Ultimate Guide to the Best Budget Hotels in Xiamen

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.

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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.

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Xiamen Hotels: Top Picks Near Zhongshan Road

Echeng Hotel (Xiamen Zhongshan Road Pedestrian Street)

• Location: 15 minutes walk from Zhongshan Road Pedestrian Street
• Price per night: 360 CNY
• Check Rates:Trip.com Specials
• Rating: Trip 9.3
• Special Amenities: Laundry room, robot room service, family rooms

The hotel is located in Xiamen’s old town, within walking distance of Zhongshan Road Pedestrian Street, the Eighth Market, and the First Pier area. BRT and bus stops, restaurants, and convenience stores are also nearby, making shopping, dining, and getting around the city convenient. It is a good choice for first-time visitors to Xiamen who plan to focus on Zhongshan Road and the old town.

Guest rooms are generally comfortable in size, with well-rated mattresses and bedding, while bathrooms feature separate wet and dry areas. The hotel provides free washers and dryers, which are especially practical for longer stays and families traveling with children. Breakfast is simple and functional rather than extensive. Soundproofing is average, so light sleepers may want to keep this in mind.

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JI Hotel (Xiamen Zhongshan Road Pedestrian Street Zhenhai Road Metro Station)

• Location: 4 minutes walk from Zhenhai Road Metro Station, 6 minutes walk from Zhongshan Road Pedestrian Street
• Price per night: 385 CNY
• Check Rates:Trip.com Specials, Compare on Klook
• Rating: Trip 9.3
• Special Amenities: Laundry room, robot room service, family rooms

The hotel is close to Zhongshan Road Pedestrian Street and China City Mall, with Zhenhai Road Metro Station within easy walking distance. Shopping, dining, and metro access are all convenient, and the surrounding area has a high concentration of shops and restaurants. It is well suited to first-time visitors whose itinerary focuses on Zhongshan Road and attractions in Xiamen’s old town. The hotel entrance is relatively inconspicuous, so it may require a little extra attention when arriving.

Guest rooms are generally clean and tidy, with toiletries and drinking water replenished promptly, providing a consistently comfortable stay. A laundry room is available for guests staying several nights. Soundproofing is relatively good, and the hotel also has a small terrace where guests can sit and have tea.

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Swiss Grand Xiamen

• Location: 7 minutes walk from Zhenhai Road Metro Station, 11 minutes walk to Zhongshan Road Pedestrian Street
• Price per night: 647 CNY
• Check Rates:Trip.com Specials, Compare on Klook
• Rating: Trip 9.3
• Special Amenities: Gym, family rooms, quadruple rooms

The hotel occupies a waterfront location in Xiamen’s old town, within walking distance of Zhongshan Road, the Eighth Market, and Zhenhai Road Metro Station, making it convenient for both sightseeing and metro travel. Facing Gulangyu Island, the hotel offers expansive sea and island views. It is particularly suitable for travelers who value scenery and want to stay near Zhongshan Road with a higher level of comfort.

Guest rooms are generally spacious, making the hotel a practical option for families. Facilities include a swimming pool, fitness facilities, and a buffet restaurant, while breakfast offers a broad selection and the overall service is well established. As a long-running upscale hotel, it remains consistently well maintained and clean, although some facilities show their age in day-to-day use, such as relatively slow air-conditioning temperature adjustments.

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Hotel Indigo XIAMEN HARBOUR by IHG

• Location: 10 minutes walk from Zhenhai Road Metro Station, 10 minutes walk to Zhongshan Road Pedestrian Street
• Price per night: 697 CNY
• Check Rates:Trip.com Specials, Compare on Klook
• Rating: Trip 9.4
• Special Amenities: Gym, family rooms, children’s playground

The hotel is set along the waterfront in Xiamen’s old town, directly across the water from Gulangyu Island. Zhongshan Road, the Eighth Market, and Zhenhai Road Metro Station are within walking distance, while nearby bus routes provide convenient access to South Putuo Temple, the Overseas Chinese Museum, Shapowei, and other areas. Guest rooms offer direct views of Gulangyu Island and the sea, combining old-town sightseeing, public transportation, and scenic surroundings. It is especially suitable for first-time visitors, families, and couples.

