InterContinental Xiamen By IHG China

Xiamen's Paradise Found: Unbelievable InterContinental Luxury Awaits!

Xiamen's Paradise Found: Honest Review (and WHY You NEED This!)

Alright, folks, buckle up, because I'm about to spill the tea on the InterContinental Xiamen – or as I like to call it, "Paradise Found." It's not just a hotel; it's an experience. And trust me, I’ve had experiences. Forget the perfectly curated Instagram feeds – this review’s gonna be raw, real, and maybe a little bit messy, just like life itself!

First Impressions? BAM! (and a Little Struggle)

Okay, so, landing in Xiamen? Beautiful. The airport transfer, smooth. They've got the airport transfer thing down – that's a big win after, you know, schlepping around with luggage. Finding the hotel? Easy peasy. Getting into the hotel with my slightly over-packed suitcase? A tiny bit less easy. I mean, the entrance is grand, very grand. Think soaring ceilings, marble everywhere… You might feel a little intimidated, like you're walking into a Bond villain's lair (in a good way!). The doorman was lovely though, and after that? Smooth sailing.

Accessibility: Mostly Thumbs Up (and a Slight Hiccup)

Let's talk accessibility because this matters. The InterContinental Xiamen mostly nails it. Elevators everywhere (essential!), and plenty of accessible rooms (check when you book, obvs). The public areas are generally a breeze, from the lobby to the restaurants. BUT! (And there's always a but, right?) I noticed a slight issue once or twice with the signage for the accessible entrances. Nothing major, but worth noting. They REALLY try on this front. Seriously, wheelchair accessibility through those grand doors… it's well thought out.

Rooms: My Private Oasis (and the Blackout Curtains Saved Me!)

Okay, THE ROOMS. OMG. Let me just say this: blackout curtains are a godsend. I sleep. Like, I need to sleep. And the InterContinental gets that. My room wasn’t just a room; it was a sanctuary. Luxurious, spacious, and decked out with everything. Think plush bathrobes (yes!), a comfy bed (YES!), and a bathroom so fancy, you could probably live in it. The little things? They make all the difference. Free bottled water. Slippers. A coffee maker that actually works! And a desk that actually fits a laptop AND a whole bunch of messy papers. I'm a sucker for good internet, and the free Wi-Fi? Solid. Didn't drop out once. Also, a mirror that actually shows you how you look, not some wonky distorting thing. HUGE bonus. Seriously, I could easily be like, "I'm just living in the room, the rest of the hotel is irrelevant!" The separate shower/bathtub? Pure bliss.

Eating, Drinking, and Snacking: A Foodie's Dream (and My Endless Quest for Soup)

Right, let’s talk food, because honestly, it's a huge part of the travel experience. The InterContinental Xiamen? Delivers. Big time.

Restaurants: Multiple choices, from Asian cuisine to International cuisine. And the quality? Top-notch. I'm talking proper, melt-in-your-mouth food. You can even get the Asian breakfast in your room. Imagine starting your day with a delicious meal while still in your bathrobe!
The Buffet: Okay, buffet lovers, prepare yourselves. This isn't your average, sad hotel buffet. It's a feast. Asian, Western, you name it. Everything looked and tasted impeccable.
That Soup! Okay, I'm going to confess. I was on a mission to find the PERFECT soup. And the InterContinental? They had… wait for it… three different soups on the menu. Each one was heavenly, and I could have easily subsisted on soup alone for the duration of my stay. (I might have come close.)
**Bar: ** The bars at this place are worth a visit. Happy hour, amazing cocktails. Great atmosphere and a proper place to unwind.
Everything Else: The snack bar? Perfect for those mid-afternoon cravings. Room service? 24 hours. Never underestimate the joy of ordering food in your pajamas.

Relaxation and That Pool with a View: Pure Bliss (and a Minor Sauna Crisis)

Okay, this is where the InterContinental really shines. This place is all about relaxation. I’m talking serious pampering.

The Pool with a View: Oh. My. God. The pool. Absolutely stunning. You feel like you’re floating in the sky! Perfect for lazy afternoons, cocktail in hand. I spent HOURS there.
The Spa: Let's just say my muscles were thanking me after a massage. They even have a foot bath!
The Sauna (and My Moment of Panic): Okay, confession time. I'm not a regular sauna-goer. I went in, felt a bit… hot. And then had a moment of mild panic. But, the staff were amazing, and I recovered quickly. Worth a visit, even if you're a sauna novice like me.

Cleanliness and Safety: Feeling Safe and Sound (and Thankful for the Sanitizer)

Safety is paramount, right? The InterContinental clearly gets that. They weren't skimping on anything.

