I was on a business trip in Putian and took two days off to visit Xiamen, intentionally choosing the W over the Fairmont. Bottom line: W Xiamen sets the benchmark for all W Hotels in China.
As a Marriott loyalist, I've stayed across the portfolio hundreds of times—from luxury brands like Ritz-Carlton, Bvlgari, and St. Regis, down to Marriott and Fairfield. However, my last stay at W Suzhou left much to be desired; its uninspired design and cheap-feeling amenities were a real turn-off. Thankfully, my experience at W Xiamen far exceeded my expectations.
The day before arrival, Shirley from the Welcome Desk called to ask about my room preferences and needs. My first compliment goes to their efficiency. When I arrived the next day, the bell staff immediately took care of my luggage, and check-in was exceptionally fast and seamless. Once in my room, while most hotels take 20 to 30 minutes to deliver luggage, W had mine there within five minutes. Efficient, professional, yet warm and personal—truly commendable.
Unlike W Suzhou's generic nightclub aesthetic, W Xiamen stays true to its local roots, seamlessly blending the "Egret Island" ocean vibe and southern Fujian elements with artistic lighting. The ambiance is incredible. The work desk in the room faces a full-length mirror with a handwritten welcome message, which felt so thoughtful 🥰. RED/Xiaohongshu recommended the pool as a must-visit, and it didn't disappoint: walking through the LED light tunnel feels like stepping into *Interstellar* (a design motif echoed at the minibar), and the high-rise view overlooking Xiamen is stunning! W Xiamen's play on bold colors is dazzling and undeniably appeals to a trendy crowd. The bar is equally gorgeous—with an international DJ, expert mixologists, and mood lighting, it rivals high-end overseas clubs rather than tacky local venues. Even the staff’s outfits are chic and stylish, a refreshing change from the stiff suits at other hotels. (On a side note: the staff here, both men and women, are all remarkably attractive and well-dressed—definitely eye candy!)
What made me happiest of all was that W Xiamen actually offers smoking rooms. Having stayed at countless luxury properties, finding designated smoking floors or rooms is practically unheard of. I love high-rise hotels, which usually means taking a long elevator ride just to smoke outside—always a hassle. Catering to smokers this way showed me how much they value every guest's preferences.
There was, however, one minor hiccup. I arrived at the hotel bar at 8:55 PM and ordered a local Xiamen noodle specialty (forgot the name), but it didn't arrive for nearly an hour and a half. I rarely lose my temper, but after waiting that long, I was genuinely frustrated. Yet before I could even say a word, the staff member brought over the noodles and immediately apologized: "Mr. Yang, we are so sorry" (bonus points for knowing my surname). They explained that the bar and kitchen are separate, and another server had mistakenly delivered my order as room service. They apologized profusely, comped the noodles, gave me a complimentary drink (so out of two drinks and a bowl of noodles, I only paid for one drink), and even applied a discount to the final bill. Despite the initial service lapse, their recovery, respectful attitude, and prompt resolution left me feeling well-cared-for and satisfied. This small hiccup didn't diminish my high praise for the hotel at all.
All in all, W Xiamen excels in service, interior design, and professionalism. The bold color palette and daring clash of styles create a stunning aesthetic, while the efficient, respectful service proves it is fully worthy of the luxury label. It’s no wonder younger travelers love the W brand. Keep up the fantastic work and maintain this standard of design and hospitality. I look forward to seeing this place become a true cultural hub for trendsetters, and I can't wait to see what story my next stay will bring.
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