19 Best Hotels in Eastern China, China

Amanfayun Resort

$$$$ | 22 Fayun Nong, Hangzhou, 310013, China

Surrounded by tea fields, forests, and romantic courtyards, Amanfuyan tastefully re-creates the feel of a traditional Chinese village, with buildings that incorporate lots of stone, clay, and brick, and rooms decked out in earth tones. The grounds—peaceful thanks to a location far from the tourist droves, about 6 km (3.7 miles) west of West Lake—also have a sumptuous spa, a 20-meter outdoor pool, and several restaurants.

Pros

  • Local design touches
  • Luxurious spa
  • On-site restaurants and nearby teahouse

Cons

  • Far from city center
  • Expensive
22 Fayun Nong, Hangzhou, 310013, China
0571-8732–9999
hotel Details
82 rooms
Rate Includes: Free Breakfast

Quick Facts

Crystal Orange Hotel

$ | 122 Qingbo Jie, Hangzhou, 310007, China Fodor's Choice

Branches of this quirky, beloved, boutique-hotel chain have popped up in other Chinese cities, but the Hangzhou location is a step up from the rest, with an airy, artful lobby decorated with Andy Warhol's pop art; a glass elevator that gives you a bird's-eye view; and clean, quiet rooms. Be sure to request one facing outward for a better view.

Pros

  • Excellent location near West Lake
  • Bicycle rental
  • Free Wi-Fi

Cons

  • Disappointing breakfast
  • Few amenities
  • Limited English
122 Qingbo Jie, Hangzhou, 310007, China
0571-2887–8988
hotel Details
205 rooms
Rate Includes: No Meals, Credit cards accepted

Quick Facts

  • $

Four Seasons Hotel Hangzhou at West Lake

$$$$ | 5 Lingyin Lu, Hangzhou, 310000, China

Under a pagoda-style roof, contemporary Chinese decor and modern amenities combine with superlative service to create a luxurious retreat with plush, spacious rooms—some with private terraces that have excellent views, all with bathrooms that have soaking tubs and separate showers. Dizzying corridors lead to the opulent Jin Sha Chinese restaurant, where garden lagoon views complement tasty dishes such as Hangzhou-style braised fish maw with goose web in abalone sauce.

Pros

  • Great location
  • Boat pickup from West Lake
  • Beautiful landscaping

Cons

  • Outdoor pool lacks privacy
  • Heavy traffic to and from the hotel
  • An extra Y200 for breakfast
5 Lingyin Lu, Hangzhou, 310000, China
0571-8829–8888
hotel Details
86 rooms
Rate Includes: No Meals

Quick Facts

Recommended Fodor's Video

Hotel Indigo Xiamen

$ | 16 Lujiang Lu, Xiamen, China

Trendy travelers appreciate this boutique hotel's smart design, friendly service, space-efficient but comfortable (and colorful) rooms, and harborside location. It’s within walking distance of the ferry port as well as the colonial areas surrounding Zhongshan pedestrian street.

Pros

  • Friendly service
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Some rooms have private terraces

Cons

  • Lobby can get noisy
  • Some city views
  • Spotty check-in service
16 Lujiang Lu, Xiamen, China
0592-226–1666
hotel Details
161 rooms
Rate Includes: Free Breakfast

Quick Facts

  • $

Hyatt Regency Hangzhou

$$$ | 28 Hubin Lu, Hangzhou, 310006, China Fodor's Choice

Hangzhou's most recognizable and centrally located hotel offers attentive service and comfortable, sleekly furnished rooms; be sure to ask for one on an upper floor for unobstructed views. A large indoor swimming pool, adjacent to the spa, overlooks West Lake. The hotel is home to excellent Chinese and Western restaurants, and breakfast can be enjoyed on a quiet lake-side terrace. About two blocks north is the Hubin Yi Park Dock, where you can catch boats that ply the lake.

Pros

  • Ultrasoft beds
  • Good spa and health club
  • Excellent pool

Cons

  • Long check-in time
  • Some areas are outdated
  • Service can be a bit stiff
28 Hubin Lu, Hangzhou, 310006, China
0571-8779–1234
hotel Details
390 rooms
Rate Includes: Credit cards accepted, Free Breakfast

Quick Facts

Le Meridien

$ | 7 Guanjun Lu, Xiamen, 361006, China

With sweeping views of Xiamen Bay, this stunning, family-friendly property feels less like an urban Chinese hotel and more like a Southeast Asian resort—albeit one with sleek guest rooms decorated with mid-century-inspired pieces (think Barcelona chairs) and equipped with iPod docking stations and DVD players. Le Meridien has lots of outdoor space for kids to explore, as well as an indoor pool that offers swimming lessons. Families with older children can choose from trekking through the area's lush hills, bicycling on nearby trails, or a couple games of tennis.

