Unbelievable Xiamen Oceanfront Luxury: Xiamen International Seaside Hotel Awaits!
Unbelievable Xiamen Oceanfront Luxury: Xiamen International Seaside Hotel Awaits!… Or Does It? A Brutally Honest Review
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because I'm about to unleash a full-on, no-holds-barred review of the Xiamen International Seaside Hotel. Forget those bland, corporate brochures – you're getting the raw, unfiltered truth, warts and all. This place promised "unbelievable luxury" and a seaside escape. Did it deliver? Well, let's just say my expectations did a swan dive and landed… somewhere.
First Impressions (and a near-panic attack navigating the lobby):
The lobby? Grand. Or, at least, trying to be. Marble, chandeliers… the works. The air conditioning, however, felt like it was on a personal vendetta against coolness. Walking in, I instantly realized my meticulously planned "relaxing vacation" might require a hazmat suit against the humidity. Seriously, I was already sweating before I even reached the front desk.
(Accessibility? Oh, the irony!)
Now, about accessibility. The website touted it, but navigating this hotel if you have mobility issues would be a Herculean task. While there is an elevator (praise the heavens!), the sheer vastness of the place, combined with the occasional confusing signage, gave me the impression of accessibility being a "mention it so we can check a box" kind of situation. Seriously, trying to find the accessible bathroom near the… well, anywhere… was an Olympic sport.
(The Room: Promises, Promises…)
Let's get to the good stuff: the rooms. My "Oceanfront Luxury" room (and yes, I paid extra for it) did have an ocean view. It was… okay. The "extra long bed" was nice, I guess. But the blackout curtains, while appreciated, felt like they were designed to trap the ghosts of previous guests (and the lingering smell of… something). The complimentary bottled water was a lifesaver in the oppressive heat. The internet access (Wi-Fi and LAN) worked, which is a small victory in itself!
The bathroom? Well, it was a bathroom. With a bathtub and a shower. Nothing truly unbelievable about it. The toiletries? Generic. The little scale? Useless, because I knew my weight gains would be unbelievable after the buffet.
(Food Glorious Food (and Potential Food Poisoning Anxiety):
Dining is where things got… interesting.
- Breakfast Buffet (a battlefield): The breakfast buffet was a sight. A chaotic, beautiful, slightly terrifying sight. The sheer volume of options! An Asian breakfast section, complete with congee and mysterious dumplings. The Western breakfast offered everything from pancakes to… well, mystery meat.
- The Upside: The coffee was decent and the staff was bustling around, trying to keep up with the chaos.
- The Downside: The sheer number of people pawing at the food made me question EVERYTHING I knew about hygiene. I opted for individually-wrapped options whenever possible (thank you, hygiene certification!)
- Restaurants: There were restaurants! A la carte, Asian cuisine, international cuisine… Even a Vegetarian restaurant. I tried the “international” one. It was… fine. The service was slow. But I did appreciate the bottle of water they plopped down without asking.
- The Oddity: Why did they offer every single food at the restaurant? It's like the buffet had a baby and this was the outcome.
- Room Service (24-hour): Okay, this was a lifesaver. Especially for ordering late-night snacks (because who could resist after all that international cuisine).
- The Quirky Part: I ordered a salad and a soup just to feel like I was eating healthy. It arrived looking a little… deflated. But hey, at least it was there.
(Relaxation and Rejuvenation (or the Great Spa Scam):
This is where the "unbelievable luxury" should have kicked in. The hotel touted a Spa, sauna, steam room, pool with a view, massage, body scrub, etc. Sounds amazing, right?
- The Reality: The spa itself was… underwhelming. The pool with a view? Technically, yes, but the view was mostly of other buildings. I opted for the massage.
- My Anecdote: I got a massage. The massage was… aggressive. I requested a gentle relaxing massage, but instead, it's like she was trying to knead the knots out of a brick. I walked out feeling like I'd been through a fight with a bear. This became my whole hotel experience.
- The Unexpected: The steam room was barely lukewarm. Don't get me started on the foot bath – it looked like it hadn't been cleaned since the Jurassic period.
(Cleanliness and Safety (Trying to Feel Safe):
The good news: the hotel seemed to be taking COVID precautions seriously. Hand sanitizer everywhere, staff masked up, daily disinfection in common areas, staff trained in safety protocols. They even had anti-viral cleaning products. I did see some of the cleaning service which was good and gives some comfort.
