The Best hotels in Hong Kong

Our Local Expert Says:

Deluxe $50,000 package is guaranteed to satisfy all true romantics, you arrive and depart by chauffeured Rolls-Royce, take a 15 minute "flight-seeing" tour around Hong Kong in the hotel's chopper, enjoy four meals at the hotel's restaurants, from breakfast in bed to a romantic candlelit dinner.

Description:

This is Hong Kong's most famous hotel, the place to stay if you are an incurable romantic and have a penchant for the historical. Built in 1928, it exudes elegance, from its white-gloved doormen and one of the world's largest limousine fleets of Rolls-Royces to its ornate lobby, reminiscent of a Parisian palace and Hong Kong's foremost spot for afternoon tea and people-watching. After The Peninsula lost its fabled view of the harbor following construction of the unsightly Space Museum across the street, it remedied the problem in 1993 with a 32-story tower providing fantastic harbor views from guest rooms and its top-floor restaurant Felix, designed by Philippe Starck. Spacious rooms (with a minimum of 41 sq. m/441 sq. ft.) -- so wonderfully equipped that even jaded travelers are likely to be impressed -- include headphones for both radio and TV; tightly focused bedside reading lights designed to keep sleeping partners happy; telephones and control panels on both sides of gigantic beds; a display panel showing outdoor temperature and humidity; mood lighting; and a box in the closet where attendants can place your morning newspaper or take your dirty shoes for complimentary cleaning. Each huge bathroom is equipped with its own TV, hands-free phone (which automatically mutes the TV or radio and digitally filters the sound of running water), and two sinks, both with a magnifying mirror. It's worth the extra money to spring for a stunning harbor view in the tower if you can afford it, since views facing the back are a disappointment and those in the older part of the hotel are marred by the Space Museum. For the culture-minded, The Peninsula offers classes on everything from tai chi and feng shui to cooking; for the travel-weary, its spa focuses on the journey to rejuvenation with views of the harbor from its sauna. I absolutely love this place.

Facilities: 6 restaurants, including Gaddi's, Felix, and Spring Moon; 2 bars; lounge; gorgeous indoor pool w/sun terrace overlooking the harbor; health club; spa; concierge; business center; designer-brand shopping arcade; 24-hr. room service; babysitting; in-house nurse; practice music room w/grand piano.

In room: A/C, satellite TV/DVD/CD w/free in-house movies, fax (silent, w/personal fax number), minibar, hair dryer, safe, free Wi-Fi and high-speed Internet access.

Description:

Whereas The Peninsula, across the street, is the grand old dame of Hong Kong's hotels, the InterContinental is like its youthful, contemporary cousin. It exudes a relaxed, informal atmosphere despite its stylish digs, with almost half its guests hailing from North America. It also boasts what may well be the best views of Victoria Harbour and Hong Kong Island from Tsim Sha Tsui. In fact, you can't get much closer to the water than this: Built in 1980 of polished rose granite and rising 17 stories, the hotel is located right on the water's edge. Its unfussy lobby, with a soaring glass facade and unobstructed views of harbor activity, is one of Hong Kong's best venues for afternoon tea or evening cocktails. Great views are also trademarks of its guest rooms, 70% of which command sweeping vistas of the harbor with floor-to-ceiling and wall-to-wall windows (the remaining -- and less expensive but larger -- rooms face the outdoor swimming pool and landscaped sun terrace). In-room standouts include an air purification system and huge walk-in closets adjoining the bathrooms (you can shower and get dressed without disturbing another guest in the room). Other notable hotel features are its high-rated restaurants; a health-conscious menu available from room service or at Harbourside; a state-of-the-art spa renowned for its outdoor cabanas and jet-lag, anti-cellulite, and Oriental healing treatments; harbor views from outdoor whirlpools and the pool's sun terrace; free tai chi and yoga classes for hotel guests; and Wi-Fi that enables guests to access the Internet even from poolside.

Facilities: 5 restaurants, including Spoon by Alain Ducasse, Yan Toh Heen, Nobu, and STEAK HOUSE winebar + grill; lounge; bar; outdoor pool w/underwater music; Jacuzzis overlooking Victoria Harbour; fitness room (24 hr.); spa; concierge; business center; upscale shopping arcade; 24-hr. room service; babysitting; house doctor.

