Atour X Hotel Shenzhen Futian Chegong Temple Shenzhen China

Shenzhen's BEST Kept Secret: Atour X Hotel Review (Futian Luxury!)

Shenzhen's BEST Kept Secret: Atour X Hotel Review (Futian Luxury!) - A Raw & Honest Take

Okay, folks, buckle up. Forget the polished travel brochures and sponsored content. I'm about to spill the beans on Shenzhen's… well, the self-proclaimed "BEST Kept Secret": the Atour X Hotel in Futian. And let me tell you, this ain’t your grandma’s Holiday Inn. This is a deep dive, folks, a full-on sensory assault of luxury, convenience, and… yeah, some hiccups. Let's get messy.

First Impressions & The Accessibility Angle:

Pulling up to the Atour X, I felt a little intimidated. Massive glass facade, sleek lines, the whole nine yards. Immediately, I was scanning for accessibility – and good news! Elevators are everywhere, spacious and easy to operate. The main entrance seemed wheelchair accessible no problem. Now, I didn't get to test everything firsthand (I can walk! …for now!), but the impression was definitely positive. They've got a good head start.

The Room: My Sanctuary (Mostly)

Okay, the room. Here’s where things start to get juicy. I went for the "standard" room, which, let's be clear, was anything but standard. We're talking plush carpeting, a massive bed (extra long, even!), and blackout curtains that could swallow the sun whole. Winning! I’m a sucker for a good blackout curtain. You're practically guaranteed a good night's sleep.

Available in all rooms:

Air conditioning: Yup. Essential in Shenzhen's heat.
Alarm clock: Old school, but appreciated. Kept me from oversleeping!
Bathrobes: So soft! I practically lived in mine.
Bathroom phone: Seriously? Who uses a bathroom phone?! Still, it was there.
Bathtub: A glorious, deep soaking tub. Absolute heaven after a long day.
Blackout curtains: Already obsessed.
Closet: Plenty of space for my (admittedly limited) wardrobe.
Coffee/tea maker: Standard, but welcome. Free tea! Score.
Complimentary tea: Not complaining.
Daily housekeeping: Spotless. They actually made the bed. Imagine that!
Desk: Perfect for my laptop workspace.
Extra long bed: Glorious.
Free bottled water: Always a plus. Hydrate, people!
Hair dryer: Powerful and works!
High floor: I didn't have a fear of heights! The view was pretty spectacular.
In-room safe box: Peace of mind.
Interconnecting room(s) available: For families or groups.
Internet access – LAN & Wi-Fi [free]: Spotty. More on that later.
Ironing facilities: Never used them, but they were there. For someone more responsible than me, I guess.
Laptop workspace: The desk. Worked fine.
Linens: Crisp and clean.
Mini bar: Moderately stocked.
Mirror: Everywhere, which is good and bad. (Vanity, am I right?)
Non-smoking Good.
On-demand movies: Never used them tbh.
Private bathroom: Obviously.
Reading light: Yes, but maybe a bit dim.
Refrigerator: Essential for keeping my water cold.
Safety/security feature: Well, I felt safe.
Satellite/cable channels: A galaxy of choices, but what was I even watching?
Scale: The horror! (Kidding… mostly.)
Seating area: A comfy little sofa.
Separate shower/bathtub: Luxury!
Shower: Good water pressure. Bonus points.
Slippers: Nice touch.
Smoke detector: Safety first!
Socket near the bed: Essential for charging my phone.
Sofa: Comfy, but I never used it.
Soundproofing: Mostly effective.
Telephone: I used it to order room service.
Toiletries: Decent quality, but not the most luxurious.
Towels: Fluffy.
Umbrella: Always appreciated in Shenzhen.
Visual alarm: I didn't have to use it, but it was there.
Wake-up service: Never used.

The not-so-perfect side

Internet access – LAN & Internet access – wireless: Okay, the Wi-Fi. Ugh. It could be spotty. At times it felt like dial-up from the late 90s. Now, I'm the first to unplug and enjoy the moment but when you are trying to get some work done… it was frustrating so this is something that the hotel can really improve.
Window that opens: I tried, but either I'm not strong enough or it didn’t want to. Fine.
Additional toilet: I didn't need this, and even if I did, I wouldn't complain!
Carpeting: I found a small stain, but I don't think it was a big deal, this also means more work for the staff.
Mirror: Too many mirrors! I did not need to see all the angles.

