Hangzhou Hotel Recommendations | Where to Stay in Hangzhou for First-Time Visitors?

If it’s your first time in Hangzhou, I’d focus on location rather than simply chasing a five-star hotel. Hangzhou is pretty big, and staying in the right area can save you quite a bit of time! The popular areas include 📍West Lake/Hubin, 📍Wulin Square, 📍Chengzhan/Hangzhou Station, 📍Qianjiang New Town, and 📍Xixi Wetland. Each has a different vibe, whether you’re after sightseeing, shopping, food or a quieter stay.

Here, I’ll break down what each area is like, who it’s best for, and some hotel picks to make choosing your hotels in Hangzhou much easier! 🏨

📍 5 Popular Areas to Stay in Hangzhou

Not sure which part of Hangzhou to stay in? Here’s a quick breakdown of the 5 popular areas 👇

Now, let’s go through these 5 areas one by one and see which hotels are worth checking out! 🏨✨

🏨 West Lake / Hubin Hotels

If it’s your first time in Hangzhou and you’re planning to visit spots like 📍West Lake, Broken Bridge, Su Causeway and Flower Harbor Park, I’d personally recommend staying near West Lake. You can head out for a morning stroll, explore the nearby sights, then come back and enjoy the lake views in the evening without spending too much time commuting 🚶‍♀️🌊

Here are 3 unique hotels near West Lake that you can check out 👇

🌿 Hangzhou Jinxi Hotel

If you prefer somewhere quieter with beautiful scenery, but still want to stay close to the main West Lake attractions, Hangzhou Jinxi Hotel is worth a look.

The hotel is located right inside the West Lake Scenic Area, with Quyuan Fenghe (Lotus in the Breeze at Crooked Courtyard) just outside. You can also walk to Yue Fei Temple and Su Causeway in just a few minutes, so the location is really convenient! I also like that the hotel itself has a lovely setting, so you don’t always have to head far out just to enjoy some nice scenery or take photos 📸

What’s a little different here is that there’s also a games room and library. So after a long day of sightseeing, you can simply stay in, relax and take it slow.

• 💰 Price: From RM530
• ✨ Best for: First-time visitors, nature lovers, and travellers who want to stay within the West Lake Scenic Area
• 💡 Why I’d recommend it: The location and scenery are the main highlights. You can basically step out of the hotel and start exploring West Lake, which is great if you prefer a more relaxed itinerary.

🌸 Hangzhou Hua Jia Shan Resort

If you’re the type of traveller who always needs to snap some nice photos when travelling 📸, definitely add Hangzhou Hua Jia Shan Resort to your list!

The hotel is also located within the West Lake Scenic Area, with Flower Harbor Park and Prince Bay Park both within walking distance. The surroundings are peaceful and green, with plenty of that classic Jiangnan charm that makes Hangzhou so photogenic 🌿 The service is another highlight. There’s a lounge and basketball court, and the hotel also offers airport pickup, which can be really handy if it’s your first time visiting Hangzhou and you don’t want to figure out the airport transfer yourself.

• 💰 Price: From RM592, including breakfast + travel photoshoot
• ✨ Best for: Couples, solo female travellers, photography lovers, and anyone looking for a comfortable stay
• 💡 Why I’d recommend it: Starting from RM592, you’re already getting breakfast and a travel photoshoot. So if you want some pretty photos from your Hangzhou trip, this is quite a convenient option 📸 No need to arrange a separate photoshoot!

