Hangzhou West lake Yi Shu Hotel

The facilities are adequate, and the service is very attentive. The hostel is handy for the Botanical Garden and university area, though it's a bit far from central Hangzhou. Getting around without a car can be difficult: taxis don't always stop, and most buses finish running at 6:30 pm. It's also somewhat pricey, especially the cafeteria.

The terrace upstairs is a real treat. It's clean and well placed for walking to the lake, with buses nearby for other attractions. In my case, the showers were on a different floor, and there was never toilet paper in the bathroom.

The staff were friendly, though they didn't speak English, and the restaurant was closed. Our room wasn't cleaned during the stay, so towels and toilet paper weren't replaced. The room was damp, with crumbling walls and old water damage that hadn't been repaired. Bathroom grout was black with grime, and the toilet smelled so foul it was hard to use. Even the electrical outlets sparked. This place may once have been prestigious, but it's now run down from neglect.

It's listed among the hostels, and the setting is lovely, close to the scenic spot Quyuan Fenghe.