Planning where to stay in Hangzhou? Hangzhou isn’t a uniform city. It feels entirely different depending on which neighborhood you stay in. One spot puts you next to picturesque West Lake. Another area centers you among tall buildings with sleek new developments. Other parts of town can feel greener, quieter, or more local.
Picking where to stay is just as important as picking which hotel to book.
This guide will divide Hangzhou into the most useful sections for travelers, detail who each area is best suited for, and recommend budget, mid-range, and luxury hotels in every area so you can confidently pick your ideal neighborhood.
- Where to Stay in Hangzhou: Map and Neighborhood Breakdown
- West Lake (Hubin / Lakeside): Best for First-Time Visitors
- Wulin Square (City Center): Best Value & Transportation Hub
- Hefang Street & Old Town: Best for History and Night Markets
- Xixi Wetland: Best for Outdoor Activities and Tranquility
- Qianjiang New Town (CBD): Best Modern Luxury & Views
- Binjiang: Best for Longer Trips and “Living Like a Local”
- Where Should You Stay in Hangzhou?
Where to Stay in Hangzhou: Hotel Quick Glance
| Hotel | Best For | Area | Why Stay Here | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Four Seasons Hotel Hangzhou at West Lake | Check Availability | Luxury travelers | West Lake | One of the most luxurious hotels in Hangzhou with a tranquil lakeside setting. |
| Sofitel Hangzhou Westlake | Check Availability | First-time visitors | West Lake | Excellent location within walking distance of West Lake attractions. |
| Grand Hyatt Hangzhou | Check Availability | Families & shoppers | Hubin (Lakeside) | Directly beside West Lake and surrounded by shopping malls and restaurants. |
| Midtown Shangri-La Hangzhou | Check Availability | City explorers | Wulin Square | Connected to major shopping districts and metro stations. |
| Zhejiang Hotel | Check Availability | Budget-conscious travelers | Wulin Square | Affordable stay with convenient access to metro and city attractions. |
| Conrad Hangzhou | Check Availability | Luxury city stays | Qianjiang New Town | Stunning skyline views and modern luxury in Hangzhou’s CBD. |
| Park Hyatt Hangzhou | Check Availability | Business travelers | Qianjiang New Town | Elegant rooms with panoramic views of the Qiantang River. |
| Amanfayun | Check Availability | Couples & honeymooners | Lingyin Temple Area | Unique luxury retreat surrounded by tea plantations and historic villages. |
| Millennium Resort Hangzhou | Check Availability | Nature lovers | Nine Creeks Area | Peaceful resort close to Longjing tea fields and hiking trails. |
| Courtyard by Marriott Hangzhou Wulin | Check Availability | Value seekers | Wulin Square | Reliable international hotel with excellent transport connections. |
Where to Stay in Hangzhou: Map and Neighborhood Breakdown
West Lake (Hubin / Lakeside): Best for First-Time Visitors
Most people visiting Hangzhou for the first time will want to stay by West Lake. It’s what Hangzhou is known for after all. If you book a hotel near West Lake, you’ll have access to scenic morning walks, lakefront views at sunset, pagodas, boats, and everything else in your introductory Hangzhou guidebook—all within walking distance from your hotel.
In particular, hotels in the Hubin section of West Lake on the east side are well-connected, giving you lakefront access while still feeling central. You can enjoy nearby shopping malls, restaurants, and easy transportation links without feeling secluded by the lake.
Why you should stay here:
- Lakefront access to major Hangzhou attractions
- Vibrant nightlife near your hotel
- Ideal for short stays in Hangzhou
Luxury Hotels
Grand Hyatt Hangzhou
One of the nicest West Lake hotels with direct lake views and arguably the best location in the city.
Midtown Shangri-La Hangzhou
A more modern, stylish luxury hotel near Hubin shopping district. Offers some of the best service in Hangzhou without feeling stuffy.
Mid-Range Hotels
Wyndham Grand Plaza Royale Hangzhou
Popular with visitors that want to stay close to West Lake but with better prices than some other luxury lakefront hotels.
Zhejiang Hotel (West Lake area)
A reliable mid-range hotel within walking distance to the lake. Great for families or longer stays.
Budget Hotels
Hanting Hotel (Hubin / West Lake area)
A dependable budget option a short walk from the lake. Perfect if you don’t mind walking a bit but still want a great location.
Home Inn Plus (near West Lake)
Very clean. Very simple. Perfect for travelers that spend most of their time outside of their hotel.
Wulin Square (City Center): Best Value & Transportation Hub
Want the best overall option for “where to stay in Hangzhou”? Meet Wulin Square. This is Hangzhou’s primary city center with direct metro lines, large shopping malls, restaurants, and public transit access to West Lake. You won’t have anywhere near the views of West Lake, but you will often find better prices during peak tourist seasons.
Why you should stay here:
- Best metro (subway) access in the city
- Largest variety of hotel choices
- Convenient for West Lake, Old Town, and Hangzhou’s business districts
Luxury Hotels
JW Marriott Hotel Hangzhou
Connected to major shopping centers. Perfect for travelers who don’t mind being a bit further from West Lake but still want luxurious comfort.
Hangzhou Tower Hotel
Built into a massive shopping mall. Food and shopping will literally be delivered to your doorstep.
