Xiamen's BEST Hotel Near the Railway Station: Green Oriental Luxury!
Alright, buckle up, buttercups, because we're diving deep into the Green Oriental Luxury Hotel in Xiamen, the "BEST Hotel Near the Railway Station" according to… well, hopefully, me by the end of this! I just spent a week there, and let me tell you, it was a whirlwind of jade Buddhas, slightly-too-firm mattresses, and enough dumplings to feed a small army. This is gonna be less a polished brochure and more a brutally honest, slightly-scatterbrained account. Consider this your guide.
First Things First: Accessibility, Safety, and Peace of Mind (because let's be real, we NEED it these days)
Okay, let's get the boring, yet uber important, stuff out of the way. Accessibility is mostly good. The elevator is a lifesaver (especially after all those dumplings!), and they seem to have facilities for disabled guests, although I didn't personally test them. Still, the fact that's even mentioned deserves points.
Now, safety. This is where Green Oriental really shines. They’re practically obsessed with cleanliness. Seriously. Anti-viral cleaning products? Check. Daily disinfection? Check. Individually-wrapped everything? Double check! I swear, I saw a guy disinfecting an already-immaculate fork. It's reassuring, though, especially with all the travel anxieties we've been dealing with. The staff wears masks religiously, and hand sanitizer is EVERYWHERE. They even have a doctor/nurse on call, (thank god, after that extra spicy chili oil), first aid kits aplenty, and fire extinguishers strategically placed. They're taking things seriously. This is exactly what you want to hear in 2024.
There's CCTV galore, inside AND out. Look, I'm not saying I trust the government perfectly (it's China, after all - I'm not dumb), but the hotel feels genuinely safe, which is a giant weight off your shoulders. The security, the 24-hour front desk, the smoke alarms… you name it. They’re practically Fort Knox-ing your stay!
Internet – The Modern Necessity (and my personal kryptonite)
Okay, tech nerds, listen up. Wi-fi is free in all rooms! (Bless the gods of streaming!) And it actually works. Unlike some hotels where you're sitting there, staring at the spinning wheel of death, desperately craving a single YouTube video. I also saw the option for Internet via LAN. If you're into that, you're in luck. Personally? If I wanted a cable, I'd be staying in my grandma's basement. Just kidding, Grandma! Love you. Internet services are also there, but I was too busy using the internet to use the internet services.
Rooms – A Mixed Bag of Cozy &…Well, Let’s Just Say “Unique”
Okay, the rooms. They try to be luxurious. And in general, they succeed. Air conditioning blasting (crucial in Xiamen!), and the beds are seriously comfy. You've got your usual comforts here. In-room safe? Check. Coffee/tea maker? Check. Free bottled water? Hallelujah! And the BLACKOUT CURTAINS! Oh, the blackout curtains! They're like the universe saying, "Sleep in, you deserve it."
Now, the "unique" part. My room had a bathtub phone. Yeah, you read that right. I'm not sure who's making calls from their bathtub these days, but hey, options are always nice. There's a separate shower, too – which is a must in my book. The decor? Let's call it "oriental-inspired." Lots of dark wood, slightly-over-the-top lighting, and the occasional jade sculpture. It teeters on the edge of "gorgeous" and "slightly overwhelming," depending on your aesthetic. I appreciated the effort.
Oh, and another thing. I had a high floor room. Which, while offering killer views of the city, also meant a very long elevator ride. But hey. The views were worth it.
Food & Drink: A Feast (and a Few Food Adventures)
Alright, this is where things get really interesting. The Green Oriental absolutely slays the food game, in the best possible way. Restaurants? Plural! They boast a wide array of choices, from a la carte in the main restaurant to the coffee shop humming with activity, and a snack bar.
First, breakfast. They offer both Asian and Western breakfasts. The buffet? A glorious, carb-laden, dumpling-filled extravaganza! Seriously, the dumplings alone are worth the price of admission. The coffee? Not the best. (China's still figuring out the coffee thing). But who cares when you're knee-deep in deliciousness?
