Kenny Santana Escapes the hubbub of Shanghai and heads to Hangzhou, a gorgeous destination only 45 minutes away and shares his top picks on where to stay and what to see.

Spot
You won’t get a better address in Hangzhou than the Hyatt Regency. Fronting West Lake, the hotel has titillating vistas across the water and is perfectly located close to the city’s main Hubin shopping district. A large shopping centre is conveniently situated right next door with lots of delightful outdoor cafés and restaurants and it’s only a five-minute walk to the lake to see the nightly light show.

Sleep
With 390 rooms the hotel is huge, with most of them offering views of the lake. While not busy admiring the scenery, we were in bliss in the warmth and comfort of the big fluffy beds and goose-down duvets. Entertainment is easily on hand with all rooms having high-speed wireless internet connections and there are over 20 satellite channels on the big screen LCD television. The bathroom is in class of its own with white marble finishing, with a deep soaking tub and separate shower.

Play
Do not miss one of the hotel’s major showpieces – the swimming pool. Its semi-circular shape and uniquely elevated position behind a clear-glass window provides guests with stunning views across the lake. Next door, the hotel spa provides massages that are guaranteed to ease your muscle tension from highly-trained therapists. We highly recommend the Eastern Wellness therapy, a combination of eastern massage techniques and Gua Sha rub therapy with a dash of their signature spirit oil (a mix of safflower, rosemary, peppermint and frankincense). Great for stimulating and improving all systems of the body.

More views: this time of the kitchen and the lake from one of the well-appointed rooms.

Eat
The hotel’s buffet breakfast at the Café is a sweet start to the day with its open kitchens, lively chefs, alfresco section and scrumptious menu. However, the 28 Hu Bin Road restaurant on the ground floor is definitely more of a highlight. Not only is it packed with hotel guests and travelers, the acclaimed eatery is also a big hit among locals, which is always a good sign. In this modern-yet-intimate setting, the menu is impressive and rich and filled with local specialties. We tried their signature dishes, including traditional style “dongpo” pork served with chestnut pancakes, song sao fish soup, imperial style braised fish head with fried bean curd and leek, and also shelled river shrimp perfectly cooked with sweet green dragon well tea. We loved their fried crispy eel, but then again everything tasted so authentic, you will be left wanting more.

People
Staff members are tactful and always willing to help. However, not all of them are fluent in English. For directions and how to get around the city, the best bet is to ask the concierge. Among other things, they’ll also be your best source to get seats to the famous laser, music and animation spectacle that is the nightly Zhang Yimou, Impression West Lake show.

Summing up
If you want an unbeatable location, spacious rooms, excellent facilities and service to match, and with stunning lake views, there’s no other hotel to book in Hangzhou.
This is the one.

Hyatt Regency Hangzhou
28 Hu Bin Road,
Hangzhou, China
www.hangzhou.regency.hyatt.com

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