This post may contain affiliate links. If you purchase through them, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thanks for supporting our small business.
Xiamen’s accommodation spans from international luxury chains with sea views in Siming District to budget guesthouses on car-free Gulangyu Island and value hotels across the bridge in Jimei. Your choice of neighborhood determines your access to attractions, dining, and transport. Most first-time visitors should stay in Siming District near Zhongshan Road or the ferry terminal, where you can walk to Gulangyu ferries, Nanputuo Temple, and the island’s best restaurants. Here’s where to stay in Xiamen by area, with specific hotel recommendations for each.
Where to Stay in Xiamen: Siming District (Downtown and Zhongshan Road)
Siming District is Xiamen’s urban core and the best base for first-time visitors. The Zhongshan Road area puts you on Xiamen’s main pedestrian street with arcade architecture, street food alleys, and a 10-minute walk to the Lundu Ferry terminal for Gulangyu. The Yundang Lake area (north-central Siming) holds the luxury hotels and the Coffee Street expat dining strip. BRT Line 1 and Metro Line 1 both run through Siming, connecting you to the airport area and Jimei. Hotel rates here are the highest in Xiamen: expect 600-1,200 RMB/night (US$85-170) for international chains, 350-500 RMB (US$50-70) for mid-range Chinese chains. See our Xiamen weather by month for more details.
Suggested Hotels in Siming District
Conrad Xiamen
Xiamen’s premier luxury address occupies the top floors of a twin-tower complex overlooking Yundang Lake and the sea. Floor-to-ceiling windows in every room, a 37th-floor infinity pool, and direct access to the city’s best shopping at Paragon Complex. Best for couples and luxury travelers who want landmark views and five-star service. Check rates and availability See our best time to visit Xiamen for more details.
Holiday Inn Express Xiamen City Center
A reliable mid-range option in central Siming with clean, modern rooms, complimentary breakfast buffet, and a fitness center. Located 2.3km from Dongdu Wharf and within walking distance of Zhongshan Road. Best for business travelers and families who want international-brand consistency at a mid-tier price. Check rates and availability See our things to do in Xiamen for more details.
Mercure Xiamen Zhongshan Road
A French-branded hotel on the Bund waterfront in the heart of Zhongshan Road, offering comfortable rooms with city and partial sea views at a moderate price point. Steps from the pedestrian street’s restaurants and a 10-minute walk to the Lundu ferry terminal. Best for first-time visitors who want maximum convenience at a reasonable rate. Check rates and availability See our Xiamen events and festivals for more details.
Where to Stay in Xiamen: Gulangyu Island
Staying on Gulangyu Island is the most atmospheric option in Xiamen. After the last day-tripper ferry departs around 5:30pm, the car-free lanes empty out and you get the island’s colonial villas, piano music, and sea views virtually to yourself. Accommodations are almost entirely converted colonial villas and boutique guesthouses with 10-30 rooms each. There are no international chain hotels on the island. Tradeoffs: you’re dependent on ferry schedules for mainland access, restaurant choices are limited, and luggage must be hand-carried or carted from the ferry pier. Expect 400-800 RMB/night (US$55-110) for a quality guesthouse, 250-400 RMB (US$35-55) for simpler options. Book well ahead during Golden Weeks and summer. See our Xiamen neighborhoods for more details.
Suggested Hotels on Gulangyu Island
Pan Pacific Xiamen (Siming, near Gulangyu Ferry)
While not on Gulangyu itself, the Pan Pacific sits a 5-minute walk from the Lundu ferry terminal in Siming, making it the most convenient luxury base for Gulangyu day trips. Rooms overlook Yundang Lake or the city, and the Pacific Club lounge offers evening cocktails with sea views. Best for travelers who want luxury and ferry access without the island’s logistical constraints. Check rates and availability See our Xiamen travel tips for more details.
Kempinski Hotel Xiamen
A 15-minute drive to Gulangyu Ferry Pier, the Kempinski offers spacious rooms with lake views, a renowned breakfast buffet, and a central location in Siming’s business district. The hotel’s German heritage shows in its bakery and beer hall. Best for business travelers and couples who appreciate European service standards in a Chinese setting. Check rates and availability
W Xiamen
Xiamen’s most design-forward hotel, the W occupies a striking building in the eastern Siming area with interiors that riff on Fujian’s tea culture and coastal setting. Rooms feature floor-to-ceiling windows, a heated indoor pool, and the brand’s signature Whatever/Whenever service. Best for younger travelers and couples who prioritize style and nightlife access. Check rates and availability
Where to Stay in Xiamen: Jimei District (Mainland Value)
Jimei, across the bridge on the mainland, offers the best value in Xiamen. Metro Line 1 connects Jimei to Siming in about 15 minutes, and BRT Line 1 takes 20 minutes, so you’re not isolated despite the lower prices. The district has a large student population from Jimei University, which means cheap eats, lively night markets, and a more local experience than tourist-oriented Siming. Hotel rates run 150-400 RMB/night (US$21-55) for most options. Best for budget travelers, students, and anyone who’s already seen the main sights and wants a cheaper base.
Suggested Hotels in Jimei District
Sheraton Grand Xiamen Jimei
Jimei’s top-tier option, the Sheraton Grand offers resort-style facilities including a fitness center, garden, and restaurant at roughly half the price of comparable Siming hotels. Rooms are spacious with modern decor and the service matches international Sheraton standards. Best for families and travelers who want luxury without the Siming price premium. Check rates and availability
Atour Hotel Xiamen Jimei University
A stylish Chinese mid-range chain near Jimei University with a fitness center, terrace, and free WiFi. Atour hotels are known for their book-themed lobbies, quality bedding, and consistent cleanliness. Best for solo travelers and couples who want a modern hotel experience at a moderate price with easy access to the School Village. Check rates and availability
Jinjiang Inn Xiamen Jimei University Town
China’s largest budget hotel chain delivers clean, no-frills rooms near Jimei University at the lowest price point in this guide. Expect compact rooms with private bathrooms, air conditioning, and free WiFi. Best for backpackers and ultra-budget travelers who plan to spend their days exploring and just need a clean place to sleep. Check rates and availability