🌊 Hangzhou The New Hotel

If you’re looking for a hotel with a beautiful West Lake view and a little more atmosphere, Hangzhou The New Hotel is worth checking out ✨

The location is one of its biggest highlights. The hotel is right by West Lake, and you can easily walk to popular spots like Broken Bridge and Bai Causeway. Some rooms and public areas also offer views of the lake and mountains, so you can enjoy the scenery without having to head out. The West Lake night view is especially pretty 🌙

There are also 3 restaurants in the hotel, with breakfast featuring refined Hangzhou-style dishes. So if you’re too tired to head out for food after a full day of sightseeing, you can simply dine at the hotel 🍜

• 💰 Price: From RM844, including breakfast + qipao photoshoot, with some packages also including a China eSIM
• ✨ Best for: Couples, travellers looking for a more upscale stay, and those who value beautiful views and a good hotel experience
• 💡 Why I’d recommend it: The location is already a big plus, but some packages also include breakfast, a qipao photoshoot and even a China eSIM. If you want your hotel to be part of the travel experience rather than just a place to sleep, this is a nice option to consider.

🏨 Wulin Square Hotels

If you’re coming to Hangzhou not just to see West Lake, but also want to shop, eat good food and explore the city at night, the Wulin Square area is a pretty convenient place to stay 🛍️✨ It’s close to shopping malls, the subway and plenty of popular spots, so you can spend the day sightseeing and still have lots to do when you get back to the hotel at night. If you like staying somewhere with easy transport, a lively atmosphere and plenty of things to eat and shop around, here are a few hotels you can check out 👇

🏮 Haoyi Hotel

If you love Chinese-style aesthetics but don’t want to stay somewhere that feels too old-fashioned, this hotel is worth a look! 🏮

Haoyi Hotel is located right at the start of Southern Song Imperial Street, just a few minutes’ walk from the subway station. It’s also around 470 metres from Qinghefang Street and about 280 metres from the subway, making it really convenient if you’re visiting Hangzhou for the first time and planning to visit lots of attractions 📍

The hotel itself is also pretty photogenic, with a modern Chinese-style design throughout. Even just walking around the hotel, you’ll get plenty of that Hangzhou holiday vibe 📸 Plus, airport pickup is available, which is handy if you don’t want to figure out your transfer right after landing.

• 💰 Price: From RM145
• ✨ Best for: Budget travellers, fans of Chinese-style aesthetics, solo female travellers and those who want easy access to sightseeing spots
• 💡 Why I’d recommend it: The location is the biggest plus at this price point, and the hotel itself has plenty of character. If you want a taste of Hangzhou’s traditional atmosphere without spending too much, this is one to consider.

🏙️ Fairfield by Marriott Hangzhou Wulin Square

If you prefer a modern, comfortable hotel with a convenient location, Fairfield by Marriott Hangzhou Wulin Square is worth checking out ✨ The hotel is about 150 meters from Wulin Square, less than 100 meters from the theatre, and around 610 meters from the subway station. With shopping malls, restaurants and other amenities nearby, it’s really easy to head out for food or shopping at night without having to travel far.

Some rooms also offer lake views, while the hotel’s breakfast is another highlight. If you’re someone who cares about having a comfortable hotel to come back to after a full day of sightseeing, this is a pretty convenient option.

• 💰 Price: From RM342
• ✨ Best for: Couples, families, travellers who prefer chain hotels, and those who value a comfortable stay and good breakfast
• 💡 Why I’d recommend it: The location makes it easy to get around Wulin Square, with shopping, food, the subway and attractions all within easy reach. Add in the comfortable rooms, breakfast and free parking, and it’s a pretty hassle-free stay.

🛏️ Qiyue Song Heritage Hotel

Looking for a budget-friendly hotel in a convenient location, with the option to stay in a tatami-style room? Qiyue Song Heritage Hotel is worth a look 👀

The hotel is around 310 meters from the subway station, and Wulin Night Market is nearby, so you can easily head out for some supper or explore the night market after a day of sightseeing. The rooms are clean and tidy, the bedding is soft and comfortable, and the front desk staff are also helpful if you need anything during your stay.

