Hello, I’m Alex Chen, a passionate independent traveler who thrives on exploring lesser-known corners of the world and finding new experiences on a budget. In China, I have a particular fondness for unique cities and towns, especially charming places like Xiamen. This blog post offers a comprehensive guide to the best hotel accommodations in Xiamen, aiming to help you find the perfect stay and make the most of every moment in this beautiful city.

Summary

What Are the Best Areas to Stay in Xiamen?

Xiamen is a sprawling city, commonly divided by locals into Xiamen Island (the main urban area) and areas beyond the island. Xiamen Gaoqi International Airport and the majority of attractions are located within Xiamen Island, making it the prime choice for travelers. Particularly, Siming District, which encompasses most key sights including Gulangyu Island, is the top area for tourist accommodations. Here are the best places to stay within Siming District:

  • Near Zhongshan Road: This area is a favorite among tourists for its proximity to Gulangyu Island. Convenient transport options like the subway and direct buses from Xiamen Airport make it easy to access major attractions and food streets, including Zhongshan Road Pedestrian Street, Hongshan Temple, Xiamen University, Shimao Twin Towers, Shapowei, Nanputuo Temple, Huandao Road, the Botanical Garden, and Bailuzhou.
  • On Gulangyu Island: Known for its scenic beauty, the island primarily offers guesthouses in a picturesque setting. However, due to the higher prices, older facilities, and transport restrictions at night (no ferry service), it is recommended to stay only for a night. Opt for hotels close to the ferry dock to ease transportation, as the island has many ups and downs. Though the most scenic hotels are centrally located, consider multiple factors when choosing your stay.
  • Near Huandao Road: Compared to Zhongshan Road, this area attracts fewer tourists, offering more tranquil ocean views and easy access to major sights. The only downside is reliance on buses or taxis for transportation, but given the proximity to attractions, taxi fares are relatively affordable. Ideal for couples and those seeking a quiet retreat.

Xiamen Hotels: Top Picks Near Zhongshan Road

Yi Cheng Hotel (Xiamen Zhongshan Road Pedestrian Street)

Yi Cheng Hotel (Xiamen Zhongshan Road Pedestrian Street)
  • Location: 15 minutes walk from Zhongshan Road Pedestrian Street
  • Price Range: 360 RMB
  • Check Rates:Trip.com Specials
  • Rating: 4.7 out of 5 on Trip.com
  • Special Amenities: Laundry room, robot room service, family rooms

Excellently located near Ba Shi market and the ferry terminals, surrounded by numerous dining options.

Rooms are clean and beds are comfortable. Although the facilities are somewhat dated, the hotel offers great value for money.

Ji Hotel (Xiamen Zhongshan Road Pedestrian Siming South Road)

Ji Hotel (Xiamen Zhongshan Road Pedestrian Siming South Road)
  • Location: 4 minutes walk from Zhenhai Road Metro Station, 6 minutes walk from Zhongshan Road Pedestrian Street
  • Price Range: 385 RMB
  • Check Rates:Trip.com Specials, Compare on Klook
  • Rating: 4.7 out of 5 on Trip.com
  • Special Amenities: Laundry room, robot room service, family rooms

The hotel is ideally situated on Zhongshan Road Pedestrian Street, close to a subway entrance, and opposite Zhonghua City and Tiger City where you can enjoy a complete lifestyle experience. The Xiamen Ferry Terminal is also within walking distance.

The hotel features a full range of facilities, maintains cleanliness and a quiet environment, and is well-maintained. The shower pressure is notably strong.

Swiss Grand Xiamen

Swiss Grand Xiamen
  • Location: 7 minutes walk from Zhenhai Road Metro Station, 11 minutes walk to Zhongshan Road Pedestrian Street
  • Price Range: 647 RMB
  • Check Rates:Trip.com Specials, Compare on Klook
  • Rating: 4.6 out of 5 on Trip.com
  • Special Amenities: Gym, family rooms, quadruple rooms

Conveniently located near public transport and within a ten-minute walk to Ba Shi market and Zhongshan Road. Most of Xiamen’s attractions are nearby.

Spacious and clean rooms with unbeatable sea views, waking up to the sight of Gulangyu Island. Excellent hotel services are also noted.

Hotel Indigo Xiamen Harbour

Hotel Indigo Xiamen Harbour
  • Location: 10 minutes walk from Zhenhai Road Metro Station, 10 minutes walk to Zhongshan Road Pedestrian Street
  • Price Range: 697 RMB
  • Check Rates:Trip.com Specials, Compare on Klook
  • Rating: 4.7 out of 5 on Trip.com
  • Special Amenities: Gym, family rooms, children’s playground

Superb location with rooms facing Gulangyu Island, where you can watch ferries and enjoy the romantic night view right from your bed, enhancing the delightful atmosphere.

Well-equipped rooms in a hotel that, despite its age, is well-maintained and clean.

