Hangzhou Xixi Hotel

On my second trip to Hangzhou, a friend arranged for me to stay here, and I found it special, perhaps even unique. The hotel sits within the nationally famous wetland preserve, and from my balcony I could see a pond. Guests can also rent boats and fishing gear to explore the wetland. It’s a quiet part of the city, with Alibaba’s new corporate headquarters, many startup offices, and one of Zhengjiang University’s newer campuses nearby. That quiet location has a downside: it’s a poor choice if you want to be close to the train station or airport, and public transportation there really isn’t practical. For sightseeing, the hotel is nearer the western, more mountainous side of West Lake, where Lingyin Temple is. A cab gets you there in a reasonable amount of time. Take a walk, enjoy some zen and Longjing tea. There are a couple of restaurant choices at the hotel, though I remember them serving only Chinese cuisine. You can also order food online, and the delivery drivers will bring it to you. My room seemed clean, was spacious, and had good equipment. The bed was the widest I’d ever seen, probably big enough for three well-built people. A shame I had it to myself. I’ve stayed alone every time I’ve visited the city, despite its reputation for lovely ladies. A real shame, since I’ve always had a special affection for Hangzhou.