Hotels in Hong Kong

Best time to visit Hong Kong

Hong Kong is known for its rather unpredictable weather and is often hit by sub-tropical thunderstorms, extreme heat waves, or direct-hit typhoons. However, the city is also blessed with plenty of sunshine throughout much of the year. The best time to visit is in the autumn months from September – November when humidity levels are low and average temperatures hover around 24 degrees Celsius. If you don’t mind slightly cooler temperatures, close to 17 degrees Celsius, plan your visit during the winter months from December – February to enjoy the crisp and clear days. March – May is usually rainy and humid and temperatures range between 20 – 30 degrees Celsius. From June – August, humidity levels reach an all-time high of almost 90%, and rainfall may be erratic. However, rain is usually in short spells and will not force you to stay indoors for more than 30 – 40 minutes. Remember to carry an umbrella at all times.

Getting around Hong Kong

Hong Kong’s attractions are spread out far and wide but the dense network of public transport makes it quite easy to navigate the city. The MTR (Mass Transit Railway is one of the most efficient and easy ways to get around. Trains run frequently and on time across a network of almost 150 stations, so most sites are within a short walk from an MTR station. Base fare for a single journey is HK$4.50. With several islands making up the city, ferries are a key mode of transport and the most popular operator is Star Ferries. A standard trip from Victoria Harbour costs HK$2.00 – HK$3.00 depending on arrival and departure piers and the day of the week. The double decker street cars operated by Hong Kong Tramways take you along the scenic routes, and are an interesting option to cover short distances when you’re not in a rush. Adult fare for a single ride is HK$2.30. If you wish to travel by bus, you should keep in mind that 3 different companies operate in Hong Kong. You may end up paying anywhere between HK$2.00 – HK$20.00 based on the operator and the route you have chosen. Taxis are readily available and marked in different colours to indicate the area in which they operate. For the urban areas, you will need to hail the red taxis while blue taxis run only on Lantau Island, and green taxis operate in the New Territories. The Hong Kong markets are best explored on foot, but elsewhere, the city’s hilly terrain and water bodies make walking quite tedious. With a maze of one-way streets, heavy traffic, and the elusive and expensive parking spots, it’s best if you avoid driving around in the city.

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.

‘Asia’s World City’, Hong Kong truly is a blend of cultures, cuisine, and commerce. The city boasts fantastic beaches, a glitzy and glamorous skyline and hiking trails across lush green mountain sides. There is so much to see and do that creating an itinerary may seem somewhat overwhelming. Pick these attractions for an authentic Hong Kong experience.

Board the Wan Chai Star Ferry which docks at Star Ferry Pier in Tsim Sha Tsui. Take in the most spectacular views of Hong Kong Island from the Avenue of Stars promenade along the Victoria Harbour waterfront.
• Enjoy a night race at the grand Happy Valley Racecourse which is bound by a wall of skyscrapers in the heart of the city.
• Visit Ocean Park Hong Kong, a premium theme park offering thrill rides, animal parks, bird parks, and entertainment shows since 1977.
• Head to the kilometre-long Ping Shan Heritage Trail, Hong Kong’s first ever trail featuring historic buildings that showcase the lifestyle, clothing, and cultural details of the powerful Tang clan.
• In Mong Kok, go on a shopping spree at the Temple Street night market. Look for deals and bargains at the Ladies Market. Wander around the Flower Market and Goldfish Market. Watch proud owners parade their birds in gilded cages at the Bird Market.
• Visit The Ten Thousand Buddhas Monastery which features a 9-storey pagoda, and nearly 12,000 miniature Buddha statues. It is located in the Pai Tau Village. Another notable temple to visit is the Wong Tai Sin Temple, popular for its fortune-tellers.
• Enjoy impressive views of Hong Kong and the culturally-themed landscaped garden, Ngong Ping Village, on the 25-minute ride in the glass-bottomed Ngong Ping 360 Cable Car. View the gigantic bronze statue of Tian Tan Buddha during this ride.
• Board the historic Peak Tram at Garden Road terminus in Central, and admire city views as the trolley winds its way up the steep mountainside.
• Enjoy a relaxed picnic or stroll in lush green Victoria Park in the middle of the urban jungle.
• Put on your hiking boots and head to the Peak Circle Walk trail for the best panoramic views of the Hong Kong skyline. For more challenging trails, head to Dragon’s Back or Lantau Island’s Sunset Peak.
• Enjoy a drink at the highest bar in the world, Ozone, on the 118th floor of The Ritz-Carlton, Hong Kong hotel.
• Sing your heart out at the local karaoke bars in Wan Chai, and enjoy delicious rice, noodles and seafood at the street side food stalls called dai pai dongs.
• Spend a day at the Hong Kong Disneyland theme park in Penny’s Bay on Lantau Island.
• Try to make at least a short trip to experience the Portuguese heritage and Vegas-style atmosphere of Macau which is just a 60-minute ferry ride from Hong Kong Island.