Wuyi Jiang Guest House

Wuyi Jiang Guest House
  • Location: 15 minutes walk from Zhenhai Road Metro Station, 5 minutes walk to Zhongshan Road Pedestrian Street
  • Price Range: 1042 RMB
  • Check Rates:Trip.com Specials
  • Rating: 4.8 out of 5 on Trip.com
  • Special Amenities: Family rooms

A historic hotel with a Republican-era architectural facade that is particularly striking at night when illuminated. Located right below Zhongshan Road Pedestrian Street, opposite Gulangyu Island with beautiful sea views.

Large rooms with views of Gulangyu Island. Complimentary beverages from the minibar. Both cleanliness and facilities are well-maintained.

Gulangyu Liuyue Seaview Resort Hotel

Gulangyu Liuyue Seaview Resort Hotel
  • Location: 7 minutes walk from Sunlight Rock
  • Price Range: 178 RMB
  • Check Rates:Trip.com Specials
  • Rating: 4.9 out of 5 on Trip.com
  • Special Amenities: Laundry room, family rooms, quadruple rooms

Located right beside Sunlight Rock, ideal for watching the sunrise. It’s very close to both Sunlight Rock and Shuzhuang Garden. The hotel is also near the coast, just a few minutes’ walk to the beach, perfect for families who enjoy the sand and sea. Great value for money, though it is a bit distant from the ferry terminal.

The rooms are clean and spacious, with beautiful views from the windows, including a clear sight of the Twin Towers.

Yangtao Courtyard Fuxing Castle Homestay (Sanqiutian Pier Branch)

Yangtao Courtyard Fuxing Castle Homestay (Sanqiutian Pier Branch)
  • Location: 7 minutes walk from Piano Pier
  • Price Range: 222 RMB
  • Check Rates:Trip.com Specials
  • Rating: 4.9 out of 5 on Trip.com
  • Special Amenities: Laundry room, family rooms

Very close to Piano Pier, within a 10-minute walk. The hotel is housed in an old castle-style building, brimming with charm and great for photography in good sunlight.

The rooms are clean and well-maintained. However, as it is an old building, it comes fully equipped but lacks an elevator and has poor soundproofing, something for those seeking quiet to consider.

Gulangyu Yuanshazhou Seaview Resort Villa (Neicuo’ao Pier Branch)

Gulangyu Yuanshazhou Seaview Resort Villa (Neicuo'ao Pier Branch)
  • Location: 3 minutes walk from Neicuo’ao Pier
  • Price Range: 266 RMB
  • Check Rates:Trip.com Specials
  • Rating: 4.8 out of 5 on Trip.com
  • Special Amenities: Laundry room, family rooms, quadruple rooms, sextuple rooms

The hotel is just a 3-minute walk from Neicuo’ao Pier and a 5-minute walk to the beach, with major attractions 20-30 minutes away on foot. Many restaurants are nearby, making it convenient for dining.

Spacious rooms with large sea-view balconies. The rooms are very clean, and the beds are large enough for an adult and two children to comfortably lie down. The balcony offers great views of Neicuo Pier and the sea.

Linggan Linghai Hotel (Gulangyu Sunlight Rock Harbor Hou Sha Beach)

Linggan Linghai Hotel (Gulangyu Sunlight Rock Harbor Hou Sha Beach)
  • Location: 6 minutes walk from Sunlight Rock
  • Price Range: 690 RMB
  • Check Rates:Trip.com Specials
  • Rating: 4.8 out of 5 on Trip.com
  • Special Amenities: Triple rooms

The hotel is close to Sunlight Rock, the beach, and Shuzhuang Garden. Hotel staff are available to assist with luggage from Sanqiutian Pier; advance reservation is required, and it’s about a 20-minute walk to the hotel.

The rooms are spacious and clean. Breakfast is delicious and varied, with excellent service from the staff.

Gulangyu Lin’s Mansion Hotel

Gulangyu Lin's Mansion Hotel
  • Location: 6 minutes walk from Piano Pier
  • Price Range: 1415 RMB
  • Check Rates:Trip.com Specials
  • Rating: 4.8 out of 5 on Trip.com

Featuring five-star facilities and services, the iconic octagonal tower serves as the hotel lobby. The hotel offers a shuttle service from the pier, with prior reservation required. It’s considered the best experience on Gulangyu, although it is pricier.

The room facilities are very new and clean. The restaurant offers a quiet dining experience away from the tourist crowds, enhancing the enjoyment.

Lujiang Mega Hotel

Lujiang Mega Hotel
  • Location: Near Huandao South Road
  • Price Range: 458 RMB
  • Check Rates:Trip.com Specials, Compare on Klook
  • Rating: 4.7 out of 5 on Trip.com
  • Special Amenities: Gym, outdoor swimming pool, family rooms, eight-person villas, twelve-person villas

The hotel features a garden-style setting with the beach less than 500 meters away, making it easily accessible by foot. Nearby attractions are just a short taxi ride away.

