Hong Kong is one rare glass-and-steel city of our times; over 70% of the city is lush country parks and mountains. The captivating and culture-rich city is home to world-class food, historical and cultural gems, dizzying markets, picturesque hikes, and beautiful beaches. However, the vertical city is most known for its iconic, skyscraper-filled skyline and is famously amongst the Top 10 Cities With Most Skyscrapers In The World. So, it’s no surprise that some of the best hotels in Hong Kong also sit in these cloud-piercing towers. Also, there’s no doubt that some of Hong Kong’s most sought-after hotels are those that offer spectacular views of its famed Victoria Harbor.
For the most part, the city’s hotels are known to not be very spacious. However, what they possibly lack in size, they make up for in hospitality. So, right from complimentary toiletries to welcoming steaming cups of tea, the hospitality of Hong Kong’s hotels is virtually second to none. Hong Kong is also a gay friendly city. On that note, we have a list of gay friendly hotels in Hong Kong. What’s more, the city has a lot of choices to suit a gamut of locations, styles, and most importantly, budgets. Whether you seek design digs or grand colonial-era living spaces, here are the 11 best hotels in Hong Kong.
Where to stay in Hong Kong
Basically, Hong Kong is divided into three sections by the Victoria Harbour – Hong Kong Island, Kowloon, and the Outlying Islands and New Territories like Lantau, etc. The best area to stay in Kowloon (mainland) is undoubtedly Tsim Sha Tsui or Downtown. It melds authentic environs with interesting sights and makes for a great place to stay. Yau Ma Tei and Mong Kok lie further north inland and are traditional markets and street food stalls galore. On Hong Kong Island, the financial hub of Central is popular because of its excellent connectivity to other regions. Party monsters and gastronomes will love Causeway Bay for its host of amazing bars and restaurants. Wan Chai, on the other hand, is budget-central, a shopping hub, and less touristy than other areas. Finally, Sheung Wan is one of the coolest neighborhoods in the city, with fabulous views over Victoria Harbor.
Hotel 108
11
Minimalistic, budget living in Hong Kong does not get any better than at Hotel 108. The hotel lies in a quiet, flower-filled street in the heart of Mong Kok. The now-happening neighborhood is just a short metro ride from Tsim Sha Tsui and Hong Kong Island neighborhoods both.
Chocolate brown and sky blue decor and interiors might feel austere, but the minimalist effect is soothing after the multisensory experience of the city. With literally no amenities, there is no interaction with the staff or other travelers either. That said, the staff is very helpful and has commissioned a cute map pinpointing all hotspots. What’s more, the area around the hotel is chock-full of amazing restaurants, which the hotel staff is more than happy to recommend.
So, what makes the hotel special? The fact that its rooms are uncluttered and spacious for the hotel’s spartan trappings. The Superior rooms are even bigger, and the single Suite even has a private deck with patio seating. Also, all guests can even borrow smartphones with free Wi-Fi during their stay.
Hotel Indigo Hong Kong
10
Hotel Indigo on Hong Kong Island fills the void between the incredible and the incredibly expensive hotels. Located in the heart of Wan Chai, the neighborhood around the hotel is excellent for exploration and is an Instagrammer’s dream. What’s more, the hotel’s inimitable style has even won it a major architectural award, making it an excellent place to stay overall.
The hotel is peppered with Wan Chai artwork and a cluster of Hong Kong-related curios and trinkets. Moreover, every room has a directory that lists not only the history of Wan Chai but also a list of recommended places than you can visit. The hotel has multiple food options in the form of a hearty breakfast with excellent coffee, an all-day dining restaurant, and a 29th-floor rooftop Skybar with striking views. A fitness center is a boon for those who want to work out on vacation, while the laundry is perfect for long-staying visitors. Finally, the rooftop glass-bottomed swimming-pool fringed by lush hedges and sprinkled with daybeds is a calming place to put one’s feet up.
Floor-to-ceiling windows at the hotel offer majestic Hong Kong as well as the harbor views. Quirky design features like the bed in the middle and the washbasin within the room certainly make it one of the most unique hotel rooms ever. That said, all rooms boast a slew of mod-cons and plush glass bathrooms.
99 Bonham
9
The smart and discreet 99 Bonham is one of the rarer hotels in Hong Kong with both spacious digs and stunning harbor views. The design serviced apartments lie smack dab in the heart of the trendy Sheung Wan area and are a stone’s throw from the bustle and dazzle of Central.
The sleek and minimal apartments might not possess all the bells and whistles of a regular hotel, but it sure does have a lot of amenities. Apart from a friendly staff, 99 Bonham boasts dry cleaning/laundry services, a 24-hour well-equipped gym, a rooftop lounging space, and complimentary smartphones with free internet and calls in each room. While there’s no restaurant on-site, the place does serve a wonderful and hearty breakfast at the Brew n Chew next door. Right from pancakes and eggs and steak to full English, one can have it all.
With 3 rooms per floor and a total of 84 rooms, this hotel boasts space, which is a wonder in Hong Kong. All rooms feature dining and workspaces, well-designed modern bathrooms, and stunning views.