In room: A/C, satellite TV/DVD/CD w/keyboard for Internet access and on-demand pay movies, minibar, coffeemaker, hair dryer, safe, Wi-Fi, iPod docking station.

Description:

This small hotel eschews the boutique label because it doesn't scrimp on size, with rooms that flaunt both space and strikingly contemporary decor. Located atop the Landmark shopping complex and popular with designers who have shops there, it exudes a laid-back, refined atmosphere, with lobby seating grouped in a library setting and a stylish bar attracting a well-heeled crowd. Other diversions are limited to a spa with a Zen-like atmosphere and workout rooms for yoga and Pilates, as well as a chic restaurant serving innovative European cuisine. Though the Lan Kwai Fong nightlife district is within staggering distance, it's hard to imagine guests who can afford to stay here taking advantage of it. Rather, the big focus is on state-of-the-art guest rooms, which measure 42 or 56 sq. m (452 or 603 sq. ft.) and are priced accordingly. Both feature high-tech phones that include hands-free speakerphones and display text messages, walk-in closets, yoga mats, and fresh flowers providing splashes of color. But it's the stunning, glass-walled bathrooms, which take up about a third of the room's space, that take the cake. Big enough to live in, they have two separate vanities and dual sinks, shower stall, another TV, and a huge, round tub (in the larger rooms, the tub measures 2m/6.5 ft. across). Unfortunately, surrounding buildings can make guests feel like they're living in a fish bowl. One unwitting guest closed the sheers immediately upon check-in but forgot to close the block-out drapes later when taking her nighttime bath, discovering her faux pas only the next morning. Needless to say, there are no views from this hotel, though the same may not be said, perhaps, for office workers across the street.

Description:

Stunning views of Victoria Harbour or Victoria Peak are offered in all rooms of the centrally located Ritz-Carlton. From the deluxe suites, the rich and the beautiful can watch ferries ply their routes while the attending butler provides pampering service. This tasteful five-star hotel is renowned for its great location and exquisite service.

Description:

Hong Kong Island's tallest hotel (measured from sea level) offers the ultimate in extravagance and luxury, rivaling the grand hotels in Paris or London: It's one of my favorite hotels in the world. More than 700 Viennese chandeliers, lush Tai Ping carpets, artistic flower arrangements, and more than 500 paintings and artworks adorn the hotel. A 17-story atrium, which stretches from the 39th to the 56th floors, features a marvelous 16-story-high Chinese painting, drawn by 40 artists from Beijing and believed to be the largest landscape painting in the world. Also in the atrium are a private lounge open only to hotel guests and a two-story old-world-style library. The hotel itself is enhanced by the connecting Pacific Place with its many options in dining; across the street is Hong Kong Park. Rooms, all of which ring the atrium and measure 41 sq. m (441 sq. ft.) or more, face either the Peak or spectacular Victoria Harbour. Oversize bathrooms are equipped with two sinks and separate tub and shower areas (harbor-view rooms only), bidet, LCD TVs, and even jewelry boxes. Fresh flowers are another nice touch. Guests paying rack rates receive such additional services as free transportation from and to the airport, free laundry service and dry cleaning throughout their stay, complimentary American or continental breakfast, free local telephone calls and Internet access, and 6pm late checkout.

Facilities: 6 restaurants, including Petrus and café TOO; lounge; outdoor heated pool big enough for swimming laps; health club (24 hr.); spa; concierge; business center; adjoining shopping arcade; 24-hr. room service; babysitting; executive-level rooms; medical clinic; free shuttle to Queen's Pier in Central and Convention Centre.

Our Local Expert Says:

Expect Plateau day spa, a welcoming herbal bath, pre-dinner cocktails and breakfast the next morning. Guests also receive complimentary access to the outdoor 50-meter heated swimming pool and fitness studios.

Description:

Walking into the lobby of this hotel is like walking into the Bavarian castle of a modern-day King Ludwig, a lobby so palatial that the word "understatement" has certainly never been uttered within its walls. Decorated to resemble the salon of a 1930s Art Deco luxury ocean liner, it literally flaunts space, with huge black granite columns, massive flower arrangements, palm trees, bubbling fountains, and statuettes. It's not the kind of place you want to be seen on a bad hair day.