Pros

  • Lots of amenities for kids
  • Good for sporty types
  • Great natural setting

Cons

  • Outside the city center
  • Slow service
  • Breakfast costs Y172
7 Guanjun Lu, Xiamen, 361006, China
0592-770–9999
hotel Details
342 rooms
Rate Includes: No Meals, Credit cards accepted

Quick Facts

  • $

Lujiang Harbourview Hotel

$ | 54 Lujiang Lu, Xiamen, 361001, China Fodor's Choice

In a nicely renovated colonial building, this hotel has an ideal location opposite the ferry pier and the waterfront boulevard; indeed, many of its stylishly furnished rooms have ocean views. The on-site Harbourview Restaurant looks over the straits from a pretty rooftop terrace.

Pros

  • Phenomenal location
  • Complimentary Wi-Fi
  • Bike rental services

Cons

  • Busy pedestrian intersection
  • Hard to hail cab
  • Rooms on the small side
54 Lujiang Lu, Xiamen, 361001, China
0592-202–2922
hotel Details
153 rooms
Rate Includes: No Meals, Credit cards accepted

Quick Facts

  • $

Marco Polo Xiamen

$ | 8 Jianye Lu, Xiamen, 361012, China Fodor's Choice

Sitting pretty between the historic sights and the commercial district, the Marco Polo is one of the best options for both business and leisure travelers. The hotel's glass-roof atrium makes the lobby bar a nice place to relax after a day's sightseeing, and there's a live band in the evening. The service is friendly and efficient, though the guest rooms are showing their age.

Pros

  • Excellent location
  • Helpful staff
  • Right by a restaurant and bar hub

Cons

  • Aging facilities
  • Breakfast costs another Y138
  • Area's expat scene might not appeal to some
8 Jianye Lu, Xiamen, 361012, China
0592-509–1888
hotel Details
153 rooms
Rate Includes: No Meals, Credit cards accepted

Quick Facts

Millenium Harbourview Hotel Xiamen

$ | 12–8 Zhenhai Lu, Xiamen, 361001, China

Spacious and comfortable rooms, a friendly and attentive staff, and an excellent location overlooking the harbor make this hotel a practical base. The on-site restaurants are good, particularly the first-floor coffee shop, which is the only place in Xiamen to get a good New York–style deli sandwich. Golfers will like the first-floor bar, which has a small putting green.

New Century Grand Hotel Shaoxing

$ | 278 Remin Dong Lu, Shaoxing, 312000, China

The New Century's contemporary rooms are decorated in muted shades with pops of bright red and have bathrooms equipped with rain showers. Opt for a deluxe room if you prefer one large bed. A pleasant walk west of the hotel leads to the Lu Xun Memorial.

Pros

  • Comfy beds and sleek baths
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Good value for the money

Cons

  • A little removed from major sites
  • Indifferent service; limited English
  • Rooms in need of a revamp
278 Remin Dong Lu, Shaoxing, 312000, China
0575-8809–8888
hotel Details
355 rooms
Rate Includes: Free Breakfast, Credit cards accepted

Quick Facts

  • $

Shangri-La Hotel Hangzhou

$ | 78 Beishan Lu, Hangzhou, 310007, China Fodor's Choice

On the site of an ancient temple, amid 40 acres of camphor and bamboo trees that merge seamlessly into the gardens and walkways of surrounding West Lake, this historic landmark hotel has two wings of rooms with high ceilings and heavy damask fabrics.

Pros

  • Picturesque location
  • Fun quirks such as talking birds in lobbies
  • Free strong Wi-Fi

Cons

  • Starting to show its age
  • English language skills of staff not always great
  • Rooms have a formal feel
78 Beishan Lu, Hangzhou, 310007, China
0571-8797–7951
hotel Details
380 rooms
Rate Includes: Credit cards accepted, Free Breakfast

Quick Facts

  • $

Shangri-La Ningbo

$ | 88 Yuyuan Jie, Ningbo, 315040, China Fodor's Choice

Overlooking the confluence of three rivers, Ningbo's most opulent international hotel offers personalized service, first-rate facilities, and elegantly appointed rooms with floor-to-ceiling windows that frame urban panoramas. Splurge for one of the Horizon Club rooms, and you'll be escorted to the club lounge and treated like royalty. The cozy, dimly lit Lobster Bar and Grill will prepare imported Australian Tajima beef to perfection, offers a decent wine selection, and has live music that will make you want to linger.

Pros

  • Sleek indoor lap pool
  • Outdoor tennis courts
  • Free Wi-Fi

Cons

  • Mandatory bathing cap in the pool
  • Loud lobby area
  • Tour groups can flood the facilities
88 Yuyuan Jie, Ningbo, 315040, China
0574-8799–8808
hotel Details
562 rooms
Rate Includes: No Meals, Credit cards accepted

Quick Facts

  • $

Sheraton Ningbo

$ | 50 Caihong Bei Lu, Ningbo, 315040, China

A massive marble lobby features an unusual spiky chandelier, and spiral staircases lead to guest rooms at this hotel, whose excellent service and convenient location make it an ideal base from which to explore the city. The more expensive club rooms are worth the price, as they include superfast check-in, breakfast, Y100 daily laundry credit, afternoon tea, and a complimentary cocktail hour (which actually lasts three hours) during which you can enjoy a rejuvenating 15-minute back rub. For everyone else, a Starbucks and several lively bars are within arm's reach.

