Like fireworks against Victoria Bay's night sky, Hong Kong is a sensory explosion of dazzling contrasts. This is an international powerhouse of a city - smog-filled, crowded, cacophonous, rich with odours and rampantly consumerist. Street markets, shopping malls, designer brands, the latest gadgets, great culinary experiences – all are here in abundance, and many of the best places to stay in Hong Kong are well located to explore all of the above.
Some of our Hong Kong Collections:
Still rooted in tradition, old Hong Kong lives on beside new Hong Kong. Ultra-modern developments are aligned with care according to the advice of feng-shui masters. Just steps away from traffic jams oases of peace can be found in neighbourhood temples. And historic trams rumble above one of the world's most advanced subway systems. Chinese culture mixes with the West. Have dim sum followed by afternoon tea to a soundtrack by this week's Cantopop sensation.
What not to Miss
- This may surprise you - considering Hong Kong's reputation as a bustling city of glass skyscrapers and traditional markets crammed full of treasures, and the fact that it's one of the most densely populated places on the planet - but over 70% of Hong Kong is mountains and country parks. So there's plenty here to appeal to the outdoor adventurer too.
- Hong Kong 'city' is centred around the Kowloon peninsula and the strip opposite it on Hong Kong island. Tsim Sha Tsui, at the tip of the Kowloon peninsula, is the main tourist area and is one of the best places to stay if you're looking for reasonably priced accommodation. In basic brush strokes, the Kowloon side is less colonial, more Chinese, and you might find that prices are generally a little cheaper.
- Hong Kong Island is where the colonial ties are strongest, so more English is spoken and there's more old fashioned luxury. Some of the harbour side hotels have reputations for being the best places to stay and which span many, many decades.
Kowloon
Many people come to Hong Kong aiming to shop. Or explore the markets. Or see the rugby or races. Even if you have a plan, there are a few highlights you should not miss.
- Wherever you stay, you should definitely try and see the harbour from the harbour. One of the best and cheapest ways to do that is on the Star Ferry. It's also worth going again in the evening when Hong Kong is all lit up. Every night at 8pm they put on a colourful light show using Hong Kong's skyscrapers as the backdrop.
- For another good view of the island, promenade the waterfront.
- If you're interested in old Hong Kong, the Shek Kip Estate is worth a walk through and Shanghai Street is worth a stroll along. Sik Sik Yuen Wong Tai Sin, a Taoist Temple is also worth visiting. As is the Hong Kong Heritage Discovery Centre and the Hong Kong Museum of History.
- If you want to see some of the local colour take a turn round Kowloon Park, where you may even spot an opportunity to try some Tai Chi.
Hong Kong Island
Once called Victoria, the main hub of Hong Kong business and administration is now called 'Central'. Lan Kwai Fong to the southwest of Central station is where you can find a lot of the restaurants, bars and clubs. Soho is the other entertainment district. Sheung Wan is probably the area where Hong Kong's colonial past is most evident. Sai Ying Pun is probably the island's most traditionally Chinese neighbourhood.
- The Peak Tram is an obvious first trip taking you up to Victoria Peak where Hong Kong's wealthiest citizens jostle for the best harbour views. Take some time to walk a bit higher than the tram stop and you'll see just how opulent some of these buildings are.
- Man Mo Temple is Hong Kong's oldest, dating from the 1840s. It sits in amongst the antique shops of Hollywood Road. So the whole area is worth a stroll. Careful though, many of the antiques for sale are clever forgeries.
- It's also worth taking a spin on 'the escalator'. At 800metres long it is the world's longest outdoor escalator. It runs downhill between 6AM and 10AM and then uphill between 10:30 and midnight.
With such a variety of things to see and do, Hong King is very popular. Whether you're travelling for business or pleasure, to be sure of guaranteeing a room in one of the best places to stay in Hong Kong do make your plans soon and book early.
The Best Places to Stay in Hong Kong
On the Waterfront
- The Mandarin Oriental has appeared on lists of the best places to stay in Hong Kong for the last 50 years, becoming a Hong Kong icon. Famous for everything from the barber shop to rose petal jam. Refurbished in 2006, the hotel has kept the things it did wonderfully right and improved and updated where needed. The rooms are luxurious, chic and modern. Even if you don't stay here it's still worth paying a visit to the famous Captain's Bar or Clipper Lounge. The 503 rooms start from just £137 per night, so it might be an option if you want to treat yourself to something really special without breaking the budget.
- If you want to be right on the water, you should check in to the Four Seasons. To add to the liquid pleasures there's an infinity pool (and lane pools) on the roof deck. The views are spectacular and there is a first class spa. The design is quite western but with lovely Chinese touches like silk panelled walls. Considering two of its five restaurants have multiple Michelin stars this is a great place for foodies.
For Modern Hong Kong
- The Mira, with a Michelin star, is ideal for foodies. It is known for an underground spa and funky open-air lounge bar. Super modern in style, which is nothing new in this town, The Mira has some neat touches, like optical effect corridors...
- The Landmark Mandarin Oriental is sister to the Mandarin Oriental, but in a super central location. Making it one of the best places to stay for people who want the Mandarin experience. A 2** Michelin starred restaurant, luxurious bedrooms and a superb spa. There is the added wonder of a skywalk to the local shopping malls. This is definitely our recommendation if you're after immaculate service in a modern environment.
