Friendship Hotel Hangzhou Review: West Lake Views

With Shanghai being a massive travel hub, the nearby city of Hangzhou is often top of mind for a quick side trip. However, I wanted to truly immerse myself in Hangzhou's serene, poetic atmosphere, so I planned a dedicated trip to Hangzhou and Wuzhen Water Town in May 2026.

While it is priced a bit higher than budget options, the experience was absolutely worth every penny. Here is my honest review of the Friendship Hotel Hangzhou (杭州友好饭店)!

👇Check Best Rates for Friendship Hotel Hangzhou on Trip.com

Curious about where to stay in nearby Wuzhen West Gate? Check out my previous review of this charming boutique guesthouse:

[Wuzhen, China] Cozy Stay Recommendation: Wuzhen Eryou Homestay Review & Breakfast

First Impressions & Exterior

Address: No.53 Pinghai Road, Shangcheng District, 310006 Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China

The Friendship Hotel is one of the taller structures near West Lake, and its unique architectural design makes it stand out from almost anywhere in the neighborhood.

It has a rich history, having first opened its doors in 1986. However, it underwent a major modern renovation in 2020. This blend of classic legacy and clean, updated interiors is exactly why I chose it over cheaper, basic accommodations.

The Lobby

Location is everything here. The hotel sits right on the main avenue leading to the lake. The popular InTime shopping mall and the shores of West Lake are within easy walking distance—less than 0.3 miles away.

While the building itself has some years on it, the 2020 renovation ensures everything feels fresh, clean, and contemporary. The lobby features the reception desks, comfortable lounge seating, and a lovely dessert cafe.

180° Full Lakeview Executive Double Room

Queen Bed, Floors 13–15

Check-in: 3:00 PM | Check-out: 12:00 PM

Our Executive Double Room was beautifully clean and offered an incredible view of West Lake. The queen bed was exceptionally comfortable, and the window-side sofa was the perfect spot to sit and admire the scenery.

The hotel delights guests with thoughtful, local touches: welcome fruit, local Hangzhou Longjing (Dragon Well) tea with dedicated brewing water, an elegant tea set, a traditional souvenir fan, cozy pajamas, and delicate origami paper cranes.

Sipping locally sourced tea every morning while looking out over West Lake was a highlight of my stay.

👇Check Best Rates for Friendship Hotel Hangzhou on Trip.com

The room is well-equipped with a kettle, a mini-fridge, a capsule coffee machine, and plenty of complimentary bottled water.

My booking package from Trip.com included a daily complimentary minibar and snack basket. (If you love fresh coconut water, make sure to try the "if" brand drink in the fridge!)

Even though the weather was mostly overcast during my stay, being able to see West Lake right from my bed made the moody, misty views beautiful in their own way.

The panoramic windows stretch to the side, giving you an expansive look at the gorgeous West Lake night lights.

The bathroom was highly functional, utilizing the space perfectly with quality amenities. While this specific room didn't have a bathtub, the shower features smart glass that frosts over at the touch of a button for complete privacy.

I appreciated the thoughtful extras like mouthwash, warming eye masks, and in-room diffusers. (Note: There is a gym on-site, but it is quite basic, so don't expect a state-of-the-art fitness center!)

Breakfast with a View

20th Floor | Hours: 6:30 AM – 9:30 AM

Breakfast is served in the 360-degree revolving restaurant on the top 20th floor.

There's no need to rush to grab a lake-view table; the dining floor rotates slowly, meaning everyone gets a stunning view of West Lake and the cityscape eventually.

The food buffet area remains stationary in the center while the seating area slowly glides around. It's a fun, retro experience! The spread is decent with a wide variety of options, though the culinary quality is more like a standard mid-range buffet.

Given how many incredible and cheap breakfast spots are right outside the hotel, you don't *have* to get the hotel breakfast. However, sipping your morning coffee while watching the sun rise over West Lake from 20 stories up is an experience that's hard to beat.

Needless to say, I still happily ate here every morning!

Hangzhou has plenty of budget accommodations, but if you want a hotel with deep-rooted local history, fully modernized rooms, thoughtful local amenities, and unparalleled high-floor views of West Lake, the Friendship Hotel Hangzhou is highly recommended!

👇Check Best Rates for Friendship Hotel Hangzhou on Trip.com