Travel Report: Shangri-La Hotel, Hangzhou.

Shangri-La Hotel, Hangzhou.

Wonderboy and I had just finished tackling the unbridled chaos of West Lake’s Su Causeway and were in desperate need of a well-deserved time out.

“Check out that fancy hotel!” I cried.

So we did, crossing the insanely busy Beishan Road and walking up the driveway of the opulent Shangri-La Hotel. We’d been on our feet the entire day, hence I was in dire need of something cold and refreshing. As soon as we saw Shangri-La’s leafy café terrace I knew we had to collapse for a bit over some overpriced drinks. 

The Shangri-La Hotel, Hangzhou.

The Shangri-La is one of many five star hotels set around West Lake. Offering plush rooms, an indoor pool, tennis courts and gourmet dining, I guessed you’d certainly have to dig deep for a few nights here. Luckily for us, non guests are welcome to chill out in the hotel’s charming front garden, where there’s a badminton net, mini crazy golf and table tennis.

Garden badminton.

Shangri-La Hotel, Hangzhou.

That day they also had a small petting enclosure featuring some of the fluffiest rabbits I’ve ever seen. This drew in a steady flow of curious tourists who spied the cute bunnies from the roadside while walking past the hotel.

Shangri-La Hotel, Hangzhou.

A walk around Shangri-La’s garden wouldn’t be complete without a photo in its ridiculous flower carriage. “Oh my god!!! 10 out of 10”, a friend of mine was moved to write upon seeing this shot of Shangri-La Leighton.

“There is NOTHING more romantic than this!”

Shangri-La Hotel, Hangzhou.

It was perfectly peaceful at Shangri-La’s café terrace as we settled down for an hour’s respite. Wonderboy went for a cappuccino, while I decided on a refreshing Virgin Piña Colada mocktail.

Enjoying my Shangri-La mocktail.

Shangri-La Hotel, Hangzhou.

Just for kicks, we asked the waitress to give us a quote for a night’s stay. Naturally the entire joint was booked out for Golden Week. However, I was surprised to learn that a standard double usually goes for just 870RMB (£100/$130) a night.

She even showed me one of the “more expensive” rooms, the spacious and opulent East Wing Premier Suite. I decided not to even ask about the nightly rate for this baby. 

Shangri-La Hotel, Hangzhou.

I also took a wander around the Shangri-La’s grounds. Hidden away in a leafy corner, I came upon a somewhat mysterious ascending stone path. Up I went, through a wild garden until I reached a gorgeous villa, home to the hotel’s fitness centre and Spa.

Shangri-La Hotel, Hangzhou.

Peeking inside the lobby, I saw that even their most basic treatment programs weighed in at the same price as a night’s stay at the hotel itself! Mm, maybe next time. 

Want to find out more about Hangzhou’s Shangri-La Hotel? Take a look at their website here.

For more on my time in the city, check out my other articles on Hangzhou.

For more on the region, have a look at my travel reports from around Zhejiang Province.

Like these? Then why not leaf through my many other reports from across China.

I’ve also written a short story series called Challenged in China.

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