Mira Moon
8
The culturally-rich mid-range boutique hotel of Mira Moon in Causeway Bay is an extraordinarily quirky find in Hong Kong. Even though it lies right in the heart of a buzzing neighborhood, a quieter, back-street entrance make the hotel itself a peaceful outpost.
Did you know that according to Chinese mythology, there is a rabbit on the moon? This is the overarching theme at Mira Moon, which has bunnies just about everywhere. When you step into the lobby, there are three pink bunnies that seem to be flying over reception. What’s more, the hotel is full of lunar-themed designs with peony patterns aplenty – on the floors, curtains, carpets, and everywhere you can think of. Apart from the cheerful kitsch, the hotel also has a small but well-equipped gym that works well for gym rats. Finally, a single restaurant with a ‘Secret Garden’ setting serves a nice breakfast, while a lounge serves bar snacks and cocktails.
The biggest reason to choose Mira Moon is its surprisingly spacious 91 rooms, of which 68 even have expansive baths. The bunnies references are subtle here; think paper clips and lamps. Interestingly, one can choose from a gamut of celestial lighting moods! What’s more, the Chinese-screen effect on the massive windows and wardrobes is pleasant. If that wasn’t enough, the non-alcoholic offerings in the minibar are complimentary, as is a smartphone and iPad for the guests to use.
Urban Pack
7
Those looking for a laid-back, sociable hostel in Tsim Sha Tsui will love the Urban Pack. The design hotel’s two-storied premises is eye candy and it is popular with budget travelers, solo travelers, and backpackers alike.
What makes Urban Pack so amazing is its clever design and use of space. It occupies several units spread over two stories of a commercial structure, with sleeping and social areas occupying separate areas. Guests can choose from dorms and private rooms, both of which have ensuite bathrooms with complimentary toiletries. Dorms come with reading lights, locker storage, and privacy blinds.
However, the best part about this hostel is its socials. The hostel has a dedicated lovely space to a well-equipped kitchen, which is great for cooking cheap meals. Plus, there’s a microwave, along with free daily tea and coffee. There’s even a wonderful lounge with tables, couches, games, and even movie-screening facilities. It is a great way of getting to know and break the ice with fellow travelers. What’s more, there’s also a massage chair, which feels relaxing after walking around Hong Kong all day. Finally, the hostel even arranges for lots of fun-filled tours that include hiking trips and bar crawls.
Four Seasons Hotel Hong Kong
6
The five-star Four Seasons Hong Kong is one of the most elegant hotels in the city with fabulous harbor views. The hotel lies right on the harbor-front on Hong Kong Island and is well-connected to pretty much the rest of the city via subways, trains, and ferries. Hence, it also makes for an ideal base for those who want to explore the Top 10 Things To Do In Hong Kong.
A grand and imposing entrance with massive windows with natural light and all gleaming surfaces make the hotel feel like an extension of the harbor. It’s easy to see that the hotel’s crowd is Hong Kong at its glamorous best. In fact, the hotel is also the one in Asia to have two 3-Michelin star restaurants. The heavenly outdoor swimming pool boasts one of the best views in the city, with the harbor in the front and city’s famous skyscrapers behind. The ginormous 24/7 high-tech gym with equally striking views might just inspire you to work out. However, it’s the decadent spa with ice fountains, bubbling hot pools, and treatments where you’ll want to laze your days away. Finally, the friendly and super-warm staff helps out guests with everything from booking tours to neighborhood travel tips.
Those staying at the Four Seasons can choose from two kinds of light-filled, spacious rooms, Western and Chinese. The former features creamy hues with black lacquer splashes, while the former has rosewood, bronze, and gold with scarlet lashings. That said, both kinds of rooms have superb views of the harbor or city and have grand bathrooms.
Hyatt Centric Victoria Harbour
5
What makes the Hyatt Centric Victoria Harbor one of the best value-for-money hotels in Hong Kong is its smart design and knockout harbor views from just about everywhere. Furthermore, it boasts an excellent characterful location in North Point, just ahead of Causeway Bay. So, it’s close to not just markets and malls, but also the subway and the pier.
The hotel is sprawled across two towers with views of both Kowloon and Victoria Harbor. Its interiors feature copious amounts of sunlight, textured glass, and muted gold hues everywhere. The 23rd-floor eye-catching outdoor pool with sunbeds is unarguably the best place to relax in the entire city. Right next to it is a well-equipped 24-hour gym, which even has an Icarus virtual reality flying machine! A huge spread of Asian and Western dishes makes breakfast here seem fit for a king. Additionally, the rooftop restaurant serving pan-Asian fare is the perfect place to enjoy a sundowner, followed by dinner. Apart from a fabulous staff, the hotel also runs complimentary shuttle buses regularly to Central and Causeway Bay.
Every soothing room features sleep-inducing beds, textured walls, silvery hues, and maps of the city etched into glass panels. The highlight is the floor-to-ceiling windows with vistas of Victoria Harbour, with bathtubs right next to them. Now, what more could one want?
