A Watery Paradise in Jiangnan | Sheraton Hangzhou Wetland Park Resort

During the Lunar New Year of the Snake Year (2013), following our visit to Ningbo, my family and I arrived at our second destination. The vibrant atmosphere of Ningbo and the poetic landscapes of Hangzhou intertwined, creating unforgettable memories of reunion. Our three-day stay at the Sheraton Hangzhou Wetland Park Resort added a particularly rich and memorable chapter to our New Year trip. The Sheraton Hangzhou Wetland Park Resort is located in the southeast corner of the Xixi National Wetland Park. Its unique location offers both tranquility, away from the hustle and bustle of the city, and convenient access to West Lake (approx. 5 km) and the city's central business district. As the first Sheraton brand hotel in Hangzhou, its design centers around the theme of "wetland landscape and ancient Jiangnan water town culture," ingeniously blending traditional architectural styles with modern resort needs to create a holiday destination that combines natural charm with luxurious experiences. As our car slowly entered the resort area, the pace seemed to slow down, and good fortune followed. Upon learning that it was our family's first visit to the hotel, and after recognizing my SPG Gold Card, the check-in staff graciously upgraded us to an executive room with executive benefits, a delightful surprise for the whole family. The hotel also thoughtfully prepared a guide to Xixi Wetland and a list of activities during the Lunar New Year period, printing them out for me – a very considerate gesture. The hotel adopts the traditional Jiangnan spatial structure of "courtyard-style quadrangle with a central open-air space" and "waterside streets and alleys." The guest room areas are distributed in the east and west wings, forming semi-open courtyards connected by the lobby, creating a well-proportioned spatial hierarchy. A waterfront platform and a small pier are located south of the lobby, complementing the open water surface and creating a picturesque scene of "strolling within a painting," achieving a harmonious coexistence between architecture and nature. Opening the door to our room, we found an open-plan bathroom connected to the bedroom. The crisscrossing wooden beams of the top-floor room's ceiling added to the holiday ambiance. The welcome gift was a Lunar New Year cake celebrating the Year of the Snake. Stepping onto the balcony, we took a deep breath of fresh air from Xixi Wetland. The hotel itself is part of the wetland, and the scenic area is within walking distance. The hotel breakfast was very rich, but the restaurant was quite crowded during the holiday. We couldn't get in line for the freshly baked Jinyun Shaobing. So, the next morning, we opted for breakfast in the lounge, enjoying a moment of tranquility. The hotel's heated swimming pool, spa, and fitness center are located in the east wing. The bathing area is very comfortable, with a hot tub, dry and wet saunas, and a children's play area. Even staying within the hotel wouldn't be boring. This is perhaps the ideal Lunar New Year trip – with the professionalism and refinement of a star-rated hotel, and the warmth of human touch. The Sheraton Hangzhou Wetland Park Resort, in its own way, tells us that true hospitality is about making a Lunar New Year away from home feel like home.