Canopy by Hilton has debuted its third outpost in China with the launch of Canopy by Hilton Hangzhou West Lake, which also marks the hotel brand’s 27th international property. Hong Kong-based Cheng Chung Design (CCD) spearheaded the transformation of a century-old YMCA building, a key landmark in the West Lake district of the Hangzhou, to accommodate the 160-room retreat. The UNESCO World Heritage Site, West Lake, is located nearby as well.
“The old site of YMCA represents the culture and history of a period,” says Ray Chuang, managing partner and executive vice president of CCD. “This is the window of the multi-cultural socialites, bustling with people of all origins, accents, dresses, religious, and cultural backgrounds.”
Inspired by the city’s history as a diverse cultural hub, the hotel draws influence from a kaleidoscope to translate the eclectic heritage of the setting. Unique flexible environments incorporate aspects from local architecture to serve as an organic extension of the neighborhood, while authentic artifacts and crafts by Hangzhou artisans instill an artful sense of place against a soothing orange palette. On the first floor, Nettare Restaurant & Bar serves as the hotel’s main culinary destination, evolving into a social bar area after sunset.