Located on the waterfront adjacent to the Convention Centre and a 5-minute walk from the Wan Chai Star Ferry pier that delivers passengers to Tsim Sha Tsui, it offers smart-looking, contemporary rooms, some 75% with a full harbor view (the rest have a view of Hong Kong's largest outdoor hotel pool and garden, with partial glimpses of the harbor). Pluses are the slide-out clothes rack in the closet and coffee-table books, which impart a homey atmosphere.

For extra pampering, travelers can choose to stay at Plateau, a residential spa with 14 guest rooms (and nine treatment rooms), where guests can enjoy a massage, manicure, and a soak in an infinity bathtub without leaving the privacy of their room (doubles here start at HK$7,000/US$909/£454, including breakfast). They should, however, venture at least as far as the spa's sauna, which boasts a view of the harbor. The must try is the poolside grill's bubbly brunch for around $400 offering sumptuous buffet spreads and grilled specialties year-round (weather permitting).

Facilities: 5 restaurants, including Grissini and One Harbour Road; lounge; champagne bar; club w/live music; 50m outdoor heated pool (shared w/adjacent Renaissance Harbour View Hotel and open year-round); children's splash pool and playground; golf-driving range; 2 outdoor lit tennis courts; 2 squash courts; health club; spa; jogging track; concierge; business center; salon; 24-hr. room service; babysitting; free shuttle to Central, Causeway Bay, and Admiralty

Description:

Travelers who are allergic to ugly hotel rooms will want to head straight to Hong Kong's first -- and still hippest -- boutique hotel, opened in 2004 by a Singaporean 20-something entrepreneur and designed by Philippe Starck. From the moment guests step into the low-key lobby with its teak wood floors, white sheer curtains, and whimsical furniture and are greeted by staff in chic Shanghai Tang-designed uniforms, they know this is no ordinary abode. Stylish rooms (35 sq. m/380 sq. ft.), bathed in white and divided into living, dining, and working areas, feature kitchens and home theater units with surround sound. One- and two-bedroom suites are also available. Guests enjoy free local telephone calls, free Internet access, complimentary continental breakfast and cocktail hour, free access to a local gym, and access to both Kee, a private members' club, and the VIP area of Dragon-i. I wouldn't be surprised if some people check in and never move out, especially with this incentive: Long-staying guests get a free massage.

Description:

This affiliate of London's historic Langham Hotel and Hong Kong's only member of the Leading Hotels of the World is conveniently located a couple of blocks inland from the harbor, just a few minutes' walk from the Star Ferry and huge Harbour City shopping complex. Its lobby exudes a classic Italian atmosphere, with chandeliers, marble floor, a hand-painted dome ceiling, and lots of artwork and statues that give it the atmosphere of an art gallery, including glass art by American artist Dale Chihuly and paintings from mainland China. Photos of old Hong Kong adorn corridor walls and rooms. Its restaurants, which include a renowned Cantonese venue, an American deli, and a fun seafood restaurant, are well respected among locals. Contemporary rooms are small but comfortable, with bedside control panels that allow guests to adjust air-conditioning, select a TV or radio program, call up messages or the hotel bill on the television screen, and switch on a "Do Not Disturb" light that automatically disconnects the door chime. Touch-screen phones allow guests to even browse the Internet. Unfortunately, none of its rooms have harbor views. Take solace instead in the deep soaking tubs in newly renovated Grand Rooms, where you can watch television while you soak.

Facilities: 4 restaurants, including T'ang Court and Main St. Deli; bar; lounge; rooftop outdoor pool and Jacuzzi year-round; health club (24 hr.); concierge; business center (24 hr.); shopping arcade; 24-hr. room service; babysitting; executive-level rooms; doctor on call

Description:

Named after the "golden mile of shopping" on Nathan Road, this Holiday Inn has a great location right in the heart of bustling Tsim Sha Tsui, about a 6-minute walk from the Star Ferry and with an MTR subway station right across the street. Maybe that's why it's popular with tour groups, mainly from North America and China, which can make the lobby rather crowded, noisy, and bothersome. However, it's a good bet also for families because of the heated pool and the fact that children 19 and under can eat free in hotel restaurants. Rooms, decorated in Ming blue or Oriental red with Chinese-influenced accents on everything from the drapes to the TV cabinets, impart a warm, cozy feeling and are fairly large for Tsim Sha Tsui, featuring either a king-size bed or two double beds. Although rooms boast floor-to-ceiling windows, views are blocked by adjacent buildings; those facing the unsightly Chungking Mansion are glazed (believe me, it's better this way). Those facