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Six of the Best: My Hong Kong Hotel Picks

I went back to Hong Kong recently to do an in-depth study of the hotels including my old favorites as well as the newest properties. Here are my findings...

I am an old Hong Kong girl.  I “grew up” there, spending my salad years in my 20’s and 30’s from 1987 to 1994 living all over Mid-Levels – Robinson Road, Po Shan Road, Macdonnell Road, Old Peak Road.  I lived in the Mandarin Oriental Hotel for 6 weeks at while point while we fixed up our new flat, and had countless lunches, dinners and drinks at the Captain’s Bar and Pierro. I was a regular at the grand old Peninsula Hotel which was a fun excursion over to Kowloon from Hong Kong Island.

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Catherine enjoyng a typically spectacular Hong Kong view

I lived in Hong Kong during the waning years of the British Empire, and I loved the old colony. Hong Kong has changed quite a bit since then, in many ways both subtle and superficial, and I still feel very much at home there.  I went back recently to do an in-depth study of the hotels including my old favorites as well as the newest properties. Here are my findings…

A bathroom with a view at the Ritz-Carlton Hong Kong
A bathroom with a view at the Ritz-Carlton Hong Kong

Ritz-Carlton

As the tallest hotel in the world, the new Ritz-Carlton is all about the views. The property boasts chic contemporary interior design, and its restaurants really have the WOW factor, with cool decor and those spectacular views complementing the cuisine.

Rooms

312 rooms on floors 106-117.

Views

Wow! Stunning views across Hong Kong Island and Victoria Harbour from all floors.

Location

Probably the hotel’s only weak point – it is located in a fairly sterile area with few nearby amenities, so a car is needed to get to the “real” Hong Kong. The area is developing rapidly and is more popular with mainland Chinese who value newness and modernity.

Decor

Sleek, contemporary and clean design is present throughout the hotel, across rooms, public areas and dining.

Service

Impeccable.

The Peninsula - Hong Kong's colonial landmark
The Peninsula – Hong Kong’s colonial landmark

The Peninsula

The grande dame of Hong Kong hotels, this colonial classic sits in the heart of Kowloon making it perfect for those who want to be at the heart of the action. The hotel’s legendary afternoon tea is on practically every tourist’s itinerary so the lobby is packed every day.

Rooms

300 rooms on floors 2-6 and 17-27.

Views

Excellent views of Hong Kong island and Victoria Harbour.

Location

Right in the middle of Kowloon with all the hustle & bustle that entails. Seconds away from shops, the harbour, and the Star Ferry.

Decor

Classic traditional Asian.

Service

Impeccable.

Chic contemporary style at Upper House
Chic contemporary style at Upper House

Upper House

This stylish boutique property is located close to the Central area. Its contemporary minimalist design attracts a young, hip, non-touristy crowd, and the property offers great views of the harbour. Our preferred option for younger clients wanting a more chic, intimate Hong Kong experience.

Rooms

117 rooms on floors 38-49.

Views

Good views of the Central and Harbour areas, though some rooms have views restricted by neighbouring buildings.

Location

Around 10 minutes’ walk or a short taxi hop to the Central area.

Decor

Sleek, modern & contemporary.

Service

Impeccable.

Asian style at the Mandarin Oriental
Asian style at the Mandarin Oriental

Mandarin Oriental

One of the classic Hong Kong hotels, located bang in the middle of the Central district of Hong Kong Island. Boasts great views over the island and is a popular meeting spot for visitors and locals alike. With over 500 rooms, it’s the city’s largest luxury hotel.

Rooms

501 rooms on floors 5-24.

Views

Great views of the harbour and Kowloon.

Location

Perfect location for anyone wanting to experience Hong Kong Island.

Decor

Traditional Asian.

Service

Impeccable.

Drink in the luxury at the Landmark Mandarin Oriental
Drink in the luxury at the Landmark Mandarin Oriental

Landmark Mandarin Oriental

The newer of the two Mandarins is a chic, contemporary boutique hotel in the Central area. No views, but the cool, minimalist design and handy location more than make up for it, and it’s quieter than most Hong Kong properties.

Rooms

113 rooms on floors 8-16.

Views

None – unless the neighbouring skyscrapers are your thing!

Location

Perfect location for anyone wanting to experience Hong Kong Island.

Decor

Sleek, modern & contemporary.

Service

Impeccable.

To infinity & beyond at the Four Seasons Hong Kong
To infinity & beyond at the Four Seasons Hong Kong

Four Seasons

A classic Four Seasons property with the quality of service, rooms and dining you would expect. Located a short walk from Central, right on the harbour with stunning views from all levels, including the spectacular infinity pool. Great hotel for business or leisure.

Rooms

399 rooms on floors 9-45

Views

Fantastic views of Kowloon and the harbour.

Location

5 minutes’ walk to Central, right on the harbour, with shopping malls adjacent.

Decor

Mix of traditional Asian and contemporary chic.

Service

Impeccable.