Shanghai Autumn ‘25: Hangzhou - First Day

Landed Hangzhou International at 2pm local time.

We packed into our Didi Shareride Buick 3-row suv a quarter after 4pm. The 40 minute ride into town to our hotel a grand total of ¥200, USD$28.

Hotel check-in was a breeze. We passed on Afternoon Tea and retired to our rooms to unpack and relax. Welcome Nibbles.

Once situated and refreshed, we met up at the lounge for Happy Hour.

A well presented albeit limited selection of foods and beverages. The Club Lounge was a cozy space to enjoy our hotel’s amenities and commence our travel companions’ first international trip with us.

The room affords views of the world famous WestLake, telescope for effect.

Spicy Lake Crab
from the nearby lake? :wink:

Curry Lamb and Fried Rice
Great combo. Love curry lamb!!

Basic bar setup with Chilean Cab and Chard.

Salted Pork and Daikon Soup
Perfect to tamp down the road dust

Happy Hour Munchies

We were all too tired to venture out. Warm soak in the tub and a Hot Toddy. Yes!!!

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Ok… crab for happy hour? :joy::face_savoring_food:

And that’s quite a bathroom!

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Looks great! Is it worth it to upgrade to a club room?

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I am so happy you are traveling again! Love this first day report! What a bathroom!!!

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Yes! and NO!!!

Club access is nice when needed. Access can also detract from the travel experience though. After all, we travel to try new food venues and explore new eats.

Sometimes, it’s difficult to leave food on the table so to speak, by not taking full advantage of the perks.

Fortunately, we get comped access because of our preferred chain (IHG)’s loyalty program. If you do pay for the upgrade, just be sure you’ll use the facility fully.

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Totally makes sense.

Most Asian hotel breakfast buffets offer a taste of the local flavors, if not the actual experience itself.

Jian Bing
Fresh made to order, but not quite as good as real thing off the street.

Congee
With all the fixin’s. YaoTiu, Hom Dan, Pey Dan, pickles, Fermented Bean Curd and more.

Dim Sum and Steamed Bites
XLB, Purple Yam, Bao Sweet Potato Filling, Corn

Chicken Wings

Great Noodles with Green Onion Oil. A Shanghai specialty.
WonTon in broth. Not so great.

Kitchen Sink.

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