Hello,

DH and I are making a return trip to China this summer! American Airlines sent him an e-mail announcing that they were giving double miles on their new direct flight from L.A. to Shanghai from April through June (I think those were the dates). So we got what we felt were good fares and booked! We plan to spend the first two nights in Shanghai, then take a train to Hangzhou for 3 nights then back to Shanghai for 3 nights. I'm sure I'll be posting with other questions (about trains, in particular) but for now we're just trying to get hotels booked.

We are staying at the Royal Meridien in Shanghai, but need help with Hangzhou. We would like to not spend quite as much as we are in Shanghai (we'd like to keep Hangzhou around $150 or a little less per night if possible) but still want to be within walking distance to the major sights and have a clean, comfortable room and good service at the hotel with some English language speakers to help if we need it. The Fodors book recommends the Hyatt or the Shangri-La, but these seem to be pricier.

Any suggestions will be greatly appreciated!

Check out Lakeview, right across from the lake and the pleasure boats pier.

Although the hotels mentioned here are luxury, this article might be of interest:

http://travel.nytimes.com/2011/04/10...tml?ref=travel

Thanks so much! I'll check those out!

Great article, ekscrunchy--I'll read it to DH in the car today!

I will be in Hangzhou for three nights in October and am also looking for a hotel. My price range is $75-$100 a night. Nice Chinese hotels would be fine and booking at the last minute to get a better rate doesn't bother me.

Any suggestions in my price range?

Just got back from China- the Lakeview is excellent and it is right next to West Lake. The breakfast is wonderful.