Chaptel Hangzhou

Chaptel Hangzhou is a mansion built in the Shikumen style, a 19^th-century fusion of Chinese and Western design elements; you’ll find beautiful traditional wooden shutters side by side with Art Deco artefacts, and Neoclassical balconies and arches beneath Chinese curved roofs.

The East-meets-West nature of the Shikumen style continues into the luxurious suites and guestrooms, which are appointed with dark wood floors, blinds and ceiling panels, four-poster beds, beautiful marble bathrooms and Art Deco light fittings. Standard rooms overlook the hotel’s lovely garden, while the lavish suites, spread over several floors, feature their own terraces and balconies from which you can relax and take in the views.

At the stylish Lotus restaurant, beautiful gourmet cuisine is served which takes inspiration from French and international cuisine. A range of traditional Chinese options are on offer, as well as creative takes on Western favourites, but all the menu offerings share a basis in local, seasonal ingredients – fresh seafood is a particular speciality, especially the oysters.

Yoga, Pilates and meditation classes are all on offer at the hotel, as well as tai chi. 

The hotel is just a few minutes’ walk from the shores of West Lake, a beautiful body of water topped with artificial islands, footbridges and pagodas. There are several monasteries here where guests are welcome to meet the monks and join in with meditation sessions, while the landscaped gardens are the perfect setting for a peaceful afternoon’s walk. If you’re feeling a bit more energetic, a range of outdoor activities can be arranged by the hotel, including biking, boating, and even paragliding. For a taste of traditional Japanese culture, try your hand at Ikebana flower arranging, with classes held at the hotel.