The Amanfayun (Hangzhou Fayun Anman) lies hidden in a valley to the west of West Lake. The 20-minute drive from the center of Hangzhou takes one along densely wooded bamboo and tree-lined avenues, past the botanical gardens and inner waterways of West Lake, to the temples and village of Tianzhu.The resort and its surrounding tea fields lie just beyond Tianzhu, below North Peak and adjacent to Lingyin and Yongfu Temples, occupying an area of 14 hectares. Access to Amanfayun's Reception House is via a narrow roadway that is bordered by thick forest and groves of bamboo.Housed in a complex of buildings, some of which have a 100 year history, all rooms are unique and feature underfloor heating, air conditioning and Internet plus domestic and international direct-dial phones, umbrellas, hairdryers, safes, coffee/tea makers, mini bars and refrigerators. Ipod/iPhone docks and televisions are available on request. Furniture is inpired by classic China and given an updated twist. Most accommodation units are open to private or semi-private courtyards with informal outdoor dining and lounging areas.The Restaurant is tucked away behind a grove of evergreens and offers picturesque views. This is the only outlet which serves Western cuisine. The menu features a number of classic international dishes, in essence offering guests finely-crafted comfort food. The Restaurant also houses the Bar which is suitable for informal dining throughout the day as well as pre- or post-dinner drinks. The Amanfayun's Aman Spa consists of five separate buildings surrounded by bamboo groves, tea bushes and Magnolia trees. The Spa offers eight treatment rooms, a reflexology room, a fitness centre, a room dedicated to tai chi, yoga and meditation, and a Finishing Salon. Massage and body treatments draw from traditional Chinese massage and reflexology, as well as from ancient Asian healing therapies. The Finishing Salon provides hair spa treatments, manicures, pedic
"By chance, I returned to Amanfayun after a year. Aside from a minor unpleasant incident during check-in (which was beyond their control), the overall experience was perfect.
I noticed the changes the hotel has undergone in a year. For example, the Amanfayun sign at the intersection has been replaced (the old one had more character, haha). The room now has a new Bluetooth-enabled speaker and a capsule coffee machine. The welcome amenity has changed from four small snacks to two small packets in the minibar, and they've added Longjing beer and an extra luggage rack. However, they've maintained what should be kept, like not adding lights, smart toilets, or TVs – these are things I believe shouldn't change.
The entire team was more vibrant, lively, enthusiastic, professional, and meticulous than last time. This visit, I truly felt that every staff member I met could immediately recognize me and address me by my surname. (When the shuttle was taking me to check out, I dropped some personal items on the road. A staff member I saw on the roadside called the front desk. I said I hadn't lost anything, and the front desk repeatedly confirmed with me, but the staff member was so sure it was mine. When they brought it over, it indeed was! 😄). The service was subtly predictive and attentive. The housekeeping auntie, seeing me wandering outside my room, told me I could ask the front desk if I wanted to tour a room, which I actually had been thinking of doing. 👍 At the time, I was wearing slippers, and the ground was a bit wet, so when she cleaned the room later, she left two extra pairs of slippers. She also noticed I used the coffee machine and boiled water for tea, so she placed extra bottles of water in that area. Charging cables were neatly coiled, and a mat was placed under my personal toiletries bag, among other thoughtful details. There was a warm welcome and send-off in every area.
I found out that going to Faxi Temple would take half an hour on foot, and it was hot and humid with no other suitable transportation. I casually mentioned it in the breakfast restaurant, and the hotel immediately arranged a shuttle for me. It was an empty small road, and after a ten-minute walk after getting off, I arrived at the main entrance of Faxi Temple. I was the only one on the entire path, very serene. When they came to pick me up to return to the hotel, they thoughtfully prepared iced water and iced towels. At check-out, I saw a cute little cat lying on my bill, and finally, the staff members saw me off to the car.
I look forward to my next visit. P.S. The hotel is a bit stingy with upgrades! I booked a package that included a free upgrade this time, but didn't get one, especially as a returning guest. ゚(゚´ω`゚)゚。"