Sofitel Hangzhou Westlake is our upper-mid-range pick and the best-located big hotel for first-timers. It stands at 333 West Lake Avenue in the Shangcheng district, on a riverwalk beside a shopping centre, a four-minute walk from the lake. With 233 rooms, it combines the polish of a French-owned international brand with the convenience of a central address, so you can walk to the lake, the old street and the evening food scene without a taxi.
Location and getting around
The lake is about four minutes away on foot, the Qinghefang old street about ten minutes, and Xihu Tiandi and the Wushan night market within a short walk. Wushan Square metro station is about seven minutes away, and Hangzhou Railway Station is a nine-minute drive. The airport is roughly thirty-five minutes by car. Taxis and ride-hailing cars are easy to find at the front, and the hotel can arrange an airport shuttle on request for a fee.
Rooms
The hotel has 233 rooms, with a modern, comfortable style, free in-room Wi-Fi and a quiet feel. Higher floors and the riverside rooms offer better views, so ask when you book.
Who it suits
First-time visitors who want to walk to the main sights, couples, and families who want a pool and a range of restaurants under one roof. It is a bigger and more business-like property than the boutique stays near the lake, which some guests like and others find less intimate.
Good to know
Facilities include an indoor pool, a spa with facials and massages, a twenty-four-hour gym, three restaurants, a bar and a cafe. The pool has set hours, so check them on arrival. Buffet breakfast is charged separately unless included in your rate, and free self-parking is available. Check-in is from 14:00 and check-out is at noon. Pets are not allowed and the hotel is smoke-free. Because it is attached to a shopping centre, food and shops are close, but the area can be busy at weekends.
Why stay here
- ✓Indoor pool
- ✓Spa
- ✓24-hour gym
- ✓Three restaurants
- ✓Bar and cafe
- ✓Free self-parking
- ✓Free Wi-Fi
- ✓Airport shuttle on request
Good questions
How far is Sofitel Hangzhou Westlake from West Lake?+
The lake is about a four-minute walk. Qinghefang old street is roughly ten minutes away on foot.
Does it have a pool?+
Yes, there is an indoor pool with set opening hours, so check them on arrival. There is also a spa and a twenty-four-hour gym.
Is parking free?+
Yes, free self-parking is available. Breakfast is charged separately unless your rate includes it.