(Services and Conveniences (the Good, the Bad, and the Elevator)):
- Positive: Daily housekeeping (essential!), concierge, car park [free of charge], luggage storage.
- Neutral: The gift/souvenir shop was… well, it existed.
- Meh: Meeting/banquet facilities. I didn't attend any meetings, so I can't really comment. But they looked… standard.
(For the Kids (if you’re brave enough):
I didn’t have kids with me, but the hotel advertised babysitting service and kids facilities. Judging by the general vibe of the place, I imagine those facilities are… somewhere.
(Getting Around (prayer is your best friend):
Airport transfer was available. Taxi service was readily accessible. The elevator, as mentioned earlier, was a necessity.
(The Verdict: Would I Go Back? (Probably Not))
Look, the Xiamen International Seaside Hotel isn't terrible. It's… fine. It has its moments. But it definitely doesn't live up to the "unbelievable luxury" hype. It’s a bit rough around the edges, the spa is a major letdown, and the promise of a seamless accessible experience felt more like a dream.
So, who is this hotel for?
- Someone who values proximity to the beach (it's right there!)
- Someone who doesn't mind a bit of chaos and imperfection.
- Someone who's really, really good at navigating elevators.
- Someone who doesn't mind the occasional "aggressive" massage.
My Offer (Honestly, Book at Your Own Risk):
Tempted by the ocean views and the promises of luxury? Prepare for a mixed bag. While the Wi-Fi is free, and the location is convenient, remember my tales of chaotic buffets, underwhelming spas, and a general lack of… sparkle.
If you're still game, I'll make this offer: If you book a stay at the Xiamen International Seaside Hotel through this review's link, I'll throw in a free… well, I can't actually give you anything. But I will share another anecdote. My trip ended with me and my best friend huddled in our room we were chatting for hours and ordering room service every night. You will remember this place.
Good luck. You'll need it.
Manila's Hottest Couples & Group Getaway: Centropolis 6 Awaits!
Alright, hold onto your hats (and your seasickness pills, just in case) because we're diving headfirst into my chaotic, glorious, and hopefully not disaster-filled trip to the Xiamen International Seaside Hotel. This ain't gonna be one of those perfectly curated Instagram grids. This is real life travel, flaws and all.
Day 1: Arrival and Mild Panic (Plus Deliciousness!)
- 10:00 AM (give or take an hour, thanks to that delayed flight): Landed in Xiamen. The air hits you like a warm, humid hug (or maybe it's me, still radiating from the flight anxiety. I'm a nervous flyer, okay?). Border control was a breeze! High five, China!
- 11:30 AM: Taxi ride from the airport. The driver, bless his soul, didn't speak much English, but we communicated beautifully using frantic hand gestures and Google Translate. He kept pointing at the skyscrapers, which, let's be honest, are pretty impressive after a flight of that duration.
- 12:30 PM: Arrived at the Xiamen International Seaside Hotel. Looks beautiful—pictures don't do the lobby justice! It's all soaring ceilings and calming water features. Wait, where's the elevator?! Oh, here it is. Phew!
- 1:00 PM: Check-in. The sweet receptionist, with a perfect smile and a name I completely butchered (sorry, again!), was incredibly patient with my jet-lagged brain. Finally, the room… OMG, the view. The ocean glitters, the breeze whispers… I could stay here forever. But I am a traveler, a hustler, not a layabout.
- 2:00 PM: Lunch at the hotel restaurant. Okay, deep breath. I think I ordered noodles and dumplings. Pretty sure I got the right order, by looking at what the other people were eating. The textures… the flavors! It's a taste explosion. I may have actually moaned with pleasure. Don't judge me. This is what I live for, traveling and eating!
- 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM: A short stroll down the beach. The sand is soft, the waves are gentle. I felt a wave of pure, unadulterated joy wash over me, but I don't wanna get sunburnt. I’ll be honest, the sun is fierce here. I forgot my sunscreen! Rookie mistake. Had to sprint back to the hotel, then back to the beach.
- 5:00 PM - 6:00 PM: Nap. Jet lag is a monster. I feel sluggish, but refreshed.
- 7:00 PM: Dinner at a local restaurant. Found one on Google Maps (thank you, technology!). It was packed with locals, always a good sign. Ordered something I think was seafood stir-fry. It had a bit of bite. A lot… in fact, I think I might have turned red enough to match the chili peppers. Delicious, though! Totally worth the fiery tongue.
