travellerjing
I had a pleasant stay at Atour Hotel Haikou Wanguo Metropolitan Qilou Old Street. Prior to arrival, I requested an early check-in as well as a high-floor room away from the lifts if possible, and the hotel accommodated both requests perfectly. The room was located on a high floor and offered a fantastic 270-degree panoramic view, which was undoubtedly the highlight of my stay.
The front desk team was exceptionally friendly and helpful throughout. Special thanks to Front Desk Manager 万新, team member 幸怡, and the rest of the team, who went above and beyond in assisting with the collection of multiple parcels before my arrival. Their proactive assistance and warm hospitality were greatly appreciated. Communication was also very convenient, as the front desk was highly responsive via WeChat and quick to assist whenever needed.
Some feedback during the stay:
The room itself had a somewhat unconventional layout, likely due to the building's structure and the corner positioning required to achieve the panoramic view - totally understandable and appreciate the Front Desk for explaining it to me upon my arrival.
From previous reviews, I had expected the room to feature smart controls (possibly Xiaodu, heated/automated toilet bowl as seen on other reviews), but I was not briefed on any smart room functions during check-in and could not seem to activate them myself. This was not a major issue, but a brief introduction during check-in or a simple user guide in the room would have been helpful.
The panoramic view was absolutely stunning, especially during the day and around sunset. One thing to note, however, is that the floor-to-ceiling windows allow a significant amount of sunlight into the room. On particularly sunny days, the room could feel quite warm even with the air-conditioning running at full blast. Blackout curtains are provided, of course, but drawing them somewhat defeats the purpose of enjoying such a spectacular view.
Breakfast was decent, offering a reasonable variety of options, although nothing particularly stood out. It was perfectly adequate for starting the day, but not one of the hotel's main highlights. One small observation regarding housekeeping: on my third morning, while I was heading out for breakfast, a housekeeper casually asked me in the corridor whether I was "still staying today." I understood that she was likely trying to confirm whether the room required servicing or whether I would be checking out, but the phrasing felt a little awkward. A more guest-friendly way of asking might create a better impression.
A couple of other points worth noting: sound insulation around the room doors could be improved, as neighbouring room doors closing could be quite noticeable. In addition, the room door requires a firm push to shut completely; otherwise, an alarm will sound. There were also some mosquitoes around the hotel premises, although the room was thoughtfully equipped with an electronic mosquito repellent.
The hotel's location is reasonably convenient, but it is worth noting that it is not quite as close to Qilou Old Street and some of the nearby attractions as I had initially expected. While the area is technically walkable, Haikou's heat and humidity can make the walk feel much longer and less pleasant, especially during the day. In practice, I often found myself opting for Didi (online-hailing app)instead. Not a major drawback, but something to keep in mind if you plan to explore the area primarily on foot
Overall, the excellent service, responsive staff, and spectacular panoramic view made for a very enjoyable stay. Despite a few minor quirks, I would happily stay here again on a future visit to Haikou.
