Real Stay Experience at Hangzhou West Lake Liuyingli Hotel

Authentic Review of Xizi Hotel: High-Priced Stay with Mixed Feelings As an average working professional, booking a hotel priced at over 1,800 RMB for the first time naturally came with high expectations. However, the actual experience fell short in some aspects. Here’s my honest review. **Service Experience** Interactions with staff were mostly limited to check-in and check-out. During check-in, a staff member drove us from the front desk to our room, which was convenient. However, at check-out, we had to return to the front desk on our own, highlighting a lack of service continuity. The overall attentiveness and proactive care didn’t quite meet the standards expected at this price point. **Environment & Facilities** The hotel’s surroundings are stunning, especially on cool days when strolling or sitting by West Lake feels incredibly relaxing. The room was clean and well-maintained. That said, the new energy charging stations were under maintenance, which was inconvenient for electric vehicle owners. **Dining & Expenses** We arrived for check-in around 1 PM and were told that waiting an hour could qualify us for a complimentary room upgrade. We agreed and used the time to try the hotel’s afternoon tea. However, the prices were shocking—a cup of coffee or a pot of tea cost 200–300 RMB, plus a 15% service charge. The "birdcage" afternoon tea set we ordered was priced at 418 RMB but tasted no better than standard buffet desserts. To our surprise, the room we eventually stayed in didn’t seem upgraded at all. Other in-hotel purchases were also overpriced, mostly with an added 15% service fee. A bottle of water in the room was labeled 30 RMB. While the hotel offered a 10% discount on dinner and 50% off evening tea, given the afternoon tea prices, we estimated dinner would cost 400–500 RMB per person, which felt unjustified. Considering the value, we opted to dine elsewhere. **Special Activities & Transportation** The hotel has a private dock offering West Lake boat rides at 98 RMB per person, pricier than the 60 RMB rides available outside. While the boats might differ, the value wasn’t compelling. On the plus side, the hotel’s location provides easy access to West Lake attractions. **Final Thoughts** Overall, this hotel offers low value for money and isn’t ideal for budget-conscious travelers. Most guests arrived in luxury vans, reflecting the clientele. While it was my first time staying by West Lake, I believe if home is just a 30-minute drive away, it’s better to stay there. Paying 1,800+ RMB for a small 23 sqm room with limited amenities felt unjustified. If budget allows, a larger lakeside room might deliver a better experience.