Hand Sanitizer EVERYWHERE: Seriously, you can't swing a cat (not that you should swing a cat!) without hitting a hand sanitizer dispenser.
Daily Disinfection: They're on top of it. Common areas are thoroughly cleaned. They are following all protocols.
Rooms Sanitized: I loved knowing my room was thoroughly cleaned and sanitized between stays. Made me feel safe and sound.

Amenities and Services: They Thought of Everything (and The Concierge is a Goldmine)

The Concierge. This person is your best friend. Want to explore the city? They're your go-to. Need a quick taxi? Done. They can handle booking tours, making restaurant reservations, everything! Also:

24-hour Room Service: Because, you know, midnight cravings.
Daily Housekeeping: Rooms are spotless.
Laundry Service: For those travel mishaps.
Luggage Storage: Super handy.
Elevator: Makes life so much easier.

Things to Do: Exploring Xiamen (and Finding My Inner Zen)

Xiamen itself is beautiful, and the hotel is a great base. The concierge set me up with some tours. The hotel has facilities for special events, so think wedding, or something a bit more formal. It does have meeting/banquet facilities etc.

The Quirks, the Imperfections, and the Absolute Truth:

Okay, no place is perfect, right? The InterContinental Xiamen is pretty darn close.

A Tiny Noise Issue: The first night, I think I heard a little bit of noise from… somewhere? Maybe outside? Didn't bother me enough to say anything, but worth mentioning.
The Price: Let's be real: this is a luxury hotel. It's not cheap. But, you know what? You get what you pay for. And it's worth it. I'd save and go again, easily.

My Verdict: Book. It. Now! (and My Personal Plea)

Look, I've been harsh. I've been honest. But the truth is this: The InterContinental Xiamen is phenomenal. It's a place where you can truly unwind, be pampered, and feel like you're actually on holiday. It's a place for families. It's a place for couples. It's a place for a tired, slightly messy, but ultimately happy traveler like me.

Here's the Deal: My "Escape to Xiamen" Offer (Because You Deserve It!)

Book your stay at the InterContinental Xiamen within the next [State a timeframe, e.g., 2 weeks] and receive:

A complimentary upgrade to a room with a stunning view (subject to availability).
A free welcome drink at the poolside bar.
A 60-minute massage at the spa.
Complimentary breakfast throughout your stay.
Guaranteed late check-out (because we all deserve to sleep in!).

Why? Because you deserve a break. You deserve paradise. You deserve the InterContinental Xiamen. Go, book, and thank me later.

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Okay, buckle up, buttercups! We're diving headfirst into my chaotic, possibly slightly bonkers, but definitely honest travel itinerary for a stay at the InterContinental Xiamen. This isn't your pristine brochure, this is life. Prepare for wrinkles and all…

ITINERARY: Xiamen, Here We Go (Maybe)

(Day 1: Arrival. Or, The Art of Unpacking and Questioning Your Life Choices)

14:00 - 15:00: Arrival at Xiamen Gaoqi International Airport (XMN). First impressions? Hot. Sticky. Beautiful. The airport itself is surprisingly clean and efficient – a good omen, maybe? Grabbed a cab to the hotel. The driver almost took us to the wrong InterContinental. Almost. My heart did a little flip-flop of panic. Geography is clearly not my strong suit.
15:00 - 16:00: Check-In & Room Reconnaissance. The lobby is HUGE. Like, "could hold a small elephant" huge. Check-in was smooth, thankfully. Got the key, made my way to my room, and promptly spent the next hour wrestling with my suitcase. Found the AC, which was a victory. The room? Gorgeous, yes. But also, where do all these charging cables go? My brain is already overloaded.
16:00 - 17:00: The First Panic Snack (or, "Have I Forgotten How to Human?") This is crucial. Jet lag is hitting. The weird, nagging feeling of "did I pack anything useful" is setting in. Ordered some pastries from room service, a small act of self-preservation. Sat by the window, staring at the bay. Realized I forgot my travel adapter. Sigh.
17:00 - 19:00: Exploring (Reluctantly). Okay, time to get moving. Forced myself to walk around the hotel grounds. The infinity pool is stunning. Absolutely stunning. Question: can I just live in the pool? Answer: probably not. Made a note to try the pool again later, after a nap.
19:00 - 19:30: Dinner Debacle (or, "Chopsticks: Enemy of the People"). Went down to a restaurant at InterContinental Xiamen. The lighting was romantic and the food was supposed to be fabulous. I ordered, I thought, what I thought was safe. I did not account for the…spiciness. Tears streamed down my face. I struggled with the chopsticks. It was a dramatic mess.
19:30 - 21:00: Bed Time. I managed to make it back to the room and pass out in the giant, super comfy bed.