Pros

  • Impressive breakfast buffet
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Free shuttle to Shanghai

Cons

  • Busy lobby
  • Aging facilities
50 Caihong Bei Lu, Ningbo, 315040, China
0574-8768–8688
hotel Details
378 rooms
Rate Includes: Credit cards accepted, Free Breakfast

Quick Facts

Sofitel Hangzhou Westlake

$ | 333 Xihu Dadao, Hangzhou, 310002, China

Thoughtfully designed rooms—with sleek desks, soothing beige palettes, and big bathrooms—and a distinctive lobby with grand columns and gauzy curtains distinguish this hotel, which is set amid a lively neighborhood just a block north of West Lake's Orioles Singing in the Willows. A Roman-style pool overcomes its drab basement location, and there is a lovely terrace on the sixth floor with views of the lake.

Pros

  • Great location
  • Helpful staff
  • Free Wi-Fi

Cons

  • Some mediocre views
  • Breakfast costs another Y200
  • Pool is in the basement
333 Xihu Dadao, Hangzhou, 310002, China
0571-8707–5858
hotel Details
233 rooms
Rate Includes: No Meals, Credit cards accepted

Quick Facts

  • $

Sofitel Wanda

$ | 899 Siming Zhong Lu, Ningbo, 315100, China

Next to popular shopping complex Wanda Plaza, the Sofitel Wanda combines French flair and touches of Chinese culture for a sophisticated result. Rooms come with some nice touches—think marble bathrooms and 37-inch plasma TVs—plus there are four restaurants to choose from.

Pros

  • Friendly staff
  • Impressive breakfast buffet
  • Nice spa

Cons

  • Inconsistent service
  • Outside city center
899 Siming Zhong Lu, Ningbo, 315100, China
0574-2889–9888
hotel Details
291 rooms
Rate Includes: No Meals

Quick Facts

The Azure Qiantang

$$ | 39 Wangjiang Dong Lu, Hangzhou, 310008, China

Named after Memories of the South, a famous Tang Dynasty poem by Bai Ju Yi, this luxury property incorporates shades of blue throughout, and its big windows give you front row seats for the tidal bore. It also has a spa and restaurants.

Pros

  • Excellent Qiantang River views
  • Central location
  • Good pool and fitness center

Cons

  • Busy during tidal bore and holidays
  • Some service hiccups
39 Wangjiang Dong Lu, Hangzhou, 310008, China
0571-2823–7777
hotel Details
205 rooms
Rate Includes: No Meals

Quick Facts

  • $$

The Dragon

$ | 120 Shuguang Lu, Hangzhou, 310007, China

Guest rooms have earthy interiors with lots of wood at this massive hotel, whose five towers are set amid peaceful courtyards dotted with ponds, a small waterfall, and a gazebo—all within walking distance of Diamond Hill and Yellow Dragon Cave. It also has one female-only floor.

Pros

  • Good location
  • Reasonable rates
  • Free Wi-Fi

Cons

  • Indifferent service
  • Hit-and-miss English
120 Shuguang Lu, Hangzhou, 310007, China
0571-8799–8833
hotel Details
598 rooms
Rate Includes: Credit cards accepted, Free Breakfast

Quick Facts

  • $

Wyndham Grand Plaza Royale Hangzhou

$ | 555 Fengqi Lu, Hangzhou, 310006, China

This spaceship-shaped hotel just steps from West Lake offers excellent customer service and spacious rooms with big balconies and ergonomic furniture. Don't hesitate to ask the hotel's army of guest-service "ambassadors" questions; they know the city and can give good insider recommendations. The hotel's authentic Thai restaurant is hands-down the best in town.

Pros

  • Knowledgeable guest-service ambassadors
  • Flawless mountain, lake, city, and garden views
  • Excellent location

Cons

  • Too-firm mattresses
  • Inconsistent restaurant service
555 Fengqi Lu, Hangzhou, 310006, China
0571-8761–6888
hotel Details
295 rooms
Rate Includes: No Meals, Credit cards accepted

Quick Facts

  • $

Xianheng Hotel

$ | 179 Lu Xun Zhong Lu, Shaoxing, 312035, China Fodor's Choice

Though it's difficult to prove the Xianheng's claims that it's the province's first eco-friendly hotel, other things about it are undeniable: its traditionally accented rooms are plush and comfortable, its setting amid courtyards with canals is pretty, and its Chinese-style spa has extensive facilities and services. If you're hankering for comfort food, the on-site western restaurant can sate your cravings. The hotel is a short walk from the Lu Xun Memorial and is near many restaurants, including the historical Xianheng Winehouse just next door.

Pros

  • Centrally located
  • Reasonably priced
  • Free Wi-Fi

Cons

  • Spotty English
  • Could do with a refresh
  • Quality varies from room to room (ask to see yours before booking)
179 Lu Xun Zhong Lu, Shaoxing, 312035, China
0575-8806–8688
hotel Details
217 rooms
Rate Includes: Free Breakfast, Credit cards accepted

Quick Facts

  • $