In a city described by Marco Polo as “the finest and most splendid in the world,” there is a lake of clear blue waters embraced by lotuses, osmanthus trees and plum blossoms beneath a backdrop of majestic mountains. It’s the sort of place royalty have come to play, and artists have come to be inspired. And tucked into a private glade on the shores of this magical lake is an intimate village of pavilions and water gardens: Four Seasons Hotel Hangzhou at West Lake, scheduled to open in late summer 2010.

“In the spirit of China’s legendary hospitality toward travellers, Four Seasons will offer an experience that is warm and welcoming, with personalised, sophisticated service for our guests from the city and around the world,” says Rudolf van Dijk, General Manager. “West Lake is the perfect location because while being in Hangzhou makes it convenient and accessible, it’s also an intimate setting that showcases the beauty and tradition of the region.”

Jiang Nan Style

The new Hotel at West Lake may be mistaken for a traditional Chinese village at first glance, with its series of pagoda-like buildings that edge out onto lagoons among nine acres of meandering walkways and lush bamboo groves. Inside, the centuries-old Jiang Nan aesthetic inspires modern interiors created from sleek woods, fine silks and polished stone. The Hotel will offer 81 guest rooms, including seven suites and three residential-style villas.
With its gardens, lakeside setting and resort-like amenities, guests may imagine they are in a country club, rather than an urban hotel just minutes from business, shopping and cultural attractions.

New to Hangzhou’s Social Scene: Jin Sha

At the heart of the Hotel will be a dining experience at Jin Sha that promises to keep local gourmands coming back for more, and travellers from afar recommending it to friends. Serving exquisite Shanghainese and Cantonese cuisine presented by attentive Four Seasons staff, Jin Sha will be at once a lively bar for pre-dinner drinks, a chic restaurant suitable for business meetings and social occasions, and an opportunity to entertain discreetly in one of eleven private dining pavilions. Terraces afford lagoon views and willow-veiled glimpses of West Lake, enhancing a truly memorable dining experience.

In a region famous for its teas, including the prized Longjing green tea (also known as Dragonwell), the Lobby Lounge at Four Seasons will offer traditional afternoon tea service. Two additional venues are WLB - short for West Lake Bistro - for regional and international dining, and the Bar.
In addition to the private dining rooms, the Hotel will have several high-tech meeting spaces, including a ballroom with separate entrance and outdoor reception lawn.

Natural Therapies Meet Therapeutic Science

Inside the Four Seasons Spa, each of nine couples-size suites is a private world within itself with massage tables and experience showers for steam and aromatherapy. Cutting-edge therapies are inspired by ancient Chinese and Asian traditions. An infinity-edge pool that appears to float above the lagoon is a place to relax, while a second swimming pool, a fully-equipped fitness centre and private pathways for walking and jogging complete the physical and spiritual journey at Four Seasons.

Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts in China

Four Seasons Hotel West Lake at Hangzhou will join three existing sister properties in China, as well as the soon-to-be opened Four Seasons Hotel Guangzhou, and seven additional properties in development.

” China is strategically important for Four Seasons, both as a destination and an outbound market for our hotels and resorts around the world.” notes Kathleen Taylor, president and COO at Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts. “With an expanding portfolio in China, the company is set to expand its position as the premier luxury hospitality choice for travellers to and within the region, and favoured brand of Chinese travelling abroad.”