Mid-Range Hotels
Courtyard by Marriott Hangzhou Wulin
Great mid-range option with consistently high standards.
SSAWW Boutique Hotel Wulin
A trendier, more stylish hotel that has been popular with young travelers.
Budget Hotels
Ji Hotel (Wulin Square)
Very clean. Very modern. Very centrally located. Excellent value for money.
Hanting Hotel (Wulin area)
One of the safest budget options in central Hangzhou.
Hefang Street & Old Town: Best for History and Night Markets
Want to stay near traditional streets, night markets, and soak up some history? Hefang Street and the surrounding Old Town district have a completely different vibe than Hangzhou’s more touristy areas. The feel is older and more local in the evening when food stalls and souvenir shops open up.
Why you should stay here:
- Short walks to many of Hangzhou’s historic streets and temples
- Ideal for evening walks and snacks
- More atmospheric than new city districts
Luxury Hotels
Try boutique hotels near Southern Song Imperial Street
Small luxury hotels focusing on quality designs rather than room capacity. Perfect for travelers who want some character in their accommodations.
Mid-Range Hotels
Tea Boutique Hotel (Hefang Street)
Super comfy and built around traditional Chinese architecture.
Crystal Orange Hotel (Old Town)
Modern rooms in a prime Old Town location.
Budget Hotels
Home Inn (Hefang Street area)
It won’t win any design awards, but this budget hotel is convenient to stay at near popular Hangzhou food streets.
Try local guesthouses if visiting Old Town
Best to book one of these if you’re staying overnight near Hefang Street. Most regular hotels won’t let you check in until the afternoon.
Xixi Wetland: Best for Outdoor Activities and Tranquility
Xixi Wetland is a completely different world than the main city of Hangzhou. If you book your hotel near Xixi Wetland, you’ll have lush greenery, canals, and a slower pace than the crowded tourist sights. This area is popular with couples, kids, and travelers at the tail-end of longer China tours.
Why you should stay here:
- Tranquil surroundings
- Resort-style living
- Perfect for relaxing and walking around in nature
Luxury Hotels
Banyan Tree Hangzhou
Possibly the most relaxing luxury hotel stay in Hangzhou. Get your own private villa and unwind.
Angsana Hangzhou, Xixi Wetland
Resort-style hotel that mixes comfort with the natural landscape.
Mid-Range Hotels
Xixi Hotel Hangzhou
Clean. Comfortable. Easy to get around for visiting Xixi Wetland.
Narada Boutique Hotel Xixi
One of the most popular mid-range hotels for travelers to Xixi Wetland.
Budget Hotels
Look for local guesthouses near Xixi entrances
Great for travelers that want access to nature without paying resort prices.
Qianjiang New Town (CBD): Best Modern Luxury & Views
Lastly, we have Qianjiang New Town. This is modern Hangzhou. You’ll find large skyscrapers, river views, and newer hotels here. It is less touristy but great for travelers that love exploring tall city buildings.
Why you should stay here:
- Modern skyline and river views
- Newer hotels with spacious rooms
- Best for business trips and luxury seekers
Luxury Hotels
Conrad Hangzhou
Iconic modern hotel. Beautiful architecture and some of the nicest rooms in Hangzhou.
Hangzhou Marriott Hotel Qianjiang
Solid luxury hotel with great views of the river.
Mid-Range Hotels
Novotel Hangzhou Qianjiang
No-frills option with modern rooms and good transit access.
Atour Hotel Qianjiang CBD
Clean. Comfortable. Popular with Chinese travelers.
Budget Hotels
Ji Hotel (Qianjiang area)
Modern room layout with a budget price tag.
Hanting Hotel (CBD branches)
Good for travelers that prioritize value over West Lake views.
Binjiang: Best for Longer Trips and “Living Like a Local”
Lastly, we have Binjiang. This area of Hangzhou is very residential. It’s not a major tourist area which makes it great for longer stays if you have friends visiting you in Hangzhou or taking a remote working trip. It has a quieter feel while still maintaining great connections to the rest of Hangzhou.
Why you should stay here:
- Quieter atmosphere than Lake or City Center areas
- Ideal for longer stays in Hangzhou
- Rooms tend to go further on budget
Luxury Hotels
InterContinental Hangzhou Binjiang
Upscale hotel near the river with brand new facilities.
Mid-Range Hotels
Holiday Inn Express Hangzhou Binjiang
Comfortable and great value for money.
Atour Hotel Binjiang
Good reviews from Chinese visitors and great for longer stays.
Budget Hotels
Home Inn (Binjiang)
Cheap. Clean. You know the drill by now.
Hanting Hotel (Binjiang)
Another great long-term stay option that Chinese visitors frequently book.
Where Should You Stay in Hangzhou?
- Stick by West Lake for a classic Hangzhou experience.
- Choose Wulin Square for convenience above all else.
- Go modern in Qianjiang New Town.
- Book near Hefang Street for cultural vibes.
- Stay at Xixi Wetland for quietness and nature.
Picking your hotel area will frame your entire experience. Once you know where you want to be during your stay, you can start finding the perfect hotel to stay at.
Where to Stay in Hangzhou: Best Areas & Hotels for Every Budget