Dining, Drinking & Snacking – A Mixed Bag

Now let’s talk food. I ate at the hotel's restaurant. I grabbed coffee/tea and a dessert. The thing is, I went down there for a meal! I wanted a taste of the hotel! The food was good enough, but nothing that blew my mind. I like a la carte in restaurant better. I also felt like the international cuisine in restaurant was lacking. I'd have loved to have given it a try, but I was short on time and wasn't thrilled by the limited options. They do have a poolside bar that looked inviting, but I didn't get a chance to indulge.

Things to do, Ways to Relax (and the Spa Dream):

This is where the Atour X shines. The Swimming pool [outdoor] is gorgeous with a Pool with view, it was truly stunning. And the Fitness center looked well-equipped. I didn't actually use them myself (shame!), but I saw a few people working out happily. The Spa was a major draw. The reviews raved about the massage and the sauna. I definitely wanted to hit those up again, and now I'm sad I didn't. I hope the next time I go, the Body scrub & Body wrap options are available!

Cleanliness & Safety – Peace of Mind (Mostly)

I'm a bit of a germaphobe, so this is important. The Atour X seemed to take Cleanliness and safety seriously. They had Hand sanitizer stations everywhere, and the staff was clearly trained in Safety protocol. I saw evidence of Daily disinfection in common areas and they even advertised Anti-viral cleaning products. This made me feel good. I felt very safe, but there were a few misses.

Services and Conveniences – Helpful, but Overwhelming:

They offer everything—literally everything. From Air conditioning in public area to a Xerox/fax in business center. Here's a rundown:

Air conditioning in public area - obviously.
Audio-visual equipment for special events - I didn't personally need it, but it's good to know.
Business facilities - Great for business travellers.
Cash withdrawal - Convenient.
Concierge - Helpful and friendly.
Contactless check-in/out - Useful.
Convenience store - Perfect for snacks and essentials.
Currency exchange - Not needed.
Daily housekeeping - Excellent.
Doorman - Always welcoming.
Dry cleaning - Useful, if you're into that sort of thing.
Elevator - Essential.
Essential condiments - Covered, I'm sure!
Facilities for disabled guests - Appreciated the thoughtfulness.
Food delivery - So much temptation!
Gift/souvenir shop - Cute trinkets.
Indoor venue for special events - Good size.
Invoice provided - For business travellers.
Ironing service - Yes, I guess.
Laundry service - Always needed.
Luggage storage - Helpful.
Meeting/banquet facilities - Big.
Meetings - Good.
Meeting stationery - Useful.
On-site event hosting - More.
Outdoor venue for special events - Nice.
**

Kyoto's Hidden Gem: Tanaka-ya Inn - Unforgettable Stay!

Book Now

Atour X Hotel Shenzhen Futian Chegong Temple Shenzhen China

Okay, buckle up buttercups, because we're about to dive headfirst into my potential disaster… I mean, "adventure" at the Atour X Hotel in Shenzhen. Prepare for a schedule peppered with moments of pure elation, existential dread, and the inevitable Chinese food coma. Let's do this:

Day 1: Arrival and the Thrill of the Unknown (Mostly Unknown)

7:00 AM (Shenzhen Time - assuming I somehow survived the flight): Wake up. Or at least, become sentient. My internal clock is already screaming "WHAT IS GOING ON," which is a pretty common state for me. Hopefully, the Atour X has decent blackout curtains. I need sleep.
7:30 AM: Breakfast. I'm relying on the hotel's offerings. Pray to the breakfast gods for something that doesn't resemble a squishy, unidentified object. If it does, I'll probably try it anyway. Curiosity (and a fear of wasting food) is a powerful motivator.
8:30 AM - 9:30 AM: Get my bearings. This means wandering aimlessly around Futian with a map (probably upside down). The first thing I NEED to find is Coffee. Preferably strong coffee and a place that understands that "Americano" doesn't mean "water with a hint of coffee."
9:30 AM - 12:00 PM: Shenzhen Museum of Contemporary Art and Planning Exhibition. Okay, this is where it gets ambitious. I’m a sucker for art and a sucker for being cultured so I’m gonna attempt taking on this challenge. The actual museum might be incredible, or I'll get lost in a sea of abstract sculptures and feel profoundly inadequate. Either way, I'll report back. (Pray for me!)
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM: Lunch. Oh joy! I have absolutely no clue where I'm going, so this will likely translate into "find the nearest place that smells good." This is where things could go sideways. I have a strong feeling I'll end up ordering something that involves a chicken foot. The anticipation (and slight horror) is real.
1:00 PM - 4:00 PM: Resting Period at the Hotel. Yes, I'm already building in nap time. Jet lag combined with my natural predisposition to exhaustion will kick in. This is non-negotiable.
4:00 PM - 5:00 PM: Exploring the area around the Chegong Temple. I'm hoping for a stroll through the streets, soaking in the atmosphere. Maybe find a hidden gem, like a tiny tea shop or a ridiculously cute stationery store. I have a soft spot for stationery.
5:00 PM - 7:00 PM: Dinner. The pressure is on! Tonight, I'm going for something authentic. I'm talking real-deal Chinese cuisine! If I don’t have it, I’m taking to the streets for a restaurant that fits my standards.
7:00 PM - 9:00 PM: Unwind at the hotel. Maybe there's a bar? Maybe there isn't. Either way, I'm reading my book and hoping for a decent night of sleep.

