This was our base while we did 3 week trip. Cant say anything bad about this hotel. We stayed in standard rooms and also club rooms - which were bargain when you take into consideration fab room, really great breakfast iwith great view and laptops in room. We left our bags here while we went off on side trips. Had no problem- staff were very helpful friendly polite.The staff made our stay excellent. We ate in the restaraunt which was good also. Great location on the lake - close to everything, very very nice well recommended.

My friend and I stayed at the Sofitel Westlake for 2 nights. We were very happy overall. Here are the pros: 1. Location - It's very central and close to Westlake, Hefang St (full of shops) and "Orioles singing in the willows" (a gorgeous garden near Westlake). It's a short taxi ride to everything else. I felt the Shangri-la had a more scenic location but I wasn't prepared to pay almost double for a room with a lake view and no breakfast. 2. Staff - I had no problems with the staff's English language ability. They were excellent, polite and efficient. Through them we managed to book a fantastic day tour of Hangzhou (with a cruise on Westlake and visits to Peak Flying from Afar, Lingyin Temple, Dragon Tea Well village, Silk Museum to name a few places) and they handled our airport transfers and suggested places to eat. 3. Breakfast and room service - The buffet breakfast is fantastic with a very wide selection (e.g. hot English provisions, pastries, porridge, noodles, cheese plate, cured meats plate, yoghurt and fruit, cereal ...etc). The room service prices are so reasonable and the dessert (creme brulee, cheesecake) is very tasty. Cons: 1. Pool - This needs an upgrade. It's beginning to look a little old. However, sauna is great.

We arrived in Hangzhou from Beijing and stayed three nights. I admit part of the pleasure came from leaving cold Beijing and disembarking in warm, springtime Hangzhou. But the Sofitel is a world class Hotel (not a resort) boasting a great location. The rooms were well appointed, the beds comfortable (we had a double room) and everything was well maintained. It is a treat to be able to walk under a pedistrian passageway and be at West Lake. One night we ate dinner on the lake & another night stopped for tea & beers at a restaurant. Also, we walked to the outdoor shopping district which is great fun. Just not having to deal with traffic jams enhances your visit! Each morning started out with a great breakfast buffet where we drank delicious cafe ou lait. The view from the quieter, less expensive back rooms is not great. I am planning to stay here anytime I visit Hangzhou.

I stayed at the Sofitel Westlake because of the location. I wanted to be able to walk to Westlake and see all there is to see around there. Unfortunately, it rained the entire time that I was there. I wasn't able to see much of anything. The hotel itself was wonderful. The room was a fairly good size. I had a king size bed. The bed was very comfortable. There was also enough room for a desk, couple of chairs, and dresser. The only complaint that I have about it, is that the bathroom is pretty small. The restaurant was pretty expensive, so I didn't eat there. There are many good restaurants within walking distance.