Where to stay in Hangzhou | Best areas and hotels
Many travelers visit Hangzhou as a day trip from ShanghaiSince both cities are very well connected by train in just one hour, many people choose to visit Hangzhou for the day and return to Shanghai in the afternoon.
However, there is much What to see and do in HangzhouThat's why we believe it deserves much more than just a few hours' excursion. So, if your schedule allows, It is highly recommended to spend at least one night in HangzhouSleeping in the city will allow you to enjoy the nightlife, stroll at your leisure, and discover one of the most beautiful cities in China.
In this guide we tell you Where to stay in Hangzhou, which are the best areas and some recommended hotels according to your budget.
Summary top hotels for accommodation in Hangzhou
In the following sections we share with you What are the best neighborhoods to stay in Hangzhou?But for those readers in a hurry, we've put together a selection of the best hotels in the city.
If you are reading this on a mobile device, you can swipe to see the entire table.
| Hotel | Description | Area | Nota | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ⭐ Zhejiang Xizi Hotel | Elegant, understated, lakeside, voted the best hotel in town | West lake | 9.6/10 | see price |
| Vanwind Inn | Affordable, good rooms, attentive staff | West lake | 9.2/10 | see price |
| Haoiar Hotel | Good value for money, located next to the lake, traditional style | West lake | 9.4/10 | see price |
| Five-Star Bay Hotel | Modern, elegant, with a robot that delivers food | Hubin | 9.5/10 | see price |
| Yiju Life Hotel | Affordable, lakeside, very clean | Hubin | 8.8/10 | see price |
| ⭐ Hangzhou Lanshe Hotel | Central, convenient and affordable | Hefang | 9.2/10 | see price |
| Baergan Chinese Inn | Classical Chinese architecture, on a pedestrian street | Hefang | 9.2/10 | see price |
Best areas Where to stay in Hangzhou
At the time of choosing Where to stay in HangzhouThe most important thing is to consider what kind of visit you want to make. Most travelers want to visit the West LakeTherefore, staying near this area is the best decision.
However, Hangzhou is a very large city and there are also other interesting areas to stay in, especially if you want to be well connected to the train station and visit neighborhoods with more of a local atmosphere.
Next we show you the best areas to stay in Hangzhou.
West Lake, the best area to stay in Hangzhou
El West Lake For us, this is the most peaceful and iconic area to stay in Hangzhou if you're traveling as a tourist. This enormous lake, surrounded by gardens, temples, and pathways, is the city's main tourist attraction and one of the most famous landmarks in China.
Staying near the lake will allow you Explore the area on foot or by bicycle.In addition, the views of the lake and the atmosphere of the parks are especially pleasant at sunrise and sunset, when many local people practice sports and the light on the lake is perfect for taking some photos.
Another advantage of this area is that you can find restaurants, cafes and hotels with lake viewsTherefore, if you are looking for Where to stay in HangzhouSleeping near West Lake is often the option chosen by many.
Some of the most recommended hotels are:
- Zhejiang Xizi HotellVoted the best hotel in the city for the last two years. It's understated, elegant, and overlooks the lake.
- Vanwind InnOne of the most affordable accommodations in the area, but with good facilities and service.
- Haoiar HotelHotel with excellent value for money. Elegant, traditional, and very well located.

Hubin, near the lake and with a great atmosphere
The Hubin area is another excellent choice for accommodation in Hangzhou, and the one we chose. It's a great option if you're looking for a central location with a lively atmosphere and plenty of amenities. It's situated on the northeast shore of the lake, so you can easily visit it on foot.
Hubin stands out as the most modern and lively part of HangzhouHere you will find restaurants of all kinds, shopping centers, cafes and a wide variety of hotels, some very affordable, making it a very convenient area to stay in.
Furthermore, it is very well connected by public transport to other areas of the city and to the train station. If you are looking for an affordable area near the lake, with many restaurants and a great local atmosphere both day and night, Hubin is one of the best areas to stay in Hangzhou.
Some good options:
- Five-Star Bay HotelA modern, elegant hotel with exceptional service.
- Yiju Life HotelVery economical, located next to the lake and with clean and well-maintained facilities.

Hefang Street, the most traditional area
Area Hefang Street It's another great option for accommodation in Hangzhou if you're looking for a traditional atmosphere, the complete opposite of Hubin. Located south of the lake, this pedestrianized neighborhood preserves the traditional style of the old city with many classic shops and Chinese-style houses.
Hefang Street is one of Hangzhou's most famous streets and is full of craft shops, typical food stalls and small traditional restaurantsIt's a perfect place for a sunset stroll and to try some traditional dishes.
Our favorite hotels in this area are:
- Hangzhou Lanshe HotelCentral location, affordable accommodation and comfortable rooms.
- Baergan Chinese Inn: Traditional Chinese building located on a pedestrian street.

¿How many days Where to stay in Hangzhou?
Most tourists spend 1 or 2 days to HangzhouDepending on the type of trip you want to take and what you want to visit exactly. If you're short on time, you can make a quick visit to Hangzhou from Shanghaiand, although the most advisable thing is spend at least one night to enjoy West Lake more calmly.
If you have more time, 2 full days They'll allow you to explore the city better, visit temples, and wander through quieter areas at your own pace. That's what we decided to do.
Before choosing how many days to stay in Hangzhou, we recommend reading our article where we explain all the What to see and do in Hangzhouas it will help you decide which places really interest you and how many days you need to stay.
That's all the advice and recommendations we can give you about where to stay in Hangzhou, one of China's most underrated cities. To continue planning your trip through china You can read our guides. Have a good trip!
Start preparing your trip to China
These are our favorite websites to do so. Plus, if you use our links you support all the content about China at no extra cost to you.