Guest rooms are generally bright and clean, with comfortable mattresses and bedding, while soundproofing is also relatively consistent. Breakfast offers a wide selection of Chinese and Western dishes, fruit, and local Xiamen specialties. The hotel also has a gym, family rooms, and a children’s play area, making it a family-friendly option.

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Xiamen Lujiang Harbourview Hotel

• Location: 15 minutes walk from Zhenhai Road Metro Station, 5 minutes walk to Zhongshan Road Pedestrian Street
• Price per night: 1042 CNY
• Check Rates:Trip.com Specials
• Rating: Trip 9.6
• Special Amenities: Family rooms

The hotel is right next to Zhongshan Road and within walking distance of the Eighth Market and ferry terminal, making it particularly convenient for travelers whose itinerary focuses on Xiamen’s old town and Gulangyu Island. Facing the Lujiang waterfront and Gulangyu Island, its rooms and balconies offer direct sea views and are also well positioned for watching the sunset. The hotel has a strong sense of history, and its renovation retains distinctive Nanyang-style architecture and design, making it suitable for travelers who want a combination of location, views, and atmosphere.

Guest rooms are generally well maintained and spacious, with comfortable bedding and bathrooms featuring separate wet and dry areas, making them practical for families traveling with children or older relatives. Breakfast offers a broad selection, including Xiamen specialties such as satay noodles, while the scenic restaurant also overlooks the sea. From the public areas to the guest rooms, the hotel emphasizes Nanyang-inspired design, creating an upscale stay with a stronger sense of local character.

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Xiamen Hotels: Recommended Stays on Gulangyu Island

Gulangyu Liuyue Seaview Villa

• Location: 7 minutes walk from Sunlight Rock
• Price per night: 178 CNY
• Check Rates:Trip.com Specials
• Rating: Trip 9.6
• Special Amenities: Laundry room, family rooms, quadruple rooms

The hotel is close to Gangzaihou Beach and Sunlight Rock, with both the waterfront and major attractions within walking distance. It is a good choice for travelers who want to combine beach time with exploring Gulangyu Island on foot. The surrounding area is relatively quiet, making it convenient for families with children as well as couples on vacation. Walking to the hotel from the ferry terminal can be tiring if you are carrying a lot of luggage.

Guest rooms are generally clean, tidy, and fairly spacious, with effective air conditioning. The hotel has laundry facilities and an outdoor area for rinsing off sand, which is practical for washing clothes and beach toys after spending time by the water. This is particularly useful for families with children. Breakfast is simple and home-style, while the overall atmosphere is quiet and comfortable.

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Tangtao Yard Hostel (Xiamen Gulangyu Fuxing Castle)

• Location: 7 minutes walk from Piano Pier
• Price per night: 222 CNY
• Check Rates:Trip.com Specials
• Rating: Trip 9.5
• Special Amenities: Laundry room, family rooms

The guesthouse is located in an area of Gulangyu Island known for its historic buildings, making it easy to explore the lanes on foot, look for restaurants, and enjoy the island’s slower pace. The building itself has a strong sense of history and a distinctive old Nanyang-style residence atmosphere, while the courtyard, shared lounge areas, and reading space add character. It is particularly suitable for travelers who enjoy architecture and an artistic setting. Some sections of the walk from the pier are uphill, so carrying large luggage can be tiring.

Guest rooms have a simple and quiet overall style, while the shared areas include a study and lounge space. The property has a laundry room and serves a simple Chinese breakfast, making it practical for multi-night stays. Its historic architectural style is the main highlight, and the experience feels more like staying in a characterful guesthouse than a standardized hotel.

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Gulangyu Yuanshazhou Seaview Holiday Villa

• Location: 3 minutes walk from Neicuo’ao Pier
• Price per night: 266 CNY
• Check Rates:Trip.com Specials
• Rating: Trip 9.7
• Special Amenities: Laundry room, family rooms, quadruple rooms, sextuple rooms

The hotel is right next to Neicuo’ao Pier and can be reached within a few minutes on foot, making it especially convenient for travelers with luggage, older family members, or children. There are beaches, restaurants, and sightseeing electric cart stops nearby, which makes arriving on the island and exploring Gulangyu easier. Compared with walking across the island from other piers, its location offers a clear transportation advantage.

