Swiss Grand Xiamen
by the TopOfHotel team
A 5-star on the water with big rooms, sea-and-mountain views and the Gulangyu ferry within walking distance — the highest-scoring way to open the list at 9.3.
A 5-star on the water with big rooms, sea-and-mountain views and the Gulangyu ferry within walking distance — the highest-scoring way to open the list at 9.3.
In-Depth Review
Rooms and decor
The Deluxe Sea View runs around 45 square metres, done in warm brown tones with double blackout curtains and a King bed dressed with four pillows. The detail guests actually rave about is the glass wall between the bathroom and the bedroom — open the curtain and you can lie in the tub and watch the ferries run in and out of the Gulangyu pier in real time. Heated tile floors keep your feet warm, and there's a rain shower.
Food and amenities
The spa floor has an indoor pool of around 20 metres kept at a steady temperature, plus a 24-hour gym and separate men's and women's saunas. The breakfast buffet covers Western and Chinese spreads alongside local Hokkien plates like fried oyster omelette (hai li jian) and fish congee. Rates start at roughly $86 a night.
Location and getting there
From the lobby it's only a few minutes' walk to the ferry across to Gulangyu, the UNESCO World Heritage island where no cars of any kind are allowed. That setup suits anyone who wants to be up early for the first boat and still back in time for breakfast. The Zhongshan Road pedestrian street and Shapowei are a short 5-8 minute taxi ride away.
Things to know before booking
This is the highest starting rate on the list, so it's the splurge pick rather than the value one. Sea-view rooms sell out fast in high season — book ahead if the view is the whole point, since a city-facing room loses the best part of staying here. And the ferry-terminal area right outside gets busy through the middle of the day, which is worth knowing if you're after quiet.
Our take
Swiss Grand Xiamen is the best fit for honeymooning couples and families who want to start a Xiamen trip from a luxury room on the water, with the Gulangyu ferry an easy morning walk away. If you care most about the view, the privacy and a big room, it's the strongest place on our list to begin.
Score Breakdown
Assessed by our editorial team from data and real guest reviews
The Honest Verdict — pros & what to know
- A 5-star on the waterfront, right in the heart of the Siming tourist district.
- A short walk from the ferry across to Gulangyu, the car-free UNESCO World Heritage island.
- Rooms are genuinely spacious, done in warm classic decor, and many face the sea and the green hills.
- A glass wall sits between the bathroom and the bedroom — open the curtain and soak in the tub while ferries run in and out of the Gulangyu pier.
- There's an indoor pool of around 20 metres, a 24-hour gym with separate men's and women's saunas, and a breakfast buffet that runs Western, Chinese and local Hokkien dishes.
- Starting rates are the highest on this list, from roughly $86 a night.
- Sea-view rooms fill up fast in high season, so book ahead if the view is the reason you're coming.
- The ferry-terminal area gets busy through the middle of the day.
Who It’s For
Match Score by travel style
Amenities
Location & Nearby Spots
Things to do near Xiamen
Day tours, attraction tickets and experiences around Xiamen — book ahead on Klook with mobile e-tickets.
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Insider Tips
- Ask for a sea-facing room — on a clear day you can pick out Gulangyu from the window.
- Walk or grab a short cab to the ferry pier early in the morning to skip the queue for the first boat.
- Open the bathroom curtain and soak in the tub with the view — it's the signature of the rooms here.