Top places to stay in Hong Kong – Best areas for tourists
Deciding where to stay in Hong Kong for the first time can be a headache especially if you are looking for a reasonably priced option with a bit of style. If you are happy to splurge on your stay then it’s a much easier choice. In some parts of the city you can find good deals, but in others, as you will see, location comes at a premium.
I have chosen some of the most popular areas to stay for tourists and have broken the selection down by districts to simplify the choice. Most visitors to the island either stay on the Kowloon side, which is usually my choice, or on Hong Kong Island side of the harbour. Within these areas are enclaves that each has their own distinctive personality. That’s one of the many things that I enjoy about the city.
Where to stay in Hong Kong for the first time
The prices given below are only guidelines and were correct at the time of writing. None of these are really cheap budget options simply because Hong Kong, unlike most of the rest of Asia is an expensive destination. I suggest that you click on links from both Booking.com and Agoda because they often have big differences in price depending on what specials they are running at the time.
Central: Hong Kong Island
This is mainly the business district of the city. Its architecture and skyscrapers will take your breath away. It is also some of the most expensive office space in the world and the heart of the financial district.
It’s near the Peak Tram station and opposite Tsim Sha Tsui in Kowloon and is easily accessible by ferry or the metro, which actually runs under the water. Central is home to Michelin-starred restaurants, bars, designer shopping and expensive hotels.
Butterfly on Wellington Boutique Hotel Central
The Butterfly on Wellington Hotel is ideally situated and about a 6-minute walk from Central MRT Station. The hotel is a block away from the Mid-Level escalator and you can use the covered walkways to get around without any difficulty.
Just short walk away you will find restaurants, shopping and the Central Market. It’s modern and rooms that are on the higher floors have wonderful views of the city.
There is free WiFi available and some room have free smartphones available for your use. There are iMac desktops available in the lobby area for use as well.
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The Pottinger Hong Kong
The Pottinger is about a 3-minute walk from Central MRT and about a 5-minute walk to the Airport Express bus stop. It is named after the first governor of Hong Kong, Henry Pottinger and has a nostalgic feel about it. There are also beautiful photographs in black and white that show what life was like in Hong Kong in the 1950s and 60’s.
The rooms all have a Nespresso machine and a smartphone with free internet around the city. You will also have wonderful city views from the bedrooms at the Pottinger.
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Sheung Wan (Central)
This is the trendy part of the Central district. It is one of the oldest parts of the city and has a laid-back feel to it. The Western Market is an Edwardian building that has been restored and is a good place to shop for handicrafts and fabric. The famous street that sells dried seafood is also here. It is a 5-minute walk from the Hong Kong Macau Ferry Terminal.
One96 Hotel
Each floor of One96 hotel features a sumptuous suite with floor to ceiling windows and stunning city views. The penthouse suite looks towards Victoria Harbour. There is a fully equipped kitchen as well as a separate living area
A smartphone that has a WiFi hotspot is available in the rooms with free international calls available to Australia, Canada, China, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Singapore, South Korea, Switzerland, Taiwan, UK and USA.
There is no bar on site, but you can take your own drinks up to a rooftop terrace and enjoy overlooking the hustle and bustle of the city.
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Tsim Sha Tsui
This is my favourite part of the city and where I always stay. The views across the water are stunning and the ferry pier is easily accessible. There are loads of small shops, shopping malls and restaurants to keep you busy and it is right in thick of things. Many of the museums are also located in this area as well.
The Luxe Manor
If you are looking for something that’s quirky, but exudes fun, the Luxe Manor is the ideal choice. While the exterior appears to be quite European the interior will surprise you. Its lobby is filled with bold colours and textures and Salvador Dali is the inspiration for many of the design details.
The rooms feature animal print styled carpets and a luxurious marble bathroom with a rain shower, free Wi-Fi and a flat-screen TV. There is also a modern gym. It’s located next to the Trendy Knutsford Terrace and the MRT is about a 5-minute walk.