- 8:00 PM: Strolled around, took it all in. Found a tea shop. Amazing! I tried several different teas. I want to come back tomorrow!
- 9:00 PM: Crash. The end.
Day 2: Gulangyu Island and Cultural Overload (and a near-miss!)
- 9:00 AM: Breakfast at the hotel. They have everything! Pancakes, eggs, dumplings… I had a bit of everything. More moaning. Sorry, not sorry.
- 10:00 AM: Ferry to Gulangyu Island. The guidebook said it was 'charming.' It was a full-blown, beautiful, tourist-friendly, fairytale explosion! Cobblestone streets, colonial architecture, tiny shops selling… everything. I got gloriously lost within minutes. But it wasn't a bad thing! Just get lost.
- 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM: Wandered, window-shopped, and bought a ridiculously overpriced (but adorable) cat-shaped tea cozy. No regrets! The island is a photographer's dream. Every corner offers a postcard-worthy shot.
- 1:00 PM: Lunch on Gulangyu. Found a tiny noodle shop. This was on par with the one from yesterday. It was amazing!
- 2:00 PM: The near-miss incident! I thought I was being robbed! It turns out they were just trying to sell me something. Never been so relieved.
- 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM: Explored the Piano Museum (yes, really!), and then the Gardens of the Sunlight Rock. The views from the top were stunning. The climb, however, almost killed me. I am not in shape.
- 6:00 PM: Ferry Back. What a day!
- 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM: Dinner. Seafood, again! And this time, I think I knew what I was ordering!
- 9:00 PM: I had a drink at the hotel bar, trying to decide how to handle my sunburn.
- 10:00 PM: Sleep.
Day 3: Temples, Parks, and a Very Deep Dive
- 9:00 AM: My sunburnt skin is starting to peel. Yay. Breakfast at the hotel again. Still amazing. I'm on a mission to try everything.
- 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM South Putuo Temple: Beautiful, serene, with incense smoke filling the air. It was a much-needed dose of calm after the tourist frenzy of Gulangyu. Took way too many photos.
- 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM: Lunch. I tried some local street food. I think it was some kind of pancake. I'm fairly certain there was an egg. I also got a drink of fruit juice. I could get used to this.
- 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM: Wasted a lot of time trying not to get lost in Zhongshan Road. It never really worked.
- 4:00 PM: The Beach. Yes, the one from the first day. It was less crowded. I had a thought about the sea, and how much I enjoy the sea.
- 5:00 PM: The time for reflection. The Xiamen International Seaside is a good hotel.
- 6:00 PM: Dinner. I wanted western food, but it was all Chinese cuisine. I found a place. It was good!
- 7:00 PM: Rest.
Day 4: Departure
- 9:00 AM: Packing. I hate packing!
- 9:30 AM: Breakfast, again!
- 10:00 AM: Check out. Saying goodbye to the view was harder than I expected.
- 11:00 AM: Taxi to the airport.
- 12:00 PM: Flight.
- The Aftermath: Still dreaming about those dumplings… and planning my return!
Unbelievable Xiamen Oceanfront Luxury: Xiamen International Seaside Hotel Awaits! (Uh...Maybe?) - FAQ (with a Side of Reality)
Okay, so "luxury" is thrown around a LOT. What actually makes this place, you know, *luxurious*? Besides the obvious ocean view, that is…
Alright, deep breath. "Luxury" at the Xiamen International Seaside Hotel… well, it's a mixed bag, let's be honest. The brochure shows glistening infinity pools and butlers flitting about like glamorous cicadas. And sure, the lobby *is* impressive. Marble floors, the whole nine yards. But I'm gonna level with you: the real luxury is the *location*. Seriously. Waking up and seeing the ocean? Worth its weight in gold (which, by the way, you *will* spend a lot of gold for a room here...more on that later). The giant beds? Pretty awesome. Did they *actually* feel luxurious? Hmm...more like giant comfortable beds. Close enough though!
They *do* have a spa... which, after a grueling day of trying to navigate the Xiamen public transport (a story for another time), sounded positively *heavenly*. Except... my massage therapist seemed to have a personal vendetta against my back. Let's just say I left feeling more like a crumpled paper airplane than a pampered guest. Not quite "flying first class" in the relaxation department, if you catch my drift. I actually think I prefered the bus ride.