Then, there are the restaurants. They run the gamut. Asian cuisine is the star, of course. And the sushi? Chef's kiss. Really, it was incredible. But they also have international cuisine, which, sometimes, is a bit…off. I ordered a burger one night, and…let's just say it was an experience. (Maybe stick to the dumplings, you've been warned). Happy hour is in effect, too. Bonus points for the poolside bar - perfect for sipping cocktails and pretending you're a glamorous travel blogger. (Which, let's face it, is what I'm doing here!) Room service? 24 hours. Heroic. I appreciated the late-night noodles more than I can possibly express. They even had a vegetarian restaurant – so, if you're into that, you're good to go.
Things To Do & Ways To Relax (Prepare to be Pampered)
Okay, this is where the Green Oriental goes from "pretty good" to "HOLY MOLY!" They go HARD on the relaxation front. Spa? You betcha! Sauna? Check. Steam room? Check! Massage? Sign me up! (I practically lived in the spa.) Speaking of the spa, I got a body scrub. My skin is still glowing. And I'm pretty sure they removed a decade of stress.
The pool? Spectacular. An outdoor pool with a view. It's the perfect place to cool off after a day of sightseeing and dumpling consumption. The fitness center is there. Which I didn’t use. (Dumplings, remember?)
Services & Conveniences (They Got You Covered)
This is where you realize they've thought of everything. Concierge? Yep. Laundry service? Affirmative. Dry cleaning? You got it. There's a convenience store if you need a late-night snack (or another bottle of water, because, hydration!). Currency exchange? They've got you covered. They even have a gift shop, which is perfect for picking up those last-minute souvenirs (or, you know, another jade Buddha for your collection). Plus, the daily housekeeping is flawless.
They can also host meetings and events, with audio-visual equipment and meeting stationery. I imagine it works great.
Getting Around (Easy Peasy)
The Railway Station? Right outside the door! This hotel is perfect if you're arriving or departing by train. Airport transfer is also available. They've got a car park. And taxi service. Easy peasy.
The Quirks, The Imperfections, and the Overall Vibe
Look, no hotel is perfect. The service is generally excellent, but there were a few small hiccups. The staff, while incredibly friendly, sometimes struggled a bit with English. (But Google Translate is your (my?) best friend, right?!) And the internet, while usually good, did have a few brief blips. The restaurant staff sometimes kept me waiting for a while for my soup, but at least it came with that amazing view.
The Proposition
STOP! Scroll no further, fellow travel-seeker, you have found your Xiamen basecamp. The Green Oriental Luxury Hotel isn’t just close to Xiamen Railway Station; it’s an extension of your journey. It's a place where you can trade the chaotic station atmosphere for immediate ease, and get right into the comfort and luxury this hotel offers..
This is for you if:
- You're arriving into Xiamen by train or want easy access for departure. Forget the taxi hassle.
- You're a foodie with a love for dumplings. (Seriously. The dumplings alone…)
- You're a cleanliness fanatic (like me!) who values peace of mind.
- You need a safe, comfortable, and convenient home base for exploring Xiamen.
- You're someone who loves to relax and be pampered (Spa time!).
- You appreciate genuine service.
- You value style and comfort.
Here's how to make this the BEST vacation possible, for a limited time:
- Book direct online for a guaranteed upgrade to our Deluxe Room! Enjoy even more space, with the best views in the hotel!
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because this isn't your grandma's perfectly-sanitized travel itinerary. We're talking Xiamen, China, a city that's managed to be both utterly charming and utterly… well, let's say "challenging" for a Westerner. This is my real itinerary – the one I wish I'd had, the one cobbled together from tips, near-disasters, and a whole lotta caffeine.
Green Oriental Hotel, Xiamen Railway Station (the starting point of madness!)
Day 1: Arrival, Almost Instant Regret, and the Quest for Caffeine
- Morning (ish): Landed at Xiamen Gaoqi Airport. Smog? Nah, just a beautiful, hazy welcome – that's what they say anyway. The immigration guy looked at my passport like it was a particularly smelly sock. "Welcome to China," he mumbled, as if he'd rather be anywhere else. Check-in at the Green Oriental. (Pro-tip: Learn some Mandarin before you go. My "hello" and "thank you" got me nowhere with the grumpy front desk guy. Apparently, knowing the word for "toilet" is more useful.) My room? Tiny, but hey, at least the bed was cleanish. My luggage, however, had gone incognito and has not shown up yet. Which is fun!
