Millennium Harbourview Hotel Xiamen

For a place that’s supposed to be five-star, this is a joke. The pool is tiny, there are hardly any chairs, and they make you pay for a swimming cap after you’ve already spent a lot to stay here. Save your money and go somewhere you won’t feel ripped off.

The breakfast buffet was decent, and for the location and online price, the hotel is reasonable despite feeling a bit aged. But there’s a huge difference between the normal and premier rooms. The normal rooms smell of old cigarettes from the lobby all the way to the room, and the carpets look tired and a little dirty. Premier rooms are on another level, with a refreshed, clean lobby, no cigarette smell, and much cleaner-feeling rooms. I’d recommend paying extra for a premier room if your budget can stretch.

Check-in and check-out were quick, and service was good. On my second stay, room 720 reeked, so I asked to move and they changed my room right away. The location is perfect, within walking distance of the shopping street and beside the train station, a mall, and places to eat. It’s a reputable hotel chain, so it feels safe to use. Amenities include a massage salon, a DIY washing machine and dryer, and a steamer. The room was a little old, though they’re gradually renovating. The AC vent rattled a bit while we slept. I’m a light sleeper, but luckily it wasn’t too bad and I could sleep with earplugs. The pillow was too soft, but they had a buckwheat pillow that worked for me. TV options were limited, with local channels and international news.

It’s a nice hotel, but the rules are absurd. The pool is terrible, they make you buy a swimming cap, and there are hardly any chairs to lounge on. Definitely not five-star.