Wyndham Grand Plaza Royale Hangzhou

Rooms and decor

Rooms start at about 42 sqm, clearly bigger than the standard 5-star room, with soft carpet underfoot and a firm-sheeted king bed. A big window and a private balcony open onto the green canopy wrapped around the hotel. Guests who've stayed say the morning ritual is sipping Longjing (Dragon Well) tea — Hangzhou's signature green — out on the balcony with the birds going. By their accounts it is a quietly romantic way to start the day, and the Modern Classic furniture set against glossy marble carries through from the tall, bright lobby.

Food and amenities

Downstairs you get a sauna, an indoor pool, a gym, and free parking — genuinely rare this close to central Hangzhou. The restaurant runs both Cantonese dim sum and Zhejiang classics like Dongpo Pork and Beggar's Chicken, so you can eat well without leaving the building. Real guests rate it about 9.1 on Trip.com, and rooms start near ¥640, about $91, a night, which we think is fair for a lake-view room.

Location and getting there

The whole pitch here is the location by West Lake, the UNESCO World Heritage site Marco Polo called the City of Heaven. A short walk or quick ride gets you to the Su Causeway, the Bai Causeway and Leifeng Pagoda, so you can be out on the water's edge in minutes. With free on-site parking, it also works if you are renting a car. For the money, the location feels worth it.

Things to know before booking

This is the splurge pick: it has the highest starting price on this list, around $91 a night, so it is not the value play. It is also a large hotel that draws a lot of guests, so the lobby and lifts can feel busy at peak times. And rooms fill up fast in high season — book your dates well ahead, and ask for a lake-facing room with a balcony when you do.

Our take

The Wyndham Grand Plaza Royale Hangzhou is the pick for honeymooning couples and families who want a polished, lake-view base within walking distance of West Lake. We made it number 1 on the list because it pulls together the luxury, the big balconied rooms, the view and the free parking in one place. If your budget runs roughly ¥600 to ¥1,300, about $86 to $186, a night, this is our confident first call.