Day 2: More Culture (and Potential Panic Attacks)

7:00 AM-8:00 PM: Rise and Shine, Coffee Required.
8:00 AM-9:00 AM: Breakfast. Same strategy as yesterday: hope for the best, and prepare for the worst.
9:00 AM - 12:00 PM: Window of the World. It's supposed to be a theme park with miniature international landmarks. I kind of love the idea, and also, I'm terrified of the crowds. Picture me, lost in a sea of people, trying to find the Eiffel Tower (which if it could be miniaturized I would love to see it). Prepare for a lengthy rant if the queues are brutal.
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM: Lunch. Somewhere near Window of the World. Hopefully, I can still walk after all the miniature landmarks.
1:00 PM - 4:00 PM: Another resting period. This is just good sense. I’ll need it after the cultural overload.
4:00 PM - 6:00 PM: Shopping. Shenzhen is known for its shopping. I'll probably buy something entirely useless and regret it later. But hey, souvenirs, right?
6:00 PM - 7:00 PM: Dinner.
7:00 PM - 9:00 PM: Relax again. Maybe try to conquer a puzzle, or just stare into space.

Day 3: Departure (and Existential Dread)

7:00 AM: Wake up. Or be woken up screaming by alarms. Again, blackout curtains, please!
7:30 AM: Breakfast. Last chance at the hotel buffet. Is it sad that I might actually miss the squishy mystery objects?
8:30 AM: Pack my bags. I'll probably leave everything to the last minute and start panicking that I'm missing something crucial.
9:30 AM - 11:00 AM: Relax and check out.
11:00 AM - 1:00 PM: Travel to the airport. This part is going to be a blur of taxis, terminals, and the vague feeling that I'm forgetting something.
1:00 PM: Fly home, exhausted, exhilarated, and already planning my next adventure.

Imperfections, Quirks, and Ramblings:

The language barrier? A constant source of amusement (and frustration). Expect embarrassing attempts at Mandarin and a lot of pointing and miming.
My sense of direction is famously awful. Expect a lot of "lost in translation" moments.
I'm prone to spontaneous purchases of questionable quality. My suitcase will likely contain something I'll never use.
The food coma will be real. I might need a support group for post-Chinese-food recovery.

This is a loose framework, people. Life happens. Schedules get broken. But hopefully, in amongst the chaos, I'll find some joy, learn something new, and have a story to tell. Wish me luck. And send coffee. Lots of coffee.

Escape to Paradise: Thao Nhi Hotel, Ho Chi Minh City

Book Now

Atour X Hotel Shenzhen Futian Chegong Temple Shenzhen China

Atour X Hotel Futian, Shenzhen: My Absolutely Unfiltered Review (Because Let's Be Real)

Okay, spill the tea! Is Atour X in Futian really worth the hype?

Alright, alright, settle down. Look, it's good. Really good. Like "holy moly, I might actually *like* Shenzhen for a minute" good. But hype? Hmmm... depends on your definition. If you're expecting flawless perfection, like a Swiss watch that's been meticulously kept behind glass... you might be disappointed. But if you want a cool, chic, genuinely *chill* experience with a luxury vibe that doesn’t feel stuffy? Then, yes! Atour X in Futian is where it's at. Honestly, the lobby alone almost made me weep with joy. Seriously. It's THAT good.

Let's talk rooms! Are they as Instagrammable as they look?