The service is warm and attentive. Complimentary beverages are available in the fridge, and the buffet breakfast is quite lavish.

Seaview Resort Xiamen

Seaview Resort Xiamen
  • Location: 5 minutes walk from Huangcuo Beach
  • Price Range: 698 RMB
  • Check Rates:Trip.com Specials, Compare on Klook
  • Rating: 4.7 out of 5 on Trip.com
  • Special Amenities: Indoor swimming pool, children’s playground, family rooms

The hotel is as large as half of Gulangyu Island, superbly located in the quiet area of Huangcuo Beach. A pleasant surprise is the hotel’s vast botanical garden, which boasts a rich variety of plants and is perfect for an afternoon stroll, especially for those with children.

The rooms are clean and spacious with large, comfortable beds. Opening the balcony door reveals a beautiful view.

Lin Wutong Building near Xiamen University

Lin Wutong Building near Xiamen University
  • Location: Near Xiamen University
  • Price Range: 748 RMB
  • Check Rates:Trip.com Specials
  • Rating: 4.6 out of 5 on Trip.com
  • Special Amenities: Direct access to Xiamen University without prior reservation required.

The hotel’s prime location makes it easy to visit Xiamen University, Nanputuo Temple, Shapowei, and Zhongshan Road. Its major advantage is offering guests direct entry to Xiamen University, which typically requires a reservation, making it ideal for visitors interested in exploring the university.

Rooms are clean, quiet, and comfortable, making it a worthy stay. However, the breakfast options are somewhat limited, recommended primarily for visitors planning to tour Xiamen University.

Joyze Hotel Xiamen, Curio Collection by Hilton

Joyze Hotel Xiamen, Curio Collection by Hilton
  • Location: 7 minutes walk from Zengcuo’an Walking Street
  • Price Range: 750 RMB
  • Check Rates:Trip.com Specials, Book on Booking.com, Compare on Klook
  • Rating: 4.7 out of 5 on Trip.com, 8.7 out of 10 on Booking.com
  • Special Amenities: Laundry facilities, gym, outdoor swimming pool

Ideally located near the beach, just off the Huandao Road and close to the beach. A short walk to Zengcuo’an and a 15-minute taxi ride to Zhongshan Road Pedestrian Street.

Rooms are spacious and clean, well-equipped with a bathtub, washbasin, coffee maker, and smart toilet.

Conrad Xiamen

Conrad Xiamen
  • Location: Inside the Xiamen Shimao Twin Towers
  • Price Range: 1529 RMB
  • Check Rates:Trip.com Specials, Compare on Klook
  • Rating: 4.7 out of 5 on Trip.com
  • Special Amenities: Gym, outdoor swimming pool

A landmark hotel in Xiamen, noted for its exceptional location and breathtaking sea views, including a distant view of the famous Gulangyu Island. Located in the Shimao Twin Towers, it offers easy walking access to Nanputuo Temple and Xiamen University. The only drawback is the high price.

The rooms feature luxurious amenities with extremely comfortable beds. The bathroom amenities are of high quality. Enjoy the serene night views from the window. The hotel facilities, especially the rooftop observation deck, offer a 360-degree panoramic view of Xiamen, encompassing the coastline, Gulangyu Island, and the city skyline.

FAQ

Where should I stay when visiting Xiamen?

Accommodation options in Xiamen are primarily concentrated on Xiamen Island, especially in Siming District, as it is close to the main attractions and the commercial center of the city. For tourists, the area around Zhongshan Road in Siming District is highly recommended because of its proximity to popular spots like Gulangyu Island and Zhonghua City, as well as its convenient public transport links to Xiamen Airport and other areas. Additionally, Zhongshan Road Pedestrian Street and its surrounding area boast numerous commercial facilities and dining options, making it ideal for first-time visitors to Xiamen.

Gulangyu Island is famous for its unique historical relics and beautiful scenery. Staying on the island allows visitors to deeply experience its cultural atmosphere and natural beauty. However, due to the relatively old and more expensive accommodations, as well as transportation restrictions at night (no ferry service), it might not be suitable for all tourists. If your itinerary allows, consider staying on Gulangyu for one night to experience the island at night, but it is more convenient to stay on Xiamen Island for the rest of your visit.

Where is the most convenient place to stay in Xiamen to visit attractions?

If your goal is to visit as many attractions as possible, staying near Zhongshan Road in Siming District is your most convenient option. This area is not only well-connected by public transport but also close to major attractions like Gulangyu Island, Zhongshan Road Pedestrian Street, Xiamen University, and Nanputuo Temple. The well-developed public transportation network in this area also makes it easy to reach other popular destinations such as Huandao Road and Shapowei.

Essential Xiamen Travel Resources