One thing that makes this hotel a little different is its tatami-style room options. If you’re used to staying in standard hotel rooms and want to try something a little different in Hangzhou, this could be a fun choice ✨

• 💰 Price: From RM159
• ✨ Best for: Young travellers, couples, friends travelling together and budget travellers
• 💡 Why I’d recommend it: From RM159, you’re getting a pretty affordable stay in a convenient location. With the subway and Wulin Night Market nearby, it works especially well if your travel style is sightseeing during the day and going out for food and night markets in the evening.

🏨 Chengzhan / Hangzhou Railway Station Hotels

If you’re planning to take the high-speed rail to Shanghai, Shaoxing, Wuzhen or other nearby destinations during your Hangzhou trip, staying around Chengzhan / Hangzhou Railway Station can make things a lot easier 🚄 It’s also a good option if you don’t want to drag your luggage too far after arriving in Hangzhou. Hotels in this area tend to be relatively affordable, and you’re still within easy reach of West Lake and popular spots like Hefang Street. Many hotels are also close to subway stations, so getting around the city is pretty straightforward 🚇 Here are a few options worth checking out 👇

🌿 Hangzhou Time In The Lanes

If you prefer a smaller, cosy hotel with a little bit of character, Hangzhou Time In The Lanes is worth checking out ✨

The hotel is within walking distance of 📍Hefang Street and 📍Deshou Palace, while Qinghefang Street is less than 100 metres away. There’s also a subway station nearby, and Hangzhou Railway Station is around 1.6 km away, so getting to the hotel after arriving by high-speed rail is still pretty manageable 🚄

The rooms come with all the basic facilities you need, and the overall design feels neat and elegant. One fun little feature is the hotel’s butler service, which even includes wake-up calls 😂 If you’re the type to have way too much fun travelling and then struggle to wake up the next morning, you might actually appreciate this!

• 💰 Price: From RM173
• ✨ Best for: Couples, friends travelling together, travellers who enjoy exploring old streets and those taking the high-speed rail
• 💡 Why I’d recommend it: Qinghefang Street is practically at your doorstep, while Hangzhou Railway Station and the subway are also within easy reach. With prices starting from RM173, it’s a pretty practical choice if you want to stay close to the old-town attractions without spending too much.

🎞️ Nostalgia S Hotel

If you love retro-style hotels, Nostalgia S Hotel is definitely one to check out ✨ The hotel has a vintage-inspired vibe that fits nicely with the atmosphere of Hangzhou’s old town. It’s about a 5-minute walk from the subway station, with 📍Hefang Street, 📍Southern Song Imperial Street and 📍West Lake all nearby. So you can spend the day exploring, then easily head back to the hotel to rest at night.

Another plus is that Hangzhou Railway Station is only around 1 km away. If you’re taking the high-speed rail during your trip, you won’t have to drag your luggage too far 🚄

• 💰 Price: From RM147
• ✨ Best for: Travellers who love vintage-style hotels, couples, friends travelling together and those taking the high-speed rail
• 💡 Why I’d recommend it: It gives you a nice balance between convenience and sightseeing. You’re close to the old-town attractions, West Lake and the railway station, while the hotel itself has a more relaxed atmosphere. If you want the convenience of staying near Hangzhou Railway Station without feeling like you’re staying in a purely transit-focused area, this is worth a look.

🏨 Five-Star Bay Hotel

Travelling on a budget but still want to stay close to West Lake? Then Five-Star Bay Hotel is worth a look 👀

The hotel is just a few minutes’ walk from West Lake, with shopping areas and Haidilao nearby, so finding something to eat at night is easy 🍜 The rooms are clean and tidy, and they even come with a smart Xiaodu assistant that you can use to control some of the room facilities. It’s a small touch, but definitely makes the stay feel a little more convenient.

There’s also an open-air restaurant at the hotel. If the weather is nice, sitting outside for breakfast or a drink can be quite relaxing ☀️ The staff are also generally friendly and helpful if you need assistance during your stay.

