Originally Posted by
vuittonsofstyle
Having stayed at both FS Hangzhou and Amanfayun, I much prefer Amanfayun. FS has lovely grounds but the rooms are very corporate in style - more like a city hotel. 80% of guests are Chinese so international guests are in the minority. Also, 99% of staff is Chinese, so no matter how hard FS try to train them, they are not up to the usual FS level, IMHO.
The spa looks incredible but I agree that therapists are very amateurish, whereas at Amanfayun therapists are extremely well trained and very caring.
I know that the lighting can be very dim at Amanfayun, but in every other respect it is a magical and very authentic experience. Getting to Impressions on West Lake is easy from Amanfayun - you don't have to stay at FS to go there.
I also think the food at Amanfayun is far superior to FS, where the all-day-dining breakfast & lunch buffets are a scrum.
Amanfayun design is more authentic, and like lives in village. FS is a city hotel, the design definitely more grand and corporate. Tip: Book Grand Premier Room category above in FS, the view and room size is much better than lower category of room. Majority of the guests in both hotels are Chinese and the staffs as well.
If only a weekend getaway, I will only choose Amanfayun and it's about 20 mins to the West lake. You have to take hotel car all the time, the taxi driver usually have no idea where is Aman.
Longer trip, I may split the stay. 2 nights in FS and 2 nights in Aman. When stay at FS: Six harmonies pagoda, West lake, Impression West Lake Show and go around city. The Chinese restaurant in FS is really good, I visit there every time and less crowed compare to Hyatt.
Aman: Temple trail, the tea house is a must. Just stay there and relax
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