I checked into two moderately priced hotels this weekend and was surprised to find no hot water. I was told it was because there is an oil shortage, but there is no shortage of traffic jams and construction. Nothing was said about no hot water before I checked in very much in need of a shower. The taxi situation continues to get worst and it is impossible to get a taxi in the early evening. Maybe the five star hotels near West Lake still have hot water and there would be no need for taxis. I have been to Hangzhou many times but will not go back.

Tornado Bar 龙卷风酒吧
24 Jiufanshu Rd. Wushan Square 吴山广场旧藩署路24号,7pm – 2am, 87019192
Three times a lady. First you get the dice. Second the beers. Third the skewers. A die is a die, and a beer is a beer, but the lamb skewers outside are stellar. The flies even have a hard time bothering anyone because they get stuck to the tables. It’s full of laughter and full of fun, and all for next to nothing. Read: cheap.

West Town 西部小镇
3 Lvyang Rd. 绿杨路3号(103 Nanshan Rd.南山路103号), 7pm - 3am, 87917615
Upon entering the door, you'll probably expect to see a few horses and chickens. Reminiscent of your Uncle Joe Bob's barn, this place attracts the younger crowd with more modern music than its neighbors. But be prepared to drink because they don't sell cheap singles on beer.

You To Bar You To酒吧
85 Shuguang Rd.曙光路85号, 6pm - 6am, 87976788
Packed! Laoyan started as a bartender back when there were maybe three bars in town, so needless to say he has quite a following. Wherever he is, it is packed. Early evenings are filled with football fans, and late evenings are the football fans full. Bottles of Absolute are cheap, and there is never a need to gamble on the place having people. Live music on the weekends.