Millennium Harbourview Hotel Xiamen

Rooms and decor

The Premier Harbour View room runs about 42 square metres, with the bed and a sofa lounge area split into clearly separate zones. The look is Modern Classic — dark wood furniture, floor-to-ceiling windows, a King bed on a Simmons mattress. The bathroom has the tub and shower separated, and there's a long work desk that works well if you're a business traveler doing online meetings. Wi-Fi is fast.

Food and amenities

The outdoor pool sits up on the roof, and the sea breeze gets strong in the evening — guests like to settle in at the pool bar with a drink and the full view of Gulangyu in front of them. The gym is open 24 hours and runs a yoga class on Saturday mornings. The Chinese restaurant on the 2nd floor is known for its Hokkien dim sum.

Location and getting there

The hotel sits right on Xiamen bay, just across from Gulangyu island. Rooms on the 15th floor and up get a 180-degree view running from the mouth of the bay along the sea-crossing bridge down to the hills in the south. People like to open the curtains to watch the container ships move in and out of port before dawn, and at sunset the orange light reflecting off the water is about the prettiest view in Xiamen. Walk downstairs and you're at the ferry pier.

Things to know before booking

The rooms on the bay-view side cost more than the standard ones, so if the view is the point you'll pay for it. The hotel is in a busy, bustling downtown area, which is great for getting around but not if you want quiet. And rooms fill up fast in high season — book ahead.

Our take

Millennium Harbourview Hotel Xiamen suits couples and families who want a genuine 5-star bay-view room for about 20–25% less than the Swiss Grand. For us it's the best-value option in Xiamen's luxury bracket. Rates start around $69 a night. If the view is the main thing you're booking for, this one won't let you down.