InterContinental One Thousand Island Lake Resort

The InterContinental One Thousand Island Lake Resort in Hangzhou, China, a Michelin Key Selected property, is widely acclaimed for its luxurious setting amidst the breathtaking scenery of Qiandao Lake. Guests consistently praise its tranquil ambiance, attentive service, and well-appointed facilities, making it a highly recommended retreat.

1. Overall Rating & Sentiment

The resort boasts an impressive overall guest rating, frequently cited as 8.9 out of 10 or 9.5 out of 10, indicating an "Outstanding" or "Exceptional" experience. The general sentiment is overwhelmingly positive, with many guests considering it a haven of luxury and tranquility. One reviewer even called it their "favourite hotel in China" with plans for a return visit. The property is often lauded for delivering a luxurious experience at a reasonable price.

2. Key Highlights

Guests consistently highlight several standout features:

• Location: The resort's stunning location on a peninsula, right at the water's edge of the picturesque Qiandao Lake, offers magnificent lake and distant mountain views. It provides a peaceful escape where guests can enjoy the natural beauty without the crowds often found at tourist spots.
• Design: The architectural design seamlessly blends modern style with traditional Chinese elements, utilizing natural materials like wood and stone. The subtle interior styling is intentionally crafted to draw attention to the spectacular outdoor views.
• Amenities: The resort offers a wide array of facilities, including both indoor and outdoor swimming pools (with a seasonal outdoor option), a full-service spa equipped with nine treatment rooms, and a well-appointed fitness center. Families particularly appreciate the comprehensive kids' club, providing entertainment for younger guests. Other amenities include a marina, multiple restaurants, a bar/lounge, complimentary Wi-Fi, and bike rentals.
• Service: The staff is frequently commended for being warm, attentive, and dedicated to providing personalized service that often exceeds expectations.

3. Room Quality

The InterContinental One Thousand Island Lake Resort features 264 elegantly appointed rooms and suites. Guests consistently describe the rooms as spacious, clean, and comfortable, featuring plush beds that ensure a restful sleep. All accommodations are universally spacious, adorned in a natural and elegant style, and include spa-like bathrooms with rain showers and separate bathtubs. Many rooms offer floor-to-ceiling windows and balconies, providing stunning views of either the lake or the surrounding forest. In-room amenities typically include air conditioning, minibars, safes, flat-screen televisions with cable channels, complimentary wireless internet access, desks, and complimentary bottled water. The hotel also provides daily turndown service and housekeeping, and children's toiletries and baby cutlery are available upon request.

4. Dining Experience

The resort offers three on-site restaurants, providing a diverse culinary experience with Chinese, Japanese, and European options. The buffet breakfast and dinner are generally well-received, praised for their wide variety of delicious choices. However, some guests have noted that while the buffet offerings are "OK," they might not always meet the exceptional standards found at InterContinental hotels outside of China. Room service is also available for guests' convenience.

5. Service & Staff

The service at InterContinental One Thousand Island Lake Resort receives high marks, with staff performance often rated at 9.0 out of 10. Guests frequently highlight the attentive and friendly nature of the team, noting their willingness to go "above and beyond" to cater to individual needs and provide personalized service. A notable example includes a duty manager promptly providing insect bite treatment to a guest's room. The staff are generally fluent in both English and Mandarin Chinese.

6. Location & Accessibility

Situated in Chunan, on the picturesque Xianshan Peninsula, the resort is seamlessly integrated into the natural environment of Qiandao Lake. While offering a secluded and tranquil atmosphere, it is approximately 6.5 km from the city center. The remote location means the nearest town is about a 40-minute drive away.

For travelers, Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport is approximately 150 kilometers away, requiring a scenic 2.5 to 3-hour drive. Shanghai Pudong International Airport is further, at about 300 kilometers. For those preferring not to drive, a combination of train and taxi from Hangzhou to the resort takes about 1 hour and 36 minutes, with an estimated cost of ¥180 - ¥280. Driving from Hangzhou typically takes around 1 hour and 54 minutes. Nearby attractions include Xiyuan Wharf, Weiping Ferry Terminal, and Hangzhou Qiandaohu National Forest Park.

7. Value & Pricing

The InterContinental One Thousand Island Lake Resort is consistently rated highly for its value for money, with scores ranging from 8.5 to 8.9. Guests perceive it as offering a luxurious experience at a reasonable cost. While the average room rate in the past month was approximately 1020.68 CNY (around $140 USD), compared to the city's average of 427.89 CNY, the resort is still considered to provide exceptional value given its quality and amenities. Nightly rates can start from approximately $127.

8. Common Complaints

While generally very positive, a recurring minor criticism pertains to the dining experience, particularly the buffet breakfast and dinner, which some guests felt were "OK" but not always up to the highest InterContinental standards experienced globally. Additionally, guests should be aware that since December 13, 2019, the hotel no longer automatically provides disposable toiletries such as toothbrushes, combs, razors, bath sponges, nail files, and shoe shine cloths in guest rooms; these items can be requested from the front desk.

Sources

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10. rome2rio.com