Designed by HBA, Sofitel Hangzhou Yingguan aims to combine a sense of splendour with the artful spirit, heritage and culture of the fast-growing Chinese megacity.

Sofitel, part of hospitality giant Accor, is introducing its French hospitality approach to the city that many call heaven on earth, Hangzhou.

An appealing setting for business and leisure

The district’s first international branded luxury hotel, Sofitel Hangzhou Yingguan caters for both business and leisure travellers with its south bank of Qiantang River location in the heart of Binjiang Central Business District.

For business travellers, the property’s close to Hangzhou International Expo Centre as well as Hangzhou Olympic Sports Centre. And leisure travellers have easy access to various sites, including Xianghu Lake and Songcheng Theme Park. What’s more, the hotel is only seven metro stops from West Lake, a 30-minute drive from Hangzhou South Station and a 40-minute drive from Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport.

This city has long been celebrated as ‘paradise on earth’ and is known for its rich culture as well as its creativity, innovation and status at the forefront of China’s technology sector. The new hotel reflects the city’s heritage and contemporary culture through its interior design, culinary offering and lifestyle experience.

“The continued success of Sofitel in China is thanks to Chinese consumers’ connection and appreciation for French lifestyle and its unique culture,” said Gary Rosen, chief executive officer with Accor Greater China. “The latest Sofitel in Hangzhou provides guests with a superb place to indulge in living the French way.”

“We are proud to open this gorgeous Sofitel hotel in Hangzhou,” added Jens Corder, general manager for Sofitel Hangzhou Yingguan. “The Sofitel Hangzhou Yingguan sets a new benchmark for luxury hospitality experiences for the area. It offers memorable experiences for MICE groups and business travellers as well as leisure guests and local residents keen to enhance their daily lifestyles with a touch of French glamour.”

A locally inspired Sofitel experience

Sofitel Hangzhou Yingguan exhibits the signature of hospitality design firm HBA, not least through memorable features like the striking lobby staircase and light-flooded orange-hued bathrooms.

The hotel comprises 580 guestrooms, including 25 family rooms with a design inspired by the children’s story Le Petit Prince. All guestrooms feature the signature Sofitel MyBed, intuitive in-room technology, and city and park views.

Dining options here include Lohas Bar, offering a morning coffee club, afternoon setting for artisanal cakes and teas, and evening live music venue. The all-day restaurant Carousel, meanwhile, dishes up live culinary performances and Baguettes specialises in Cantonese dining with French flair.

Elsewhere, Chinese restaurant Terroir serves authentic and seasonal Hangzhou and Xiaoshan specialties, while 80 Quatre Vins pays homage to French wine culture with a cellar and tasting room. And Le Balcon allows patrons to dine under the stars with both barbecue and other al fresco dining options.

Wellness provision at the hotel centres on the Sofitel Spa, with six treatment rooms, a 25-metre pool, a fitness spin room, a yoga room and a gym.

Events are catered for in 6,000 sq m of event space, including two expansive ballrooms, one of which is column-free. Moreover, a 2,000 sq m rooftop garden named Jardin Secret is ideal for private celebrations such as weddings.

Sofitel is seeing rapid growth across China. Sofitel Hangzhou Yingguan is the brand’s 24th hotel to open in Greater China, with other properties currently under development in the cities of Xi’an, Fuzhou and Xiong’an.

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