Home Inn Selected Hotel Xiamen University Zhongshan Road Branch

Stay: 26 Dec 14 to 31 Dec 14 Total: 5 Nights Party: 4 adults No. of Rooms: 2 Room Type Requested: Business King Room Room Type Given: Advanced Digital Double Room (free upgrade) Currency rates in this review are based on RMB1 = USD0.16 = SGD0.21 Transport from the Airport: We wanted to take a taxi to the hotel but that was not possible as we had 4 luggages. Their taxis run on CNG and so there was a huge tank in the trunk. The space in the trunk could only fit 2 luggages at most. We were told that the ride would have cost us about RMB40-50 (USD6.5-8). We took the mini-van (12-seater) instead of 2 taxis. Mini-van to any location within the Xiamen island costs RMB100 (USD16). Ride to hotel took less than 30mins. Note: There are a few Super 8 Hotels in Xiamen alone. So it is important to specify which one. If you do not speak or read Chinese, the easiest way is to print a picture of the hotel and show it to the taxi/van driver. Super 8 Hotel in Chinese is “Su-Ba-Jiu-Dian”. It is near the Overseas Chinese Museum, 华侨博物院 (“Hua-Chiao-Buo-Wu-Guan”) along South SiMing Road (“Si-Ming-Nan-Lu”). Check-in: We arrived at about 2pm and check in was swift except that they did not have the rooms (Business King) that we had reservations for. However, they offered us a free upgrade (of a RMB90 value) to the Advanced Digital Double Room (same size). Our rooms were on the 6th floor (highest floor). Rooms: Out from the elevator, the rooms are on the right side of the corridor. The ones on the left are smaller. So, all rooms of this same category will have the same view - the roofs of the shops houses below and the highway in the distance and beyond that, the green hills. Amenities: Mini-fridge, electric kettle and teabags, cable TV (but all in Chinese), wifi in room, desktop computer (but wifi was so slow - could not open google page, although Whatsapp worked very well), Lobby wifi worked faster :o), Wardrobe with 4 wooden hangars, bedroom slippers, hairdryer, the usual toiletries including toothbrush/toothpaste and comb). Rain shower head was nice but *caution* - the hot water temperature tends to fluctuate during the shower, so do not let young children shower on their own. Best way to reset the temperature (that I have discovered) is to turn the water off, set the tap position back to centre position and then turn it on and adjust accordingly. Note: Tap water is non-portable. Beds: Very clean. By far the best in cleanliness I have experienced in hotels. Aircon: In excellent working condition. Very nice and cold. I think this aircon works as a heater also - so do check the settings carefully. Breakfast: There is a ‘breakfast hall’ at the lobby. Buffet breakfast (available daily) costs RMB18 (USD2.88 / SGD3.78). The staff at the breakfast hall invited us to have a look at what is available and to only partake if we were satisfied with what is being offered. I have discovered that this was the attitudes of many Chinese establishments - upfront and transparent. Self-Serve Laundry: Located just outside the door near the elevator. Washes range from RMB2 for 7 mins to RMB8 for a 60-min wash. Dryer costs RMB1 per 5min. Shop/Mini-mart: There is a small shop in the lobby that sells many things. Bottled water costs RMB4 here, as opposed to RMB2.5 at the convenience store just around the corner. Check out: Was swift and they actually do check the rooms to ensure you have not left anything behind. How do I know that? One of us left a pair of chopsticks in the room and housekeeping radioed front desk. Impressive. Spa: Although there is no spa in the hotel, there is one in the adjacent building. You will see advertisements in the lift. RMB128 for 60min massage. I did not have time to try it - perhaps you will have time to enjoy it. :o) Getting Around: Very easy to get around from hotel. A short walk along the main road (against traffic), past the Overseas Chinese Museum, is a bus stop. Bus rides range from RMB2-0.5 per ride although most are RMB1 per ride. Prepare money in advance as no change will be given. Bus routes are clearly stated on the boards at every bus stop (which is known as a bus station there). If you do not read Chinese, you can always ‘match’ the Chinese Characters of your intended destination to the route board. Onboard the bus, there is a digital signboard that announces the name of the next station. Once you get the hang of it, it is actually very easy and a very fun and cheap way to travel. People are very gracious and are ever so ready to give up their seats to the elderly and parents with young children. Red seats on the bus are reserved seats (which they label “Love Seats”). Overall: Extremely satisfied with this hotel. Hotel is up a little slope from the main road but very conveniently located. Many buses running along the main road. There are many shops located along that main road (South SiMing Road) as well … bakeries, eateries, pharmacy, fruit shops, convenience store, etc. There is a little supermarket on the street to the left just before the Overseas Chinese Museum. Will definitely recommend this hotel - highly. And we will surely stay here again should we holiday again to Xiamen.