Guest rooms are generally clean and tidy, with relatively new facilities, and are suitable for families and larger groups. The hotel provides laundry and drying areas, along with family-friendly items such as children’s sand toys, beach slippers, and strollers. Breakfast is simple and practical, and there are convenient dining options nearby. Because the property is close to the pier and a seaside street, some street-facing rooms may be affected by outside vendor calls in the morning.

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Linghai Hotel (Sunlight Rock Gangzaihou Beach Branch)

• Location: 6 minutes walk from Sunlight Rock
• Price per night: 690 CNY
• Check Rates:Trip.com Specials
• Rating: Trip 9.6
• Special Amenities: Triple rooms

The hotel occupies a converted historic villa on Gulangyu Island near Sunlight Rock. Guests can walk to the waterfront, Shuzhuang Garden, and Gangzaihou Beach, while several other historic villas are also located nearby. The property sits on relatively high ground, allowing sea or mountain views from some rooms and shared areas. The quiet setting suits travelers who want to stay near Gulangyu’s major attractions while experiencing the atmosphere of a historic villa retreat.

Guest rooms are generally spacious, and the landscaped courtyard makes the property suitable for families or travelers looking for a slower-paced vacation. Breakfast consists mainly of set meals and simple Chinese dishes, and the hotel also provides luggage transfer service from the pier. Because the historic villa is surrounded by abundant vegetation, mosquitoes can be relatively noticeable.

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Lin‘s mansion

• Location: 6 minutes walk from Piano Pier
• Price per night: 1415 CNY
• Check Rates:Trip.com Specials
• Rating: Trip 9.7

The hotel is located in an area of Gulangyu Island with a high concentration of historic architecture and consists of several century-old villas. Concordia Chapel, the Catholic church, dining streets, and the waterfront are all within walking distance, making it convenient for exploring the island’s historic buildings and main streets. The architecture, courtyards, and shared spaces are an important part of the stay itself, with a strong historical atmosphere and a high level of privacy. It is particularly suitable for travelers who want to combine Gulangyu’s architectural heritage, travel photography, and an upscale hotel experience.

Guest rooms are generally spacious, with interiors inspired by vintage and Republican-era styles, comfortable bedding, and well-maintained bathrooms and in-room facilities. The overall environment is quiet. The hotel has children’s activity areas, a children’s pool, and several lounge spaces, along with distinctive experiences such as qipao dress-up, making it appealing to families and travelers interested in photography. Dining includes local-style breakfast and Southern Fujian cuisine, while the overall service is comprehensive and includes luggage transfer from the pier. Some rooms in the older buildings use darker vintage furnishings, creating a relatively heavier interior atmosphere.

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Xiamen Hotels: Recommended Stays Near Huandao Road

Lujiang Mega Hotel

• Location: Near Huandao South Road
• Price per night: 458 CNY
• Check Rates:Trip.com Specials, Compare on Klook
• Rating: Trip 9.4
• Special Amenities: Gym, outdoor swimming pool, family rooms, eight-person villas, twelve-person villas

The hotel is located along Huandao South Road, close to the waterfront and Pearl Bay Beach, with convenient access to Zengcuo’an, the Botanical Garden, and other nearby areas. It is suitable for travelers who want to combine a seaside vacation with sightseeing in Xiamen. The property focuses on resort-style stays and offers several villa types, making it especially practical for large families or groups of friends.

Guest rooms and suites are generally spacious, while the villas are particularly practical for longer family stays. The hotel has an outdoor pool that is well suited to children, and beach toys are available for trips to the nearby beach. Breakfast includes Fujian specialties and offers a fairly broad selection. Public laundry facilities are available for an additional fee.