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Kerry Hotel
Imagine watching the twinkling lights on the water as you drift off to sleep. If you like that idea then the Kerry Hotel, in the heart of the Kowloon Waterfront, has to be your no 1 choice. The view across the bay of the city skyline, especially at night, is one of my favourite views of Hong Kong Island.
The hotel is 350 m away from the Whampoa MRT station and right in the middle of the Tsim Sha Tsui East shopping area.
The designer interior is swish and modern and you have a choice of 4 different onsite restaurants. If you enjoy art, there is a world-class collection in the hotel.
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The Mira
The Mira is a 5-star urban retreat from the busy city. Located along Nathan Road, it is directly connected to the Mira shopping mall. It is about a 5-minute walk to the MRT station and about 10 minutes to the ferry terminal.
The rooms are decorated in a variety of colour schemes and have iPod docking stations and large flat screen TVs. The décor has a central Asian Minimalist theme throughout with contemporary details. The suites on the 5th floor have private terraces.
There are 6 restaurants to choose from, a fitness room, a spa and a 25-metre long infinity pool to cool down in.
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The Kowloon Shangri-La
The Kowloon Shangri-La offers the ultimate in luxury in this part of town. It’s always a popular choice and has an excellent reputation. I have stayed here twice and had fantastic stays on both occasions.
The bedrooms are beautiful and elegantly furnished with floor to ceiling windows and spectacular views of the skyline and the harbour. Rooms also have a large desk and tea and coffee making facilities so if you need to get some work done you won’t be cramped for space.
There is a fitness room, a sauna, a steam room and a spa for a massage or a facial. You can enjoy a meal in the 2 star Michelin rated restaurant, the Shang Palace, or enjoy a more casual meal in one of the other 6 restaurants.
Its central location makes it the perfect choice as it is close to many of the major attraction and the MRT as well.
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Causeway Bay
Although the area does not attract tourist in the same way other parts of the city do, it is still worth considering as an option when planning where to stay in Hong Kong for the first time. This is the best part of town to find good quality, value for money accommodation.
The area is packed with luxury malls, department stores and boutiques. If you stay here, don’t miss visiting the Jardine Crescent Street market for a bargain. Street food stalls are scatted around and if you enjoy Tai Chi, Victoria Park is the place to go.
TUVE Hotel
If you like to stay in uber-trendy hotels then TUVE Hotel will tick all your boxes. It’s so cool that unless you know where it is you may miss it. There is no signage that announces it, but a simple metal plaque on the wall will let you know that you have arrived.
Polished concrete is featured in the lobby and is quite industrial, but the bedrooms have a much softer feel about them. The monochromatic theme carries through with a steel door frame and crisp white linen. Each room has a view of the city.
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Mini Hotel
The Mini Hotel, a 10-minute walk away from Causeway Bay MRT stations offers stylish and affordable accommodation. It doesn’t skimp on the details either and as a popular budget hotel offers excellent value.
The rooms are very small, but stylish and clean with Flat screen TVs, electric kettles and safes fitted in all of the rooms.
There is ample lounge space and free Wi-Fi throughout. If you are looking for a budget stay then the Mini Hotel will be a great option.
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Wan Chai
Hotel Indigo Hong Kong Island
Not far from the Convention Centre, in the Wan Chai business district is the stylish Hotel Indigo.
The rooms are trendy and contemporary with floor to ceiling windows, light coloured wood floors and subtly coloured soft furnishing as wallpaper. It has a bright and airy modern feel about it. If you need a daily caffeine fix you will like the Nespresso machine in the rooms, which also have a minibar as well. There is free Wi-Fi throughout.
The rooftop Sky Bar boasts a glass bottom swimming pool and spectacular views of the city. There is also a restaurant that serves a selection of both Asian and Western dishes.
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I hope that things are a bit clearer now and that you have been able to decide where to stay in Hong Kong for the first time.
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