(Day 2: Gulangyu Island & The Emotional Rollercoaster)

08:00 - 09:00: Breakfast of Champions (and Regret). The breakfast buffet is epic. So many choices. So many. I ate everything. Probably too much. I still have a pang of regret about the breakfast I didn't get, as well as the breakfast I ate.
09:15 - 10:00: Ferry to Gulangyu Island. The ferry trip was a breeze. The air was fresh, the sky was gorgeous. I felt a flicker of optimism.
10:00 - 14:00: Gullangyu Island & The Tourist Trap Tango. Gulangyu. Oh, Gulangyu. Beautiful, yes. Overcrowded, yes. Immediately got lost wandering the charming, narrow streets. The architecture is beautiful, the cafes are cute, and everyone is selling something. I bought a quirky handmade postcard.
14:00 - 15:00: Lunch on Gulangyu. Found a tiny, local restaurant. The food was fresh, the people were lovely. Another attempt. The dumplings were delicious. The fish was a bit…fishy. My stomach is starting to rumble.
15:00 - 16:00: The Piano Museum & Existential Musings. Visited the Piano Museum. It was…a lot of pianos. Maybe too many pianos. Sat in a dark corner, lost in thought. Life is…a piano concert.
16:00 - 17:00: Back to the Mainland. The ferry trip back was a bit choppy. Found myself surprisingly exhausted. The sheer number of people and sights was overwhelming.
17:00 - 19:00: Pool Time (Finally!) & Emotional Unpacking. Back at the hotel, I jumped into the pool. Absolute bliss. Spent an hour just floating and staring at the sky. Thinking about life. Decided I needed to buy floaties.
19:00 - 21:00: Dinner (Attempt Two). Tried to order food. Accidentally ordered more spicy food. Cried a little. Ended up eating bread and a small bowl of plain rice. The bread was the best thing I've ever tasted.
21:00 - Bedtime: The room is spotless. The bed is perfect. I fell fast asleep.

(Day 3: Xiamen University & The Art of Doing Nothing (Maybe))

08:00 - 09:00: Breakfast. More Food. Seriously, the breakfast buffet at the InterContinental is the stuff of legends. This time, I planned. I ate more of the delicious bao buns and less of the things that would make me cry later.
09:30 - 11:30: Xiamen University (and the Dreaded Crowds). Got a taxi to Xiamen University. The campus is absolutely gorgeous. Beautiful lakes, stunning buildings, and…a sea of people. I felt crushed among them. I managed to take a few photos. I felt a flash of actual awe.
11:30 - 12:30: Lunch. Ended up in a small cafe. The food was good. The atmosphere was a pleasant.
12:30 - 15:30: The Art of Doing Nothing. Back at the hotel. I decided to just be. Read a book. Looked out the window. Reflected. I finally gave myself permission to not do anything. And it was glorious.
15:30 - 17:30: Massage at the Spa. Booked a massage at the hotel spa. It was, truly, heavenly. The masseuse banished all the stress of the trip. I almost fell asleep in the massage bed.
17:30 - 19:00: Pre-Dinner Drinks. The bar at the InterContinental is gorgeous. I tried a local cocktail. Delicious. Sat and watched the sun set. Felt…content.
19:00: The "Let's Try Again" Dinner (and the Sweet, Sweet Surprise). I braved a different restaurant at the hotel. Ordered something I thought was safe. AND IT WAS! The food was delicious, and I actually enjoyed it. Had a moment of pure, unadulterated joy.
21:00: Packing (The Real Struggle). Packed. Sigh.

(Day 4: Departure. Or, The Bitter End)

08:00 - 09:00: Farewell Breakfast. Ate all the things. Knew I would miss it.
09:00 - 10:00: Last-Minute Souvenir Shopping. Panicked about souvenirs. Bought some tea. Hoped for the best.
10:00 - 11:00: Check Out. Check-out was easy. Said goodbye to the lovely staff.
11:00 - 12:00: Taxi to Airport. The taxi back to the airport was uneventful. Reflecting on this journey again.
12:00: Departure. Left Xiamen. I loved it. I hated it. It was perfect.

Final Thoughts:

What a ride. Xiamen, you beautiful, chaotic mess. The InterContinental was a haven. The food was a challenge. My emotional state? Fluctuating. Would I go back? Absolutely. Just maybe with a PhD in chopstick mastery and a stronger tolerance for spice. And a travel adapter. Definitely a travel adapter. I'm already planning the next trip. The world is my oyster…or perhaps, my spicy dumpling. Either way, bring it on!

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Xiamen InterContinental: Paradise Found (Maybe… Let’s See) – FAQ, Unfiltered!

Seriously, is this place REALLY called "Paradise Found"? Because I'm cynical AF.

Okay, first off, YES. That's their tagline. "Paradise Found: Unbelievable InterContinental Luxury Awaits!" And my inner pessimist screamed when I first saw it. It’s like, "Oh, *paradise*, huh? Considering I'm juggling work emails and wondering if I left the oven on, that's a HIGH bar." But… I gotta admit. Stepping into that lobby? The sheer SCALE of it… It actually made me stop, like, physically stop, and go, "Whoa." It’s less "paradise" and more… a really damn impressive stage set. But hey, I'm a sucker for a good set.