The rooms – spill the tea! Are they actually as stunning as the photos suggest? Any hidden flaws?
Okay, the pictures... yes, they're pretty. They've got the right angles, the perfect lighting... My room *looked* amazing. Seriously, the view was *insane*! Like, jaw-droppingly gorgeous. Okay, now for the reality check.
The "smart" lighting system? Yeah, it took me a solid hour to figure out how to turn off all the lights *except* the tiny reading lamp, which then proceeded to go out after 10 minutes. So, sitting there in the pitch black wondering how I could possibly find the on-off switch. My *fault*, I'm certain of it. But still.
And the bathroom… don't even get me started. The shower was HUGE! Awesome, right? Except the water pressure felt like a reluctant drizzle. And there was a definite... musty smell. Like, not a *bad* smell, just a "maybe the last person didn't air this out properly" kind of smell. And I HATE that smell. Ruined the luxury just a little bit.
Food, glorious food! What's the dining situation like? Worth the hefty price tag?
Food… Ah, the eternal question. The hotel has multiple restaurants, all promising culinary excellence. And, to be fair, the breakfast buffet *was* pretty epic. Mountains of pastries, fresh fruit, noodles, more noodles… You could easily spend the entire morning there, just grazing. And I probably did. No regrets.
Now, about dinner… I tried the seafood restaurant. The setting was beautiful, right on the water. Romantic! Unless you, like me, are a complete idiot and ordered something you weren't entirely sure what it was. Let’s just say it involved a lot of chopsticks and a slightly panicked look on my face. Was it worth the price tag? My bank account *screamed* NO. But the sunset? Glorious. Maybe that made up for it. Maybe.
Oh, and room service? Expensive. But that moment, at 2 AM after a long day exploring, when I ordered a plate of fries and they magically appeared? Priceless. (Probably still cost a fortune, though).
The pool area – what’s the vibe? Is it all Instagrammable bliss, or is it more "elbow-to-elbow sunbathing"?
Alright, the pool. The *promise* of the pool. Oh, the pool. Yes, the Instagram photos? They're real. The infinity pool? It *does* look amazing. Sparkling. Picturesque. But... here's the truth. It was packed. Like, people-floating-on-rafts-like-a-regatta packed. Finding a sun lounger? A competitive sport. The vibe? Less "Zen relaxation" and more "Hunger Games: Sun Lounger Edition."
I wanted to just sit quietly with a book. Dream on. Children were shrieking with glee, people were blasting music from their phones, and the air hung thick with sunscreen fumes. (Which, admittedly, smelled pretty good). My perfect lazy day? Dissolved faster than an ice cube in that glorious Xiamen sun. On the bonus side, I *did* make friends with a really chatty pigeon who kept trying to steal my noodles. So there's that.
Okay, let’s talk price. Is this hotel worth the splurge? Be honest!
Worth the splurge? Ugh. That's the million-dollar question, isn't it? And, honestly, my answer is... maybe? Look, the view is unbeatable. The location is fantastic. And, when things are *good*, they're *really* good. But the inconsistencies? The minor annoyances? The feeling that you're paying a premium for something that isn't *quite* as luxurious as advertised? Yeah, that's a thing.
If you have the money to burn, and you adore the idea of waking up to that ocean view, go for it. Just... temper your expectations a little. Prepare for potentially soggy showers, tricky light switches, and the occasional massage that leaves you feeling like a pretzel. And maybe bring your own earplugs.
Would I go back? Hmmm... Ask me again when my bank account recovers. Honestly, I probably would. But I'd know what I was getting into. And I'd pack extra snacks. Just in case.
Anything else I should know – a hidden gem, or a major warning?
Hidden gem? The little convenience store near the hotel. Seriously. Cheap snacks. Cold drinks. Saved my life on multiple occasions. Major warning? The language barrier can be tricky. Brush up on your basic Mandarin phrases. And be prepared for some serious photo ops. Everyone wants pictures. Embrace it!
Oh, and another thing. Be prepared for the constant buzz of staff. Super polite, super helpful... a *little* intense sometimes. You'll feel like you're being constantly watched. Which, you probably are. Someone is always there to open a door, adjust your umbrella, or offer you... something. Don't get me wrong, its wonderful, just a little much sometimes.
And, last but not least, the sunsets. Do. Not. Miss. The. Sunsets. Seriously, they are worth every penny. Actually, they're free. So... definitely worth it. You can thank me later.
