A Fresh, Kid-Friendly Hotel in China: Angsana Hangzhou

When you walk into the lobby of a hotel and find a foosball table, you know you’ve struck family travel gold. And this isn’t a hotel in Texas, but one in gorgeous Hangzhou, China.

The Angsana brand is the brainchild of Banyan Tree Hotels & Resorts, a leading luxury hotelier in Asia. Fresh and lively, Angsana Hangzhou appeals to families and a young audience who want a fun and social hotel experience. It reminded me a bit of a W in that respect, although Angsana has a distinct Chinese sense of place.

Family-Friendly Review of Angsana Hangzhou

The interior design is bold and colorful. Reception is a massive open space with an extensive welcome desk set in front of a dramatic light wall and includes the bar and restaurant. All ages can find a place to relax in this casual space.

Likewise, service matches the ambiance and is low-key and friendly. It’s a comfortable, unpretentious atmosphere and a welcome respite from the busy city outside.

Accommodations

Rooms are delightfully appointed, with a complimentary mini-bar and tea station and an incense burner (unique!). Although the design is whimsical like the lobby, with bold colors and patterns, it’s also unmistakably Chinese, with lanterns and large artwork featuring local scenes. Bathrooms have showers and soaking tubs.

Deluxe rooms have balconies overlooking Hangzhou’s famous wetlands and adjacent shopping area. Twin rooms have two beds and connecting options are available for families.

Location and Amenities

There’s a rooftop swimming pool and Jacuzzi for sightseeing breaks. For colder days, there’s a library with iPads and a Wii station.

The location is in town and an easy walk to the adjacent shopping mall with restaurants and boutiques. There’s even a Starbucks within a stone’s throw of the hotel. Golf cart tranfsers to local dinner venues are available on request.

Angsana Hangzhou is about a 45-minute drive to West Lake, one of the main tourist attractions in this area. The drive there is a bit of a hassle given the traffic in the city, but the tradeoff is that Angsana has easier access to the commercial zones for shopping and dining.

The starting rate for a family of 4 is $US 290 per night.

For a more elegant, traditional China experience, we fell in love with the Banyan Tree Hangzhou next door. Read my full family-friendly review of this extraordinary resort.

Relevant Links:

China with kids tips and advice on Ciao Bambino

Five surprising discoveries while traveling in China with kids

Top things to do in Shanghai with kids

Editor’s Note: Amie received a media package to review the Angsana Hangzhou for families. As always, our opinions are our own. Photos by Amie O’Shaughnessy.