• 💰 Price: From RM90
• ✨ Best for: Students, budget travellers, solo travellers and friends travelling together
• 💡 Why I’d recommend it: At just RM90, it’s a pretty attractive option if you want to keep your accommodation budget low. You’re still within walking distance of West Lake, with food and shopping nearby, while the clean rooms and convenient facilities make it practical for travellers who’ll be out exploring most of the day.

🏨 Qianjiang New Town Hotels

If you prefer a modern city vibe, river views and newer shopping districts, Qianjiang New Town is an area worth considering for your Hangzhou stay 🌃✨ Compared to the more touristy West Lake area, Qianjiang New Town has a more modern feel, with plenty of subway stations, shopping malls and restaurants around. So if you want a comfortable hotel with good access to the rest of the city, but don’t necessarily need to stay right beside the tourist attractions, this area is worth checking out.

🚇 Veegle By Landison Hotel

If convenience and a reasonable price are your top priorities, Veegle by Landison Hotel is worth a look 👀

The hotel is just around 160 meters from the subway station, which is about a 5-minute walk. There’s also a food court, McDonald’s and convenience stores nearby, so finding something to eat is easy even if you get hungry late at night. The MixC is around 1.7 km away, so you can also easily head over for some shopping 🛍️ The hotel itself has a library too, which is a nice little spot if you want to sit down and unwind after a full day out.

• 💰 Price: From RM139, including breakfast
• ✨ Best for: Budget travelers, business travelers, couples and those who prefer getting around by subway
• 💡 Why I’d recommend it: From RM139 with breakfast included, plus a subway station just 160 meters away, it’s a pretty practical option. If you’ll be spending most of your day out exploring Hangzhou, the convenient location makes getting around and grabbing food much easier.

🎨 Qiyue Westlake Culture Hotel

If you love West Lake scenery and want to experience a little of Hangzhou’s traditional culture during your stay, Qiyue West Lake Culture Hotel is worth checking out.

The location is really convenient, with West Lake, shopping malls and the subway all nearby. It’s around 540 metres from the subway station, about 2 km from Hangzhou Railway Station, while Hubin IN77 is just 240 meters away. So you can easily spend the day shopping, then head out for dinner or a stroll at night 🛍️🍜 What makes this hotel a little different is that it offers more than just a place to stay. You can also take part in traditional art and craft experiences, which is a nice way to get a taste of Hangzhou’s local culture without having to plan a separate activity.

• 💰 Price: From RM163, including breakfast
• ✨ Best for: Couples, culture lovers, photography enthusiasts and travellers who enjoy shopping
• 💡 Why I’d recommend it: You get easy access to West Lake, shopping and the subway, while the cultural activities and horseback riding add something extra to your stay. So it’s a good option if you want your hotel to feel like part of the Hangzhou experience, rather than just somewhere to sleep.

🌅 Mercure Hangzhou Qianjiang

If you’re into modern, minimalist hotels with beautiful river views, Mercure Hangzhou Qianjiang could be right up your alley ✨

The hotel is located in the city centre, with the subway station and commercial area just a 5-minute walk away. The subway is around 430 metres from the hotel, making it easy to get around Hangzhou 🚇 The MixC is also about 1.4 km away, so you can easily head over for some shopping or a meal 🛍️🍜

The rooms have a clean, modern design and feature floor-to-ceiling windows, giving you an open view of the Qiantang River area. If you wake up early enough and the weather is clear, you may even get to catch the sunrise 🌅 Honestly, opening the curtains to a river view in the morning is not a bad way to start your day!

• 💰 Price: From RM211
• ✨ Best for: Couples, fans of modern hotels, travellers who value a good view and business travellers
• 💡 Why I’d recommend it: If you don’t mind staying further from West Lake and prefer a more modern city atmosphere, this hotel gives you a nice combination of convenient transport, nearby shopping and spacious river views. The floor-to-ceiling windows are a nice bonus if you enjoy waking up to a view.