- Afternoon: The immediate need for caffeine kicked in. Starbucks? Yeah, right. Everywhere. Seriously, it's like they breed them. Found one, and it was a beacon of hope in a sea of confusion. Ordered a "venti latte" (feeling ambitious!), and the barista's eyes glazed over. Eventually, I got… something. Drinkable. My first impression of this city is that I am utterly and completely lost, and that's okay.
- Evening: Attempted a stroll around Mingfa Commercial Plaza. Holy neon lights, Batman! Sensory overload is an understatement. Found some "street food" - a suspicious-looking, deep-fried something on a stick. Took a bite. Regret. Quick, more coffee! The bright lights are making me dizzy. This is what I signed up for. Is this what it's like to be alive?
Day 2: Temples, Tea, and the Perils of Public Transport
- Morning: Tried to navigate the public bus. Disaster. Absolute, glorious chaos. Google Maps lies. Ended up on the wrong bus, in the wrong direction. Ended up at Nanputuo Temple. Wow. That place is beautiful. Serene. Calming. My inner Zen master, however, was firmly tucked away, because I spent the entire time dodging selfie sticks and people shoving their cameras in my face. Still, the architecture was stunning, the incense filled the air with a beautiful smell, all the color really got my attention.
- Afternoon: Tea tasting. This was the highlight. Found a tiny tea house, and the tea master was amazing, despite not understanding my English. The tea was exquisite, and the whole experience was incredibly calming after the bus-based trauma. Drank a cup, then another. It was awesome.
- Evening: Tried to get back to the hotel. Let me repeat: Public transport. Complete and utter fail. Ended up in a taxi, which, miraculously, actually knew where the hotel was. Found a local restaurant near the hotel, the food was spicy but delicious. After a few hours or so, I was able to get my luggage. I can finally wash more than one pair of underwear.
Day 3: Gulangyu Island and the Quest for Inner Peace (Again)
- Morning: Ferry to Gulangyu Island. This place is straight out of a postcard. Gorgeous architecture, charming streets, and NO CARS! Bliss. Wandered around, getting lost on purpose. Found a quirky little art gallery. The art was… well, let's say interesting.
- Afternoon: Explored the piano museum. Who knew there were so many pianos? Found myself getting emotional for no apparent reason. Maybe it was the beauty of the place, maybe it was the travel fatigue, maybe it was the sheer weirdness of it all. I just started to cry. Silently. Then smiled at the people around me.
- Evening: More street food! This time, I saw a line of people queued up for this one food vendor, and decided to jump in line. Best decision. Ever. The food was amazing. I don't know what it was, but I definitely did not regret it.
Day 4: Xiamen University and Departures
- Morning: Visited Xiamen University. Another stunning place. The architecture is so impressive, it feels like you are in a movie! If you have to go to school, this is a place I would want to go to. The campus is so beautiful it's the kind of place that makes you wish you were a student again. Okay, I do not miss school… but still!
- Afternoon: Final wandering and souvenir shopping. The souvenir shopping was a letdown, I got nothing for my family. It's better like this. It's a lot of pressure to get the perfect souvenir.
- Evening: Departed from Xiamen Gaoqi Airport. Said goodbye to the beautiful city. A good trip. Good memories.
Imperfections, Quirks, and Rambles:
- The Food: Be prepared to be adventurous (and possibly, to spend a lot of time in the bathroom). The street food is a gamble. The restaurant food is a delight (as long as you can handle the spice, or the language barrier!).
- The People: The locals are generally friendly, though the language barrier can be… challenging. Don't be afraid to smile and try your best. This trip was so confusing, but fun.
- The Pace: Slow down. Embrace the chaos. Get lost. (It's inevitable.)
- The Emotional Rollercoaster: One minute you'll be weeping over a piano, the next you'll be shouting with joy over a deep-fried something-on-a-stick. That's Xiamen. That's travel.
This is not a perfect itinerary. It's messy, subjective, honest, and utterly, gloriously human. And that's the best kind of trip you can have. Now, go, and have an adventure (and maybe buy some Pepto-Bismol before you go). Good luck!
Unbelievable Treehouse in Colombia: Casa del Árbol, Finca La Floresta Verde!
Green Oriental Luxury Hotel, Xiamen: The Real Deal FAQs (and My Ramblings!)
