Best places to stay in Hong Kong
Made up of the Kowloon Peninsula, Hong Kong Island and almost 200 other islands, Hong Kong is a vibrant, multicultural city with a stunning skyline and lush landscapes. Each neighbourhood offers a unique cultural and culinary experience, as well as enchanting sites and attractions.
Central, Hong Kong Island
Hong Kong’s Central Business District (CBD), Central, is a glitzy neighbourhood with towering skyscrapers, gilded malls and some of the most expensive real estate in the world. Trams running through the neighbourhood offer a unique blend of “old meets new”. There is plenty of nightlife, with bars and chic restaurants in this area. Stay at one of Hong Kong’s most coveted meeting spots, the Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong hotel which overlooks the Victoria Harbour. Experience this hotel’s legendary service and you will realize why it has such a strong reputation. Just a 7-minute walk from Hong Kong station, you can stay at the award-winning Four Seasons Hong Kong hotel, which features luxury accommodation, spectacular views, and a certain exclusivity despite being located in the heart of the financial district. For a mid-range budget option, look at The Pottinger Hong Kong hotel, located on a cobbled street, just a 3-minute walk from the buzzing Lan Kwai Fong entertainment district. You will also be very close to the Central Mid-Levels escalator which connects the entire area via walkways.
Admiralty and Wan Chai
Admiralty is home to the lovely Hong Kong Park, while Wan Chai houses the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre. Wan Chai is a colourful neighbourhood known for its neon-sign lit bars, budget shops, and several popular tourist attractions in the area. Enjoy luxurious accommodation in an Asian ambience full of glass, wood, and limestone at The Upper House hotel set in a modern high-rise building. It is a 5-minute walk from the Admiralty Mass Transit Railway (MTR) station. Atop the Admiralty MTR station, in the Pacific Place mall complex, enjoy an “East meets West” experience at the Island Shangri-La, Hong Kong hotel. The building is a glitzy tower with 56 storeys featuring elegant rooms and 24/7 butler service. You can also opt for the spacious rooms and suites of the Grand Hyatt Hong Kong hotel set in a waterfront high-rise with a direct connection to the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre. From here, it’s a short walk to the Wan Chai Star Ferry and the Wan Chai MTR.
Causeway Bay, Hong Kong Island
The buzzing Causeway Bay neighbourhood is teeming with people, back-street fashion alleys, restaurants and late night bars. It’s also home to one of the busiest zebra-crossings in the world. The vast green spaces of Victoria Park provide some peace and quiet in the otherwise chaotic and hectic activity in this area. A 5-minute walk from the Causeway Bay MTR, you have boutique accommodation at the Lanson Place Hotel which features a 19th-century façade, beautifully decorated interiors, and elegant rooms with world-class service. You can also consider The Park Lane Hong Kong, a Pullman Hotel which is set right across from Victoria Park, and offers sleek rooms with excellent views of Victoria Harbour or Victoria Park.
Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon
The ever-alive and vibrant Tsim Sha Tsui which can be reached by ferry is very popular amongst tourists who want to take in the stunning views of Hong Kong Island from the Star Ferry pier. This area is also home to several museums, retail shops, and office establishments. Stay at one of the top hotels in the world, The Peninsula Hong Kong. A legendary hotel established in 1928, it is known as the ‘Grand Dame of the Far East’ for its hospitality, grandeur, and elegance. If you wish to stay in sleek rooms and suites with spectacular views of Hong Kong Island, then opt for the Intercontinental Hong Kong set in a dramatic location on Kowloon’s waterfront.Yau Ma Tei and Mong Kok, Kowloon
The fascinating districts of Yau Ma Tei and Mong Kok are adjacent to the Tsim Sha Tsui neighbourhood. These areas transport you back in time and are a showcase of Hong King’s rich history, culture, and diversity. The interesting streets in this area have only Chinese signage, and are filled with quirky markets, souvenir stalls, food hawkers, fortune tellers and karaoke bars. In the trendy Mong Kok district, stay at the artistically-themed accommodation of Cordis Hong Kong, featuring chic rooms and suites with floor-to-ceiling windows. It is located just a 3-minute walk from the nearest subway station. Try the bright airy rooms of the chic Hotel Stage, a boutique hotel in the heart of Kowloon.
Cheap hotels in Hong Kong
It is not easy to find cheap accommodation in Hong Kong and the city tends to stretch your wallet as a tourist. Try and book your stay in advance to enjoy better deals and bargains on accommodation. In recent years, a few newer guesthouses and hostels do offer cheaper alternatives and budget stays. Check out the Cosmic Guesthouse located atop the Tsim Sha Tsui MTR station or the vibrant and stylish hostel Campus Hong Kong, located just a 7-minute walk from the Tsuen Wan MTR station. You can also consider the Salisbury YMCA of Hong Kong in Tsim Sha Tsui. Amongst budget hotels, look at the Silka West Kowloon, Hong Kong or the Bishop Lei International House hotel, located a 5-minute walk from the Central Mid-Level Escalator. You can also stay at The Imperial Hotel which offers simple, comfortable rooms, and is located in the heart of Tsim Sha Tsui.