Instagrammable? Honey, they're *built* for Instagram. That's the first vibe I got. The minimalist aesthetic, the perfectly placed plants, the ridiculously comfy bed... But here's the thing (and this is important!)... the photos don't quite capture the... imperfections. Like, the corner of my desk had a tiny chip. *GASP!* I know, I know, horrors! But it was a tiny chip. The point is, nobody's perfect. Still, the rooms are fantastic, spacious (I'm talking Shenzhen spacious, which is a commodity!), and designed for maximum relaxation. That bed? I swear, I'm still dreaming about it. Seriously, could probably sleep there for a week straight and still feel rested.

What about the location? Is Futian actually... fun?

Okay, let's address the elephant in the room: Futian. It's... business-y. Lots of skyscrapers, not much obvious "personality." But! The Atour X is strategically located. It's near the subway, which is your lifeline in Shenzhen. You can get to pretty much anywhere you need to go without too much hassle. Plus, there are some decent restaurants and bars around. I'd recommend doing some research beforehand, though. Don't just wander around aimlessly like I did in search of a decent coffee. (Finding good coffee in Shenzhen is a quest, people.) But yeah, the location is generally pretty solid. Convenient, safe, and a good base for exploring the city. However, it's not bustling with nightlife. You have to *seek* it out.

The service... that's where things can get dicey in China. How was it?

Okay, the service. This is where things get... interesting. Generally, the staff were lovely, polite, and tried their best. But there were moments. One time, I asked for extra towels, and it took... a while. And by "a while," I mean a surprisingly long time. Like, long enough to start re-evaluating my life choices. Eventually, they arrived. No biggie. Another time, I had a minor issue with the air conditioning. It was fixed promptly, but the communication was a little... stilted, as these things often are in China. But honestly? I'm not a high-maintenance person. The effort was there. And the lobby concierge was seriously fantastic. Super helpful! The reception staff were always really friendly as well. Just... be patient. It's part of the experience, right?

Any dining recommendations at the hotel or nearby? (Food is CRUCIAL!)

The hotel restaurant is pretty decent. I had breakfast there a few times. The spread is decent but not mind-blowing. Think a good, solid hotel breakfast. However, I'd highly recommend venturing out! Explore the area. There's a fantastic Sichuan place a few blocks away, but I’ve lost the name of it (sorry!). My brain is a sieve after a long trip. And a little Japanese place. Search. Seek. Find. Shenzhen is overflowing with incredible food. Honestly, the dining options are the reason you *should* leave the hotel . Just trust me on this one. Get out there and *eat*!

What's the vibe? Is it more for business travelers or is it actually… cool?

It's a MIX. Definitely attracts business travelers, given the location. But, the design aesthetic lends itself more towards the "cool." It's sleek, modern, and the overall atmosphere is relaxed. I saw some solo travelers, couples, and even a few families. It's not stuffy or overly formal, which is a big plus. You can actually *relax* there. And let's be honest, after a day of navigating Shenzhen traffic, you NEED to relax.

The gym! Is it worth even bothering?

The gym... alright. Honestly? I didn't use it. (Judge away!) I saw it, though. It looked compact, but perfectly functional. Decent equipment, good lighting. If you're a gym rat, you won't be disappointed. But for me, the idea of working out after all that exploring... *shudders*. Maybe next time.

Tell me about that one truly memorable moment. Good or bad.

Alright, this is the juicy bit. So, picture this: I'd had a particularly grueling day trying to translate complicated contracts (yay, business trips!). My brain was fried. I decided I needed some serious pampering. I booked a massage at the hotel. And this massage… changed my life. Okay, maybe not *changed* my life, but it was gloriously relaxing. The masseuse was a master of her craft. I'm talking zero tension left in my shoulders. Zero. I drifted off into a blissful state of semi-consciousness. And then… disaster struck. Or, rather, a rogue mosquito. A tiny, persistent, bloodthirsty mosquito decided my leg was its personal buffet. I woke up, mid-massage, swatting, flailing, and utterly *humiliated*. But hey, I laughed about it afterward. It's a memory. A mosquito-infested massage memory.

The Verdict: Should I stay at the Atour X Futian?

Yes. Absolutely. Go. Book it. But go in with realistic expectations. It’s not perfect, but it’s genuinely lovely. Excellent value for money. A wonderful escape from the usual cookie-cutter hotel experience. Just remember to bring your own mosquito repellent. And maybe a tiny chip of the desk won't ruin your entire stay. Probably. Shenzhen can be exhausting. Atour X offers a stylish, comfortable haven. And that... is worth its weight in gold. Now, if you’llBook Hotels Now