Missing Hangzhou and West Lake would be a terrible mistake if you are in Shanghai and staying at the Four Seasons was just incredible. The trip is so easy on the bullet train, and you will be transported to one of the most beautiful spots ever. Hangzhou, is a big city, but West Lake is heavenly and you feel like you've found a little bit of old China. The Four Seasons is one of the most beautiful places we have ever stayed. The staff was as wonderful as the beautiful grounds. We treated ourselves to a spa day and it was as lovely as everything else at this outstanding hotel.

This is by far the best and most beautiful hotel I have stayed in. Prior to the trip, I was considering between Four Seasons, Banyan Tree or Aman Resort. I am glad I chose this.
The vast and beautiful garden in Chinese Jiangnan style make the property itself a tourist sight to roam and spend your day relaxing and taking photos. Every angle you snap makes a beautiful postcard. It gives you the impression you are in the imperial royal retreat the Qing emperors stayed in during their tour to Jiangnan hundreds of years ago.
Location wise, the hotel is located by the west lake. Exiting the hotel by the east door, it will bring you to one of the 10 famous sights of west lake and impression west lake show in a few minutes. A morning stroll out to the lake is relaxing and all other sights by the lake are easily accessible by foot, tram or boat. The hotel also provide bicycle for use. Starbucks and KFC are also right outside the hotel if you need a bite.
We took the grand primer room and it was beyond words. Perhaps they could have done better by preparing the room for 3 before our arrival. However, it was quickly rectify with a call to the housekeeping. Service is always prompt and with a smile. The bed is extremely comfortable too.
Perhaps it was off peak, we hardly see other guests along the corridor to our room. It was very private and quiet. Visiting Hangzhou in December is peaceful and serene.
The spa is stunning and therapist is attentive and professional.
The food in Jin sha is worth a try too, great presentation and tasty.
All in all, the stay in four seasons perfect our visit to this beautiful city.

This has to be the most amazing hotel ever, better (although admittedly different) than Florence or Hualalai...). I did not know that West Lake is the most sought after domestic Chinese destination. The hotel is on the lake surrounded by the most beautiful grounds. It is one giant postcard...

The staff is so eager to practice their English, they will be disappointing if you don't ask them anything. Everyone is extremely friendly and attentive. The Chinese restaurant is simply breathtaking. We were a small group and were given a private dining room on the lake. A must.

One travel tip: get a direct fly to the Hangzhou airport and take the high speed train to shanghai or Beijing. This is what we did and well worth it.

4 Seasons at West Lake is a stunning hotel with as fine of service that is available. From the start to end of our trip, we were greeted by everyone on the staff by name, served divine food at JIN SHA, tended to by the concierge team and pampered in one of the most incredible spas I have ever seen. This is a world class property with a fine-tuned and incredibly up to the task team. HIGHLY RECOMMEND.