Located on the shores of Jinsha Lake, Canopy by Hilton Hangzhou Jinsha Lake overlooks the largest man-made park in Hangzhou, China. The city’s evolution from marshlands to farmlands to its present state as a modern urban oasis in the Zhejiang Province of East China served as the inspiration for the premier new hotel. The design, led by Wilson Associates’ New York studio, encompasses 196 guestrooms, six suites, reception, a lobby bar, public bathrooms, meeting rooms, a pre-function area, a game room and a fitness center.
“The New York studio researched the history of the Jinsha Lake in the Xiasha District and came up with interior design concepts that draw inspiration from both natural and man-made elements,” said Jenn Di Stasi, designer, Wilson Associates’ New York studio. “The lobby, for example, recreates the tranquil look of classic Chinese gardens and provides open spaces for social interaction and intimate enclaves for moments of solitude. This space also offers a lush green wall that serves as the backdrop for bleacher-style seating. In addition, we designed a wood-slat pitched ceiling above the lounge area that pays homage to traditional Chinese farmhouse architecture.”
As guests ascend, Canopy by Hilton Hangzhou Jinshan Lake provides 196 “Just Right” guestrooms and six suites that offer a contemporary interpretation of traditional Chinese design elements and the surrounding natural environment.
“We explored Chinese culture and architecture in all facets of the design. One of the strongest examples is the design of the Canopy by Hilton brand’s signature Canopy bed for this project. We drew inspiration from the traditional wood-screen panels in China to create a focal point in the ‘Just Right’ guestroom. Another key example is the guest corridors, intended to evoke the serenity of Chinese-inspired garden galleries. A series of traditionally inspired archways line the corridors creating a sense of procession for guests to reflect before entering the guestrooms,” Di Stasi said.
The color palette references the shores of the Qiantang River with a combination of soft cream tones and warm sand shades. Contemporary furniture pieces with light and dark wood finishes and a hardwood floor with a light gray area provide a residential-inspired ambiance.
“The design team also drew a connection to the cultural roots of Hangzhou through locally curated artwork in the guestrooms and public spaces celebrating the connection between community and nature,” Di Stasi said. “These art pieces consist of holograms, paintings and drawings, capturing local inspirations such as native plant life, native fauna and tide patterns of the nearby lake.”
The suites, which range from 893-1,237 sq. ft., provide encompassing views of Jinsha Lake and luxurious settings such as a spa-like bathroom and spacious living area.
Infused with playful, modern style and local charm, this hotel connects leisure and business travelers with nature in the heart of Xiasha.
“The connection between humans and nature is a key element of the hospitality experience,” Di Stasi said. “When hotel accommodations and public spaces blur the lines between the indoors and outdoors, guests experience a relaxing and tranquil journey. We communicated this design principle by crafting a design aesthetic that connects weary travelers to interior settings that transport them to the beauty and peacefulness of the surrounding natural landscape in the heart of Xiasha.”