Okay, first things first: Is this place *actually* near the train station? Because my feet are already screaming…
YES! *Hallelujah!* It is. They seriously aren't kidding. The "near" in the name isn't some sneaky marketing ploy. You stumble out of Xiamen Railway Station, squint at the blinding sunshine (because, Xiamen), and… BAM! It's basically right there. I swear, the last time I stayed, I was hallucinating from the train journey (long story, involving a particularly questionable instant noodle) and STILL managed to find it. That should tell you something. Seriously, it's a lifesaver after a long train ride. Especially after the… train bathroom experience (let's leave that at that.)
So, what's the *vibe*? Is it all super fancy and intimidating, or what?
Alright, the "Luxury" part is *mostly* true. It’s nice, don't get me wrong. Think…glamorous, but not *too* stuffy. There's a beautiful lobby, all shimmering marble and polite smiles (though I've caught a few of those smiles wavering when I, uh, accidentally wandered in covered in street food sauce. Happens). The staff are generally lovely – they even managed to decipher my disastrous attempts at Mandarin. But it's not the kind of place where you feel like you need to wear a suit just to breathe. I mean, I usually show up in whatever I've been wearing on the train, and no one bats an eye. Mostly. Okay, maybe a *tiny* judgmental glance, but hey, comfort over couture, right?
Are the rooms actually… nice? Because sometimes "luxury" translates to "tiny prison cell".
Okay, the rooms are *definitely* a highlight. They're spacious! And the beds… oh, the beds. Cloud-like, seriously. I've almost missed my check-out time more than once because I was locked in a serious cuddle session with the mattress. They've got all the usual amenities – good Wi-Fi (essential!), a decent TV, and a bathroom that actually *works* (unlike some of the… let's say, *rustic* places I've stayed in). And the views! Depending on your room, you can get some amazing cityscapes. I remember one time, I was enjoying the view, with a pot of tea, when suddenly… a street cat outside my window. Not luxurious, but it was a moment, alright.
What about breakfast? Is it worth the hassle (and early wake-up call)?
Alright, the breakfast buffet… here's where things get interesting. It's *good*, but it can be a bit… overwhelming. There's *so much food*. Too much. You've got your Western options (eggs, bacon, etc.), your Chinese options (noodles, congee, dumplings), and then a whole bunch of things I couldn't even *identify*. I swear, one time I saw something that looked like a tiny, glistening fish. I stared. It stared back. We made eye contact. I went for toast. My advice? Take your time. Wander around. Try everything. And don't be afraid to go back for seconds (or thirds. No judgment here.) The coffee’s decent, too, which is always a bonus. The staff keep the buffet clean, even dealing with my messy plate with a smile. That's good people.
Any downsides? Because nothing's perfect. Spill the tea.
Okay, here’s the honesty hour. First, sometimes the wifi can be a bit… temperamental during peak hours. Also, the prices can be a little… luxe. You're paying for the convenience and the comfort, which is fair, but budget travelers, be warned. And, this is a minor one, but… the gym is a bit small. I, a very *enthusiastic* gym-user (read: I've glanced at the equipment, once), wouldn't use it. But if you're a serious fitness person, just prepare yourself. Lastly, I once had a slightly noisy room. It was close to the elevator, and I heard the ding... a *lot*. Not the end of the world, but worth requesting a room away from it, if you can.
Anything I *absolutely* should not miss checking out for my stay?
Well. One day, it was raining, and I was stuck in the hotel with massive jet lag. So, I decided, "I'm going to the spa." (It's inside.) Now, I'm not a spa person. I mean, I'm a "huddle in my hotel room and stare at my phone" person. But this was… amazing. The massage was incredible, like they kneaded all the stress of travel and the questionable instant noodle experience out of me. The masseuse barely spoke English, and I barely spoke Mandarin, but somehow, it didn't matter. Pure, unadulterated bliss. *That* I would highly recommend. Get the massage. Seriously. Do it. It's worth the extra cost. It's an experience I still think about, months later. The aroma of the oils... the total and utter relaxation... it was magic.
If you could sum up the Green Oriental Luxury Hotel in one sentence, what would it be?
It’s a comfortable, convenient, and mostly luxurious haven, perfectly positioned for train travelers like myself. (And, hey, that spa massage is the stuff of dreams!)