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Seaview Resort Xiamen

• Location: 5 minutes walk from Huangcuo Beach
• Price per night: 698 CNY
• Check Rates:Trip.com Specials, Compare on Klook
• Rating: Trip 9.4
• Special Amenities: Indoor swimming pool, children’s playground, family rooms

The hotel is located near Huangcuo Beach along Huandao Road, with an internal hotel pathway providing pedestrian access to the waterfront. It is also convenient for reaching Xiamen University, South Putuo Temple, and attractions along Huandao Road. The resort grounds are extensive and heavily landscaped, with the main building, poolside accommodation areas, and other sections forming a complete resort environment. It is particularly suitable for families and travelers whose main priorities are relaxation and a seaside vacation.

Guest rooms are generally spacious with comfortable bedding, although the overall decor and smart-room technology have begun to show their age. The hotel offers indoor and outdoor pools, a large children’s play area, water-play facilities, and a variety of family activities, making it especially suitable for children from preschool through elementary school age. Breakfast offers a wide selection, including Southern Fujian specialties such as satay noodles, mianxianhu, and peanut soup.

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Lin Wutong Building, Xiamen University

• Location: Near Xiamen University
• Price per night: 748 CNY
• Check Rates:Trip.com Specials
• Rating: Trip 9.2
• Special Amenities: Direct access to Xiamen University without prior reservation required.

The hotel is located inside the Xiamen University campus, making it very convenient to enter and leave the university during your stay. It is particularly suitable for travelers who want to make Xiamen University a major part of their itinerary, especially families visiting the campus and its museums with children. The hotel is close to campus entrances, with convenient access to nearby attractions such as South Putuo Temple and Baicheng Beach. Buses, taxis, and ride-hailing services are also available near the university gates.

Guest rooms are generally clean and quiet, with relatively new facilities, comfortable bedding, and consistently good soundproofing. The campus itself provides a peaceful setting. The hotel offers both buffet and à la carte dining, while the main advantages of the stay are convenient access to Xiamen University and a quiet environment for rest. Families with children make up a notable share of guests, and the hotel is especially suitable for travelers who want to spend more time experiencing the university campus.

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Joyze Hotel Xiamen, Curio Collection by Hilton

• Location: 7 minutes walk from Zengcuo’an Walking Street
• Price per night: 750 CNY
• Check Rates:Trip.com Specials, Compare on Klook
• Rating: Trip 9.3
• Special Amenities: Laundry facilities, gym, outdoor swimming pool

The hotel is located along Huandao Road, within walking distance of Zengcuo’an and nearby beaches. Bus stops, convenience stores, and dining options are also available in the surrounding area, making it suitable for travelers who want to combine a seaside stay with exploring Zengcuo’an. The overall setting is relatively quiet, and taxis provide convenient access to other attractions in Xiamen. Although the hotel is close to the beach, its building height and surrounding structures mean that expansive sea views are not its main advantage.

The hotel has a strong design focus and incorporates many elements of Southern Fujian culture, while guest rooms are clean and comfortable. Facilities include a gym and an outdoor pool, with the pool area suitable for both relaxing and taking photos. Guests can also borrow sand toys for trips to the beach. Breakfast includes local specialties such as satay noodles.

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Conrad Xiamen

• Location: Inside the Xiamen Shimao Twin Towers
• Price per night: 1529 CNY
• Check Rates:Trip.com Specials, Compare on Klook
• Rating: Trip 9.5
• Special Amenities: Gym, outdoor swimming pool

The hotel occupies the upper floors of the landmark Xiamen Shimao Twin Towers, within walking distance of the Xiamen University Visitor Center and Shapowei, while South Putuo Temple, Huandao Road, and other areas are also easy to reach. Panoramic high-floor views are a major advantage: sea-view rooms overlook the coastline and Gulangyu Island, while rooms facing the mountains offer views toward Xiamen University and South Putuo Temple. It is well suited to travelers who value landmark locations, elevated city views, and an upscale hotel experience.

Guest rooms are generally spacious, with floor-to-ceiling windows, expansive views, comfortable bedding, and consistently good soundproofing and cleanliness. The hotel has a gym, swimming pool, executive lounge, and several dining venues. Breakfast offers a broad selection, including local dishes such as satay noodles and seafood congee. The overall service is well established and includes turndown service, making the hotel suitable for couples, families, or travelers looking for an upscale city hotel experience in Xiamen.

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