Hangzhou Westlake Sofitel Hotel's advantage is its location --it is pretty close to the Westlake, which is a must-go scenic spot in South China's Hangzhou city. Although the hotel's manager, Guido Milner only took this post in January, he feels very proud of the hotel.

"I like the city," Guido says, "I love Hangzhou very much. People are not stressed; they're respectful. I've been to many cities, and Hangzhou is one of my favorite."

The Hangzhou Sofitel hotel is more of a boutique hotel, with traditional elegance and personalized service. In some parts of the hotel, the scenic views are magnificent. "Lots of our customers appreciate that," he explains. "We don't have best decoration and equipment in town, compared with other competitors in Hangzhou. Our hotel is a good mix of French elegance and Chinese culture. Our guests will enjoy the experience in our hotel more than other luxury hotels. I hope they may feel the same with what I feel in this town, the elegance in details."

Guido recommends the hotel's Club Sofitel Lounge where there is a terrace with a little garden and a view. And in addition to the music, lighting and furniture, visitors feel like they are transported to another world. "It's romantic," Guido says.

"A recent comment from one of our long-staying guests makes me feel very proud of the hotel," Guido recalls. "She told me she would never go to any other hotels because every time she comes back there is something new. The feedback from our customers makes me know we're doing the right thing."

As a hotel in such a famous city, Sofitel Hotel has both advantages and disadvantages. "Frankly speaking, our hotel doesn't have real lake-view rooms," Guido admits, "but it has a very convenient location, on the lake bank." It's a short five-minute walk from the hotel to Westlake.

"Our five-star level of service is another advantage. We're a cozy boutique hotel," Guido adds. "We're different from those big hotels, because here, you'll find everything you need very easily."

Guido came to Hangzhou to become the general manager this January. Before this posting, he worked in Shanghai SofitelJin Jiang Oriental Pudong. "Keeping the team motivated is the most important achievement I've ever made so far. I cannot do anything without my team. One can do nothing," he says. "I'm not a wait-and-see person, so I ask my team do the same, always on the move."

"My goal is to make the Westlake Sofitel Hotel a bijou, a treasure. It is a combination of beauty, elegance and class. It's not a luxury showoff. If you have chance to visit stay in Sofitel Westlake Hangzhou, you'll have the perfect feeling."