Sleeping by the Sea in the City Skyline

Taking a taxi from Xiamen Station, the hotel comes into view as we cross Yanwu Bridge—tucked among the buildings along Huandao Road, its glass facade mirrors the blue sky and sea. Travelers at the entrance wheel their luggage, their faces relaxed with smiles. As a seasoned hotel blogger, I know the magic of choosing this location: to the left lies Gulangyu Island, to the right Shapowei, encircling Xiamen’s natural beauty and local charm within easy reach.

The sea-view room is a delightful surprise. Opening the balcony door, the salty breeze rushes in, and across the water, Gulangyu’s red rooftops gleam like gems scattered on a green carpet, while the distant Twin Towers shimmer in the sunlight. The room’s minimalist design features light wood furniture paired with blue cushions, as if weaving the sea into every detail. My favorite touch is the smart speaker by the bed—just say, "Open the curtains," and the ocean vista floods the room. Waking up to sunlight, I often feel like I’m floating on the sea.

Breakfast at the first-floor restaurant bustles with steam from the open kitchen. The satay noodle broth is rich and hearty, spiced up with two scoops of local chili sauce, paired perfectly with freshly fried oyster omelets—a true Southern Fujian flavor. The croissants at the Western station are crisp outside and fluffy inside, unexpectedly delicious slathered with Xiamen’s signature peanut butter. Sitting by the window, watching morning mist rise from the sea as fishing boats drift lazily by, even time seems to slow down.

In the afternoon, I prefer to linger in the hotel. The lobby lounge’s beanbag chairs bask in sunlight streaming through floor-to-ceiling windows, warm enough to lull you into a nap. The nearby bookshelf is stocked with travel guides; flipping to a chapter on Xiamen’s old streets, I glance up to see the same seascape outside—a magical moment where the book’s scenery merges with reality.

Evening is the hotel’s golden hour. On the rooftop terrace, the sunset paints the sky peach and orange, while Yanwu Bridge’s lights flicker on like a silver ribbon draped over the sea. Couples lean on the railing for photos, their laughter carried far by the wind. It’s then I realize Novotel’s "resort vibe" isn’t manufactured—it’s about framing Xiamen’s breathtaking skyline as an everyday luxury.

Dinner at the hotel’s Chinese restaurant features ginger duck and steamed grouper. The duck, braised to tender perfection in a thick ginger sauce, melts in the mouth, while the grouper’s flesh is fresh and pudding-soft. The server recommends pairing it with local "bamboo worm jelly," saying, "This is how Xiamen does it"—the spicy-sour kick elevates the seafood’s sweetness.

On my early-morning checkout day, the front desk has already packed a to-go breakfast—a sandwich with a freshly fried egg and a small box of Gulangyu pastry. As the car pulls away, I look back: the hotel’s glass facade catches the dawn light, gleaming like a sapphire set into the city.

A great hotel isn’t just a pit stop; it’s where a foreign city feels like home, if only for a while. Novotel achieves this—through its views, flavors, and the subtle, Xiamen-style warmth woven into every detail.

Post by 3th@n K.ng | Aug 9, 2025