- For a wonderful design hotel experience, try The Upper House. The feeling is 'modern zen', with plenty of luxury and technology, also plenty of clean lines in wood and stone. The wonderfully stylish peace makes it the perfect haven of calm.
For Design Chic
- W Hong Kong is a hip hotel in the West Kowloon Cultural District with around 200 stylish - bordering opulent - rooms complete with incredible panoramic views of the city and the harbour. The spa and fitness facilities are excellent and there’s fantastic gourmet cuisine - both Cantonese and international - and a simply astonishing rooftop infinity pool.
- Right on Kowloon’s vibrant waterfront, the Kerry Hotel is big - it’s has 546 rooms and suites, multiple outdoor terraces, a choice of restaurants and an impressive infinity pool. It is close to Kowloon’s shopping district and the night markets.
- The Hotel Stage is a stylish, white-on-white property with Scandi-style design, wine bar and gallery featuring local contemporary artists. It also has a restaurant. You’re close to the Jade Market and the Temple Street night market.
For Shoppers
- Eaton is a comfortably fun hotel on Kowloon’s famous ‘Golden Mile’ just a few minutes walk from the Temple Street night flea market. There are 434 rooms, the decor is modern with a lot of dark wood - suites have spectacular views of the city and there’s a fantastic choice of restaurants.
Where to Stay in Kowloon
- The glossy, western style Langham Place hotel is in a very busy, very Chinese, part of town, Mongkok. Perfect if you're looking for local colour - the streets here are packed each evening with people flocking to the Night Market and the Ladies Market. Langham Place has an amazing rooftop pool and its Chuan spa is one of the best in town.
- If you want good value in amongst the shopping and tourist attractions book the Butterfly on Prat. The name refers to the street, right in the thick of the Tsim Sha Tsui area. Simple, yet colourful, modern, yet comfortable, this is one of the best places to stay if you're watching your wallet - rooms start from around £110 per night.
- Right on the Golden Mile, Eaton is a good choice if you're looking for 'kind prices'. Outside are all the bright, colourful lights, but inside it's simple and functional.
Where to stay on Hong Kong Island
- For bygone era luxury, the Peninsula, with spectacular views over Victoria Harbour, has to be one of the best places to stay in Hong Kong. They have a fleet of Rolls Royces to do the airport pick-ups. People book months in advance for the legendary afternoon tea and the decor has all the elegance and gentility of the colonial era.
- Superbly located in the heart of Central, The Pottinger is a heritage property which has moved with the times. The decor is chic and filled with light and there are 68 rooms and an excellent Italian restaurant.
Something a bit different?
- If you're looking for a something different, East in redeveloped Quarry Bay, might be worth considering. There are harbour views, but from a different angle, and only a fifteen minute taxi ride to the centre of town. But those fifteen minutes will make your stay a lot cheaper but no less luxurious. East is kinda hipster, with staff in uniforms of trainers and designer Ts. The top floor nightclub 'Sugar'. But it's also a business hotel.
- Madera Hollywood is different because of its colourful character. You might want to check out quite a few rooms photos before you commit, but if you love the decor then this is a great boutique choice. With plenty of space, an unbeatable location and wonderful views of the skyline.
For Luxury
- The Langham Hong Kong in downtown Tsim Sha Tsui, is a large hotel - there are around 500 rooms and suites - with magnificent views of Victoria Harbour. Its T’ang Court restaurant has three Michelin stars, though its not the hotel’s only restaurant. There’s also an impressive spa menu.
- Island Shangri La in Hong Kong Central is another big, big name hotel, with over 500 rooms and skyscraper views. There is a choice of fabulous restaurants and plenty of luxury.
For Great Value
- On the ‘other’ side of Hong Kong island, away from Kowloon, the Ovolo Aberdeen Harbour is quiet with 85 nautical themed rooms and suites. But not so quiet that it doesn’t have a 24hour gym and restaurant and complimentary happy hour. Rooms start from less than £70 per night.
- The same company also offer Ovolo Southside which is a carefully converted warehouse close to Ocean Park. There are 160-odd minimalist rooms and a popular steakhouse.
- For under £100 per night you can also stay at the Bishop Lei International House, on Hong Kong island, which has 227 rooms - many with fantastic views of the harbour through huge windows. You’re walking distance from the commercial downtown.
For an Apartment
If you’d prefer to stay in an apartment we recommend you visit our online partner Booking.com.
Travel Information
- Hong Kong Airport is a huge international hub with connections all over the globe. There are great public transport connections into the centre of town - it’s 24minutes to Hong Kong Island on the Airport Express Train, and from there many hotels offer a free shuttle service.
- If you want to hire a car we recommend you visit our online partner Rentalcars.
- Most people consider the best time to visit Hong Kong is its cooler, dryer season, between October and January. However the weather is becoming a bit less predictable, and with smog from China hitting the island quite badly during this period in 2016, you might want to check your timing carefully. Wet, humid summers are clearer, and quieter, so you’ll possibly find yourself an excellent hotel deal.
Still not sure?
- Contact one of our friendly Gurus for advice.
