If you're traveling to Shenzhen (深圳) and want something that feels less like a traditional hotel and more like a stylish apartment you'd actually want to live in, Stey is worth your consideration. This hybrid apartment-hotel in the Bao'an (宝安) district offers a refreshing alternative to conventional hospitality.
The Space and Design
Stey's appeal lies in its thoughtful Scandinavian-inspired design and that elusive "hygge" factor — a sense of coziness and comfort that permeates every corner. The rooms feel less like hotel suites and more like premium studio apartments. Furnishings have that high-end IKEA quality: minimalist, functional, and genuinely pleasant to spend time in.
The room — clean Scandinavian lines that feel more apartment than hotel.
The room comes equipped with a small kitchenette featuring a sink and stovetop, though don't expect to do elaborate cooking here. It's more symbolic of the apartment aesthetic than a fully functional cooking space. There's no TV — a deliberate choice that reinforces the modern, minimalist vibe.
It has the kind of considered design that makes you want to slow down and actually enjoy the space — rather than treating it as just somewhere to sleep.
Several locked wardrobes are integrated into the room design; these are used by housekeeping to store linens and cleaning supplies when servicing the unit. Worth knowing so it doesn't catch you off guard.
Common Spaces and Amenities
What sets Stey apart is its emphasis on communal living. The lobby features a large public area where guests can relax, work, or study — a throwback to the co-living apartment model that's become popular in China's tech-forward cities. There's also a communal kitchen available for guests, further emphasizing the shared-space philosophy that defines this property.
Stey's exterior — contemporary design in Shenzhen's Bao'an district.
The View
From the windows, you're treated to views of Shenzhen's modern waterfront. The riverside pavilions and walkways that characterize the city's contemporary development are clearly visible, giving you a real sense of the city's forward momentum. Shenzhen has built something genuinely impressive along its waterfront, and Stey puts you right next to it.
The view from the room — Shenzhen's modern waterfront in full.
Pricing and Who It's For
Rooms fall in the $70–$80 USD range, which is slightly above budget but entirely justified by the quality and atmosphere. This is an excellent choice for business travelers planning an extended stay in the Bao'an area — the apartment setup makes it ideal for longer visits where you'd appreciate having your own space and kitchen.
Even for shorter stays, if you value design, comfort, and a break from standard hotel sterility, Stey delivers. It's the kind of place that makes Shenzhen feel less transactional and more liveable.
Stey punches well above its category. The Scandinavian design, communal spaces, and waterfront views make it genuinely enjoyable to come back to after a day in the city. If you're spending time in Bao'an, this is the accommodation to book.