Marco Polo Hong Kong Hotel
4
Of the three Marco Polo hotels lined up in Tsim Sha Tsui, the flagship Marco Polo Hong Kong with stellar harbor views is where you should be staying at. In fact, the harbor-front location and profusion of transport options are the main reasons to stay here.
The 1970-built, solidly dependable hotel shares its lobby with Lane Crawford, one of the city’s top fashion stores. Even though it’s an older hotel, it feels like a refuge within crowded Tsim Sha Tsui. Apart from a 24-hour gym and a helpful staff, the hotel even has a 6th-floor outdoor pool. Its Italian restaurant with harbor views is very popular with locals, while guests love the all-day-breakfast cafe.
The hotel is huge according to Hong Kong standards and has 665 rooms and suites. All of them have spacious baths, handy phones with calls and Wi-Fi, and comfy beds. If you need more space, book one of the 21 suites. For true luxury, the 17th and 18th-floor Continental Club floors have a private lounge with snacks and drinks and butler service!
Mojo Nomad Central
3
Digital nomads and social butterflies will love the lively Mojo Nomad Central in the heart of Sheung Wan. Not only is it well-connected with a metro station nearby, but it’s also within walking distance of some excellent sights and the harbor.
The playful, bright, and sociable hostel is the perfect place to put your feet up for those travelers who prefer to mix and mingle on their holidays. A whimsical neon sign welcomes visitors into the Bohemian lobby/reception with 1980s wall art, more neon, and exposed-brick walls. In spite of it being a small space, the hostel boasts a sun-kissed co-working space with complimentary lollipops, cooking, coffee, and tea. What’s more, there’s even a gym, laundry facilities, and an amazing alfresco Mexican restaurant which serves an equally superb breakfast.
Guests at Mojo Nomad Central can choose from four kinds od dorms and private rooms that range from size ‘small’ to ‘extra large.’ The hostel makes clever use of space; think sliding doors for bathrooms, foldaway desks, and hanging rails in place of wardrobes. Moreover, each dorm bed space has its own USB port, headphone socket, and in-built TV.
Kowloon Shangri-la
2
Having graced the Kowloon waterfront for more than 40 years is the five-star Kowloon Shangri-La. The hotel’s outstanding position guarantees heavenly views of both Hong Kong Island and Victoria Harbor.
A double-height lobby with gorgeous Chinese artwork, crystal chandeliers, and a magnificent indoor fountain is a sight to be seen. The hotel still remains a popular haunt for locals to meet for afternoon tea or coffee or enjoying a live music-filled evening with drinks. Plus, there’s also a basement health club with a small gym and swimming pool. Additionally, facials and massages are also available, as are seven lounges and restaurants for foodies to choose from. However, the absolute highlight of the hotel is the international breakfast buffet with a whopping 12 different cooking stations!
The hotel is famous for having some of the most spacious rooms and suites in Hong Kong, and the harbor view ones come highly recommended. Apart from sleep-inducing beds, the rooms feature luxuriously large bathrooms, magnolia hues, and artwork.
W Hong Kong
1
Travelers looking for high-end glamour and glitz will have the time of their lives at W Hong Kong. The savvy, sparkly hotel is the best choice in Hong Kong for top-notch luxury with a dollop of style and stunning harbor views.
The hotel’s location is equally tough to beat; it lies atop one of the city’s largest retail spaces and right outside Kowloon subway/airport line. Despite being an out-and-out party hotel, the W boasts soothing interiors and floor-to-ceiling windows with lots of natural light and expansive sky and sea views. A legion of unfailingly helpful staff makes your stay as memorable as it is enjoyable. The hotel is also famous for its bountiful buffet breakfast and the main all-day dining restaurant which also hosts what is Hong Kong’s most popular brunch! The 77th-floor 24-hour gym has the most inspiring location in the world, while the aptly-named Bliss Spa adjacent to it makes relaxing a must-do here. That said, it is the dramatic rooftop pool with sensational city and ocean views that steals the show.
Choose from comfortable and contemporary 393 rooms, all of which feature a muted grey, green, and cream color palette. Rooms also feature large bathrooms and a host of design furniture, and some of them catch breathtaking sights of Victoria Harbor.
Recommended Restaurants / Bars / Food Tours in Hong Kong:
- Night Market and Street Food Private Tour in Hong Kong: Saunter through Hong Kong’s lively night street markets at night and tantalize your taste buds with its delicious street food.
- Yung Kee Hong Kong: This iconic restaurant is legendary for serving Hong Kong’s equally iconic dish, roast goose. Do try out the highly recommended set menu.
Recommended Activities In Hong Kong:
- Victoria Harbour – Hop-On Hop-Off Discovery Day Tour: Explore the best sights of Hong Kong harbor on this wonderful afternoon tour. What’s more, it is the only hop-on, hop-off tour of Victoria harbor!
- Hong Kong – Customised Private Walking Tour: Join a local guide and discover well-known and hidden gems of bustling Hong Kong on this private tour.
