Four Seasons Hotel Hangzhou at Hangzhou Centre

Four Seasons Hotel Hangzhou at Hangzhou Centre, designed by Avalon Collective, officially opened its doors on 1st September 2024. Nestled in the vibrant heart of Hangzhou City, known for its Grand Canal and West Lake, Four Seasons Hangzhou City Centre invites guests to embark on a journey through the water. Its design embodies the essence of Hangzhou’s architecture, literature, art, heritage, and crafts within a modern setting.

Four Seasons Hangzhou embraces a modern approach, seamlessly blending the essence of water with the evocative atmosphere of Hangzhou’s iconic waterways through ‘The Theoretics of Water.’ The themes include INTERCONNECTED (Lobby Spaces), LAYERED (Function Venues), REFLECTION (Recreational Areas), and LIGHT & SHADOW (Accommodations)—a tranquil sanctuary designed to cater to both weekday business stays and weekend getaways.

INTERCONNECTED: Arrival & Lobby
Upon arrival, guests are greeted by an entrance adorned with suspended lamp art featuring leaves of a willow tree, complemented by a discreet concierge. Adjacent to this, a standing lamp reminiscent of a lotus found along the Grand Canal serves as a guiding element, leading guests along their journey through the waterways. The entryway is further adorned with floor patterns that reflect the rippling waters of the canal.

At the lobby, guests are welcomed by a soaring double-height ceiling adorned with a captivating overhead art installation reminiscent of Wu Guanzhong’s Jiangnan architectural eaves, shaped like a wave. Centrally positioned, the seating area resembles a boat on a canal, overlooking the discreetly located reception at the far end, enveloped by undulating wave-like contours.

LAYERED: Function Venues (Prefunction/Meeting Rooms/Ballrooms and Club Lounge)
The Function Venues & Club Lounge features a muted canvas layered with subtle patterns inspired by undulating waves, designed to cater to a variety of activities, from lively social gatherings to quiet moments of reflection.

The pre-function area includes a glass conservatory that allows natural daylight to filter in from above, creating a bright and welcoming space. The contrasting terrain, both flat and smooth, is created using furniture, lamps, and wall curves. Across from the conservatory, varying heights of curved arches cast unique shadows onto the carpet, mimicking the irregular light reflections seen on shimmering water surfaces.

In the ballrooms, graceful meandering waves adorn the space, evoking a feeling of tranquility and balance. Floor-to-ceiling glass panels provide sweeping views, enhancing the serene ambiance. The meeting rooms also feature a muted canvas layered with subtle wave-inspired patterns, maintaining a cohesive design theme throughout the venue.

The Club Lounge, a distinct area within the hotel, has been meticulously designed with a focus on layering and intricate detailing. Each seating cluster resembles boats gently floating along a canal, while low lanterns provide soft illumination, reminiscent of boat lamps. The layered layout enhances contrast and fosters a cozy atmosphere, making the Club Lounge ideal for intimate meetings.

REFLECTION: Recreational Areas (Changing Room & Gym / Pool / Spa)
The Recreational Area includes a brightly lighted Changing Room, Gym, and Pool, contrasted with a darker spa venue. These spaces draw inspiration from the reflections on water during both daytime and dusk, aiming to evoke a tranquil and revitalizing atmosphere.

During the day, the Changing Room, Gym, and Pool area are bathed in serene reflections, offering guests a refreshing and contemplative ambiance. The Changing Room and Gym seamlessly integrate with the Pool area, fostering a harmonious environment conducive to relaxation and rejuvenation. The low scallop ceiling and low-lying day beds further enhance the calming atmosphere, providing a peaceful retreat for all guests.

In contrast, the Spa area draws inspiration from the reflective qualities of water during dusk, evoking a sense of tranquility and depth. Here, guests unwind and indulge in luxurious spa treatments amidst an atmosphere enhanced by deeper shadows. These shadows create a grounded and calming mood, immersing guests in a truly relaxing experience.

LIGHT & SHADOW: Guestrooms
Upon entering the guestrooms, guests are greeted by an artwork of West Lake displayed on the bathroom glass screen. At night, this screen lights up like a lightbox, offering a unique feature that showcases the West Lake Broken Bridge.

Moving into the bedroom, guests first encounter the bed, followed by the study area. The bedroom is adorned with shades of salmon at dusk and turquoise reminiscent of water. The study table, positioned at the room’s end, provides guests with scenic views, making it an ideal spot to enjoy a cup of Longjing tea.

By seamlessly blending the exploration of Hangzhou’s waterway and culture, Four Seasons Hotel Hangzhou City Centre embodies the true essence of modern Hangzhou. Here, guests embark on a distinctive journey through the soul of the city — its waters.

Design: Avalon Collective
Photography: Seth Powers