A lesser-known resort on the island, Haikou Luneng Hilton Hotel

Sharing a niche topic: where are the chain resorts located in the non-popular tourist city of Haikou? They are basically distributed along the coastline on the east and west wings of the city. The west side’s Binhai Avenue is where the city government is located, bustling and well-equipped, and also the focus of various groups. The east side is relatively quiet, more suitable for relaxing, and only has the Luneng Hilton.

Since I come to Hainan every year and have stayed at almost all the international chains on the island, this trip I plan to head southwest and explore along the way. So the first stop is the Luneng Hilton, also because it is closer to the airport, and you can drive north to get there.

This large-scale hotel is right next to the coastline, hidden in the coconut groves on the eastern outskirts of the city, and from inside to outside it has the typical look of a resort hotel. It has a seaside garden, four outdoor pools with different themes, a small gate that leads directly to the sea, and a wild sandy beach that can be rough on the feet. After last year’s typhoon, the boardwalk and viewing platform were repaved, making it even more suitable for long walks than before.

The overall architectural layout resembles a symmetrical European castle, with the main building ten stories high, all rooms facing the sea, and a ventilation corridor at the back. Staying during the Dragon Boat Festival required an upgrade with an extra fee to a high-floor sea view suite, featuring one bedroom, one living room, and two bathrooms, with a connecting balcony outside and an unlimited view.

The room’s decoration style is simple and unpretentious, without trendy elements. The bathtub is honestly placed inside the bathroom. One side of the bed lacks charging ports, an old issue from previous years. The dehumidifier runs constantly, unable to fully mask the strong coastal humidity. But the welcome fruit plate is abundant, seemingly a positive nod to past goodwill.

The executive lounge is on the ninth floor, plain in appearance, offering simple afternoon tea and evening happy hour. The quality is just passable, but it’s quiet and not crowded. Since the room is also on the ninth floor, you can enjoy the fun of guarding the fridge and roaming anytime.

Other public facilities are all on the first and second floors. In the off-season, only two of the five restaurants are open. Breakfast is served in the all-day dining restaurant. Although it’s not to my taste, I have to admit the lavish spread is rare, covering all Hainan specialties, including various noodle soups, stir-fried winged beans, and coconut rice. Staff even personally serve chicken vine, showing great thoughtfulness.

Most of the photogenic spots in the hotel are in the garden. The infinity pool looks like a large square fish tank, where you can glimpse others’ underwater swimming styles, delightfully varied like watching a luminous aquarium.

Finally, this place is especially suitable for families with children or solo travelers, all can enjoy themselves. There is a lively children’s splash pool and an empty gym. You can watch the sunset together with family or chase the sunrise alone.

Room details:
Room number: 9055
Official name: Deluxe Sea View Suite
Area: 77 square meters

Mattress: King Koil
Bedding and towels: Canasin
Bedroom TV: Philips
Living room TV: Philips
Dehumidifier: Deye

Shower and metal fittings: Roca
Sink and bathtub: Roca
Master bathroom toilet: manual Roca
Guest bathroom toilet: manual Roca
Hairdryer: Flyco
Amenities: large bottles of Crabtree & Evelyn

Electric kettle: Kinhao
Coffee machine: Nespresso
Coffee capsules: Nespresso 2 pieces
Instant coffee: Nestlé
Tea bags: Chali
Bottled water: Yibao
Minibar: none