Trendy Hangzhou hotel housed in a cool colonial-style building with cute balconies and set back across the road from the eastern lakeshore. Very popular so book ahead.

Pricey but amazingly beautiful, the Four Seasons Hotel features a spectacularly pleasant staff. The exclusive arrival via boat combined with the spectacular restaurant and spa offer a truly tranquil experience. The perfect place for any occasion from business to pleasure.

This large resort, set in stunning gardens on the quieter west side of the lake, has historically been the lakeside retreat of China's Communist Party elite. Spread across eight buildings, there are 178 rooms, a golf course, meeting facilities, tennis courts and an indoor pool.

Amid spacious forested grounds on the northern lakeshore, this is possibly the most refined and romantic of Hangzhou’s five-star hotels. There's a selection of bars, restaurants and a fitness centre. Top-floor rooms have wonderful lake views.

Don't be fooled by the name, this place goes back almost 100 years and is housed in three attractive European-style buildings on the northern lakeshore. Standard rooms are ordinary, but there are some nice lake-view options if you pay more.

About a 10-minute walk east of the lake, this Hangzhou hotel has clean, modern rooms which are surprisingly quiet. Better value than many of its lakeside rivals.

Hangzhou's best youth hostel is on the eastern lakeshore in an area dotted with bars, cafes and clubs. There's a variety of basic but well-kept rooms including singles, doubles and dorms. Staff members speak good English and there are all the usual hostel facilities such as laundry room, self-service kitchen and Wi-Fi.

One of the best value hotels in the heart of Hangzhou city, The Wyndham Grand Plaza Royale isn’t far from the beautiful West Lake. Onsite parking, WiFi, a business centre, bar and swimming pools (both indoor and outdoor) are available.