🏨 Xixi Wetland Hotels

If you’re not a fan of staying right in the middle of a busy city centre and would rather have somewhere quieter and closer to nature, the Xixi Wetland area is worth considering 🌿 Hotels around here tend to have a more relaxed, resort-like feel, while subway stations and shopping areas are still nearby. So you can enjoy a slower pace without giving up too much convenience. If your ideal holiday is sleeping in, taking things slow and going for a stroll around the wetlands, this area could be a good fit 👇

🌿 Mercure Hangzhou Xixi Wetland

If Xixi National Wetland Park is part of your Hangzhou itinerary, the location is definitely the biggest reason to consider Mercure Hangzhou Xixi Wetland.

The hotel is right near Xixi Wetland and within walking distance, while the subway station is only around 250 metres away. This makes it pretty easy to get around if you’re planning to visit other attractions like West Lake or Lingyin Temple 🚇 Tianmu Li is around 2.8 km away, and there are also plenty of amenities around the hotel. The hotel itself has a distinctive French-inspired design, so if you prefer something with a little more character than a typical business hotel, you might enjoy the atmosphere here 🇫🇷✨

Driving around Hangzhou? Free public parking is also available, which is another handy bonus 🚗

• 💰 Price: From RM177
• ✨ Best for: Nature lovers, couples, road-tripping travellers and those looking for a quieter stay
• 💡 Why I’d recommend it: Xixi Wetland is within walking distance, while the subway is only around 250 metres away. You get a more relaxed place to stay without being completely disconnected from the rest of Hangzhou.

🌳 Atour Hotel

If you prefer a comfortable and convenient hotel with plenty of food options nearby, Atour Hotel is worth checking out! The hotel is within walking distance of Xixi Wetland, while subway stations and shopping areas are also nearby. There are plenty of food delivery options around too 😂, which is honestly pretty handy after a full day of sightseeing when you’re too tired to head out and look for dinner.

The hotel is also close to 📍Xixi Paradise Walk and 📍Xixi National Wetland Park, so you can spend the day exploring the wetlands and then head to the shopping district in the evening for food, shopping and a little browsing.

• 💰 Price: From RM186
• ✨ Best for: Couples, friends travelling together, foodies, shopping lovers and travellers who want a balance between nature and convenience
• 💡 Why I’d recommend it: With both Xixi National Wetland Park and Xixi Paradise Walk nearby, you get the best of both worlds. Spend the day enjoying nature, then head out for food and shopping at night without travelling too far.

🪵 West Lake Cuncuiju

If you prefer a stay that feels more like home, with a warm and cosy atmosphere rather than a typical hotel feel, West Lake Cuncuiju is worth checking out 🌿The rooms are well-equipped and well-maintained, with plenty of wood-inspired touches that give the space a warm, homely feel. It doesn’t have that overly commercial hotel vibe, so it’s a nice option if you want somewhere you can properly slow down and relax after a long day out.

The hotel is also not far from the West Lake Scenic Area, with some attractions within walking distance. One of my favourite features is the rooftop terrace, where you can sit back and watch the sunset 🌅 If the weather is nice, it’s a pretty relaxing spot to end the day.

• 💰 Price: From RM124
• ✨ Best for: Couples, solo travellers, fans of wood-inspired interiors and travellers looking for a cosy stay with a bit of character
• 💡 Why I’d recommend it: Starting from RM124, you get a cosy wood-inspired space, a rooftop terrace and a convenient location near West Lake. It’s a nice option if you want something a little more personal and homely than a standard hotel.

💡 Tips for Booking Hotels in Hangzhou

📱 Remember to buy an eSIM!

When you’re travelling around Hangzhou, having mobile data is honestly a must! 📶 Whether you’re checking maps, booking a ride, looking up your hotel reservation or finding somewhere to eat nearby, having a stable connection makes everything so much easier. Before you fly, you can grab a China eSIM on Trip.com and get it ready in advance. That way, once you land in Hangzhou, you can get connected straight away instead of scrambling to find Wi-Fi at the airport 😂📱