Roman Holiday Garden Hotel - Xiamen

I booked this hotel for nearly a week to use as my "base" for visiting other parts of Xiamen and Gulangyu Island. The positives: everyone was very helpful and the rooms are rather unique and funky. The plumbing worked well and there was plenty of hot water. For me, the odd layout worked well and it was comfortable. The negatives: my room window evidently opened to a neighboring family that took every opportunity to hack, spit and otherwise squabble in the early morning or late evening. At first, I found this endearing. But after about 3 days of it, and closing the window, it slowing wore me down. I never felt compelled to change rooms - so maybe this was my fault. Also, room service was non-existent. I changed my own towels with the staff as I found them in the hallways. I used a translation program on my iPhone to efficiently communicate with the front desk. Other than that, I thought the spot was a good one.

The location was off the busy area, so it is a bit more quiet. Still close to everything (Small Island). The cost was quite low. I think it came down to $60 CAD per night for 2 and that was their top room. Value wise it is great as well. As for service, the lady at the front desk is helpful. Never had to ask for anything so hard to say how the service is. I slept fine. I heard loud banging noises one night. I have no clue what is was but it went on for about 30 minutes at around 3am. Not the hotel's fault as it was coming from the street. The bed is not super comfy, but not uncomfortable either. It was clean, maybe a bit run down, but not much. Part of the run down feel was due to the antique furniture which added to the feel, especially since it was an old mansion. The room was adorable. See my pictures. It has a Victorian feel to it. They brought together old furniture and decor to make it feel as you are staying in the mansion it once was. They have a bed, TV, and nightstand on a mezzanine floor they added. The washroom has the whole room is a shower style as seen in most apartments in China we've been to. Don't worry, this is normal. I'm not a fan of it though as the whole washroom becomes soaking wet. There is food here. Didn't try it as there is a night market and lots of restaurants in Gulangyu. Most places are overpriced compared to what you would pay in mainland Xiamen. They seemed to have a similar menu and prices as other places around. If we were coming back we'd stay here again. However, since there is so much different types of hotels and architecture, we would like to experience something different should we return.

I stayed here on a 7 day holiday to Xiamen and Gulangyu. The hotel is located about 5 minutes from the busiest part of the island (Longtou Road). So it is just far away enough to avoid the crowds but close enough for us to head down there anytime of the day. It is a 7 - 8 minute walk to the ferry. We had no trouble getting from the hotel to Xiamen. Perfect location! The staff here are friendly and the rooms are clean. I couldn't figure out how to use the TV and went down to ask the night staff. They came up to the room immediately to help me figure it out. Will definitely return!