Banyan Tree Hangzhou

Banyan Tree Hangzhou: A Tranquil Retreat in a "Paradise City"

Banyan Tree Hangzhou, a Michelin Key Selected property, consistently earns high praise as a luxurious 5-star resort offering a serene escape amidst the stunning Xixi National Wetland Park. Guests are frequently captivated by its elegant design, exceptional service, and harmonious integration with nature, often describing it as stepping into a traditional Chinese ink painting.

1. Overall Rating & Sentiment

The general consensus for Banyan Tree Hangzhou is overwhelmingly positive, with many guests rating their experience as "Outstanding" (10.0/10). It boasts a strong average score of 9.5/10 based on numerous reviews, reflecting an outstanding blend of quality and value. The prevailing sentiment is one of tranquility, luxury, and impeccable hospitality, making it a highly recommended destination for those seeking a peaceful retreat.

2. Key Highlights

Guests consistently laud several aspects of Banyan Tree Hangzhou:

• Design & Ambiance: The hotel's design beautifully blends Eastern aesthetics with modern luxury, inspired by Southern Chinese water towns, featuring gray tiled roofs, ivory walls, dark wood, and traditional Chinese details like red lanterns and exquisite Asian screens. The property feels like a "quiet and cozy nest" surrounded by lush greenery and tranquil waters, creating a sense of being in a traditional Jiangnan ink painting.
• Location: Its prime location within the Xixi National Wetland Park is a major draw, offering breathtaking wetland views, a maze of bridges, and a picturesque temple, providing a serene sanctuary away from city bustle.
• Service & Staff: The service is frequently described as excellent, warm, attentive, and thoughtful, with staff often appearing "at just the right moment" and being highly responsive to requests. Butler service is also highlighted for its meticulous attention to detail.
• Amenities: Guests appreciate the comprehensive and well-maintained facilities, including a large indoor swimming pool, a renowned Banyan Tree Spa, a fitness center, and a library. The hotel also offers unique experiences like rowboat excursions through the wetlands and travel photography services.

3. Room Quality

The accommodations at Banyan Tree Hangzhou, comprising 36 suites and 36 villas, are consistently described as spacious, beautiful, and exceptionally clean.

• Size & Comfort: Suites and villas are "enormous," offering plenty of room and a very comfortable, resort-like feel. A 120-square-meter suite is noted as "super large" and very comfortable.
• Design & Views: Rooms blend antique charm with modern comfort, featuring elegant design, high-beam ceilings, and floor-to-ceiling windows that allow for light and bright interiors. All units offer stunning views of Xixi National Wetland Park or the lake. Some suites, like the Water Terrace Suites, open to private outdoor spaces right on the canal.
• Amenities: Rooms are well-equipped with amenities such as free internet, flat-screen TVs, well-stocked minibars, plush bathrobes, and bathrooms with bathtubs. Some also include iPod docks, stone fireplaces, wardrobes, and writing desks. Two-Bedroom Jetpool Villas with private outdoor jetpools are also available.

4. Dining Experience

Dining at Banyan Tree Hangzhou is considered an experience in itself, catering to various palates with both local and international cuisine.

• Breakfast: The breakfast is often described as "very extensive" and "not too bad," offering a wide selection of local and international dishes, with 100% of verified guest ratings providing optimistic reviews regarding breakfast.
• Restaurants: The Baiyun Chinese Restaurant serves a fine selection of classic Hangzhou cuisine, including freshwater food and fruits. The Waterlight Court offers Southeast Asian specialties and signature Western dishes with lovely views.
• Special Dining: The hotel can arrange specially curated dining experiences around the property, including private barbecues under a tent or romantic meals for two on a boat ride through the glades, offering exquisite local cuisine.

5. Service & Staff

The service and staff at Banyan Tree Hangzhou receive exceptionally high marks for their warmth, attentiveness, and professionalism.

• Hospitality: Guests frequently highlight the staff as warm, always soft-spoken, and truly thoughtful. They are praised for being highly responsive to requests and providing attentive service.
• Personalized Touch: Instances of staff going above and beyond are noted, such as a butler meticulously introducing the hotel's design story, or promptly contacting a guest to mail back a forgotten charger. The staff's ability to anticipate needs is also appreciated.
• Professionalism: The service is consistently described as being "up to a professional standard".

6. Location & Accessibility

Banyan Tree Hangzhou is strategically located within the Xixi National Wetland Park, providing a serene and natural environment.

• Neighborhood: The hotel is nestled in a wetland conservation area, offering a quiet, ecologically well-preserved environment where guests can spot squirrels and various birds. It's described as an "authentic water village".
• Attractions: While providing a secluded feel, the hotel is a 15-minute drive from the main city. Nearby attractions include Xixi Paradise Boutique Commercial Street (0.25 km away), Hangzhou Botanical Garden (3.6 km), and the scenic West Lake (7 km). The Xixi National Wetland Museum is also within the park.
• Transport: The hotel offers convenient pick-up and drop-off services. The nearest subway station, Dongyue, is about 0.95 km away. Hangzhou Railway Station is approximately 12.8 km away, and Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport is about 37-40 km away (around a 1-hour taxi ride). An airport shuttle service is available for a fee.

7. Value & Pricing

Banyan Tree Hangzhou is considered a luxury experience, and its pricing reflects this. However, many guests feel it offers an "outstanding blend of quality and value".

• Price Range: Prices can start from around US$215, with average prices for a 5-star hotel in this area ranging from USD1127 to USD1142.
• Worth the Cost: Given the luxurious amenities, spacious accommodations, exceptional service, and unique natural setting, guests generally find the experience to be well worth the cost, making it an excellent choice for a memorable escape.

8. Common Complaints

While overwhelmingly positive, some minor points of criticism or things to be aware of have been mentioned:

• Facilities Score: One review source shows a slightly lower score for "Facilities" (7.9) compared to other categories, though overall facilities are described as comprehensive and well-maintained.
• Smoking in Rooms: One guest mentioned that some other guests smoked in their room at night, which affected the air quality.
• Suitability for Children: While the spacious rooms and indoor pool can accommodate families, some outdoor areas like balconies and patios might not be entirely suitable for young children, and the hotel's refined elegance means it's not a place for loud play in gardens or lounges. It's advisable to contact the property beforehand if concerns exist regarding room suitability for children.

Sources

1. trip.com
2. forbestravelguide.com
3. booking.com
4. ciaobambino.com
5. banyantree.com
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7. michelin.com
8. agoda.com
9. hangzhouhotel.net
10. banyantree.com
11. banyantree.com
12. groupbanyan.com
13. travelocity.com