The rooms! Spill the tea. Are they actually luxurious or just… nice?

Alright, the rooms. This is where things get interesting. The "luxury" is definitely dialled up to eleven. Massive bed, ridiculously comfy. Seriously, I’m pretty sure I slept for like, sixteen hours straight one night. The bathroom? Marble, basically a second room, and stocked with enough toiletries to open your own mini-spa. Now, here’s the thing. One tiny, TINY imperfection? My room’s air conditioning was kinda… iffy. Which, in humid Xiamen, is a HUGE deal. I mean, it wasn't *terrible*, but it wasn't perfectly icy either. I called the front desk, and they sent someone right up, and they fiddled with it. And it *kinda* got better. That's the honest truth. Paradise isn’t *perfect*, right?

Restaurant Rundown: Food, glorious food! Tell me EVERYTHING.

Okay, buckles up because food is a HUGE part of the experience. And let me tell you, the restaurants… oh, the restaurants. They have multiple, and they're all trying to be *fancy*. The main buffet, a sprawling beast of culinary delights, is where breakfast dreams are made. I’m not even kidding. Pancakes the size of your head? Check. Dim sum that made my eyes widen? Check. A fresh fruit selection that looked like a still life painting? Yup. My inner child squealed with delight. Then there's the fine dining options...I went for dinner at the Chinese restaurant and ordered the Peking Duck. It was… ridiculously good. Crispy skin, succulent meat, the whole shebang. The price? Well, let's just say my credit card wept a little, but it was a *memorable* experience. The service was impeccable, the ambiance… everything. It was one of those moments where you feel properly spoiled. But… and here's the messy part… on one particularly rushed lunch, I ordered a club sandwich from the poolside restaurant. Pretty standard stuff, right? Except… the bread was a little stale. A tiny thing but it actually ruined the whole experience. It gave me a slight bad mood. Even the best hotels have their off days, and you can encounter them, remember!

The Pool: Is it the Instagrammable oasis it looks like?

Okay, the pool is… yeah, it’s pretty damn dreamy. Think turquoise water, perfectly manicured landscaping, and sun loungers that practically beg you to nap. I spent a whole afternoon there, basically glued to a chair. The sun, the cocktails, the gentle breeze… pure bliss. It felt like a movie scene. Actually the pool is exactly as it is promoted: the Instagrammable paradise it is designed to be! And, speaking of cocktails… let’s talk about those. The bar staff are ON POINT. They know their stuff. Worth every penny.

Location, Location, Location: Is the hotel well situated?

The hotel is a little bit outside the main city center, so if you're all about being right in the thick of things, it *might* not be ideal. But... it's still pretty accessible. Taxis are readily available, and the hotel offers a shuttle service to key areas. Plus, being slightly removed means you get a *bit* more peace and quiet. And the view from my room? Stunning. Ocean views for days. I could easily waste hours just staring out the window. It was the perfect balance for me, honestly. It allows you to be a bit more secluded and find your own space, and that is really valuable.

How’s the service? Are the staff genuinely helpful?

The service is generally *excellent*. The staff were incredibly friendly and tried really hard to please. They're attentive without being overbearing. I needed some laundry done, and it was back to me within the same day, perfectly folded. They remembered my name by day two. Now, I will say, and this is just me being nitpicky, but sometimes the language barrier was a *little* tricky. A few misunderstandings here and there, but nothing major. They always tried their best, bless them!

Spa time! Worth it? What's the deal?

Okay, the spa. This is where I went from "impressed" to "utterly blissful." The place is seriously zen. Dim lighting, calming music, and the aromatherapy just hits you like a warm hug. I had a massage. The masseuse worked literal magic on my stressed-out shoulders. It was an hour of pure, unadulterated relaxation. Would I recommend it? Absolutely. Definitely worth every penny. I walked out feeling like a new person. It’s an expensive indulgence, sure, but… sometimes you just *need* it. I went again by the end of the trip because, honestly, it’s what I need!

Any dealbreakers? Things that REALLY annoyed you?

Alright, let's get real. The biggest potential dealbreaker, as I mentioned earlier, was the iffy air conditioning in my room. It was a minor annoyance, but definitely the biggest issue I had. Other than that? Honestly, not much. It's pretty damn good. If I'm being REALLY picky, the price is obviously a factor. It's a luxury hotel, so expect luxury prices. But you know, for a truly special occasion? I'd say it's worth it.

Overall impression? Would you go back?

Overall? I’m a convert. The InterContinental Xiamen? It lives up to most of its hype. Is it *perfect*? Nope. NothingBook Hotels Now