounds are woven with streams, ponds and lagoons.
The atmosphere feels quiet and exclusive. Four Seasons has just 78 guest rooms and suites, plus three villas—many featuring conservatory terraces with glass walls you can push back to enjoy the beautiful weather. Interiors reflect 21st-century designer style with the latest technology for communication and entertainment.
Stellar Restaurants
For dining, there’s the international-calibre Chinese restaurant, Jin Sha—specialising in fine Cantonese, Shanghainese and classical local cuisine. Book one of the 11 private dining rooms, and you’ll have your own garden pavilion to share with friends and business associates. “We’re expecting Jin Sha to become one of Hangzhou’s hottest restaurants,” says van Dijk.
For more casual occasions, WLB serves both Asian and Western fare and features open-air seating overlooking the gardens. The Lobby Lounge provides traditional Chinese tea service, giving you a chance to sample Hangzhou’s famous green tea, Longjing, known for its gently sweet flavour.
Resort-Style Recreation
When it’s time to unwind, Four Seasons offers you a wide choice of recreational amenities. The indoor swimming pool is just steps from the health club. But the highlight is the stunning outdoor pool: a rectangle that seems to float in the centre of a lagoon and can be accessed only by a wooden bridge.
The Four Seasons Spa features cutting-edge contemporary design, in contrast to the menu of traditional Chinese and Asian therapies designed for relaxation and beauty. And while you’re enjoying a massage, your children can be entertained at the Kids For All Seasons or Young Adult Centre.
The multilingual Concierge staff will do everything to make your visit to the city feel effortlessly easy—whether providing translators for business meetings or suggesting a personal tour guide to help you find the best deals on silk. Then come back to Four Seasons and follow the centuries-old tradition of relaxing beside West Lake.
This hotel is opening late 2010. Four Seasons is confirming reservations for arrivals from October 1, 2010.
We wanted to book this hotel online in late June this year but was told it’s not yet open. So we went to stay at the Banyan Tree. Would someone tell me when Hangzhou 4 Seasons opens?