a guide to Hong Kong hotels

Statue of Hong Kong Film Awards, Ave. of the Stars, Kowloon (c) 2015 David Ourisman

Hong Kong is one of the world's most interesting cities. Whether you're traveling there for business, or just using HKG as a hub to elsewhere in Asia, it's worth an extended stay. Where should you stay when visiting Hong Kong?

Here are the questions I ask my clients:

1) Do you want to be on Hong Kong island itself ... or on Kowloon? Hong Kong is the old city with its narrow streets, small shops and restaurants, and the world's longest outdoor escalator. Kowloon is contemporary with modern shopping centers, and it boasts killer views of Hong Kong over Victoria Harbour (see my picture above).

2) Do you prefer traditional Asian hotels ... or contemporary hotels?

3) Do you want a view of Victoria Harbour from your room?

4) Do you want to be in Central? Or another way of asking the question: how comfortable are you with the subway system?

With these questions in mind, here are my tips on where to stay in Hong Kong:

Peninsula Hong Kong has recently finished a thorough renovation, and the results are absolutely stunning. A traditional hotel, located in Kowloon, many guests enjoy the sheer luxury of round-trip airport transfers in a Rolls Royce and the uniformed Peninsula doormen who open the doors when you enter its magnificent Lobby. Rooms in the tower have commanding views of the harbour.

Four Seasons Hong Kong is one of the finest city hotels in the world with superb service, large and beautiful rooms, and a great view of the harbour. FS Hong Kong is the only hotel in the world with two three-star Michelin restaurants, and the rooftop infinity pool overlooking the harbour is something special.

Mandarin Oriental Hong Kong is located right in Central. A traditional Asian hotel with dark carved wood decorating the lobby ... and its Harbour Rooms come with a coveted view of the harbour.

Ritz Carlton Hong Kong has the distinction of being the highest hotel in the world. Occupying the top floors of the tallest building in Hong Kong, you're sometimes above the clouds! The Club Lounge has wine on tap ... and the Island Harbour View rooms have a birds-eye perspective on Victoria Harbour.

InterContinental Hong Kong has the best view of all. Located in Kowloon right on the boardwalk, guests staying in Harbour View rooms have an unobstructed view of the harbour and Hong Kong beyond... a perfect place to sit and watch the evening light show (while listening to the music through your in-room TV).

Upper House is a special hotel. The lobby feels like a living room, and guest rooms are extremely spacious and beautiful. Located a couple of subway stops north of Central, if you're comfortable using public transportation, this could be the place for you in Hong Kong.


Tip: for a better-than-internet deal, book these hotels through a Virtuoso, Four Seasons Preferred Partner, Peninsula Pen Club, Mandarin Oriental FAN Club, Ritz Carlton STARS travel consultant for free breakfasts, upgrades, hotel credits, and more.

copyright (c) 2015 by David Ourisman LLC. All rights reserved. We provide Virtuoso and other Preferred Partner amenities as an affiliate of Brownell Travel. If you have comments on this column, or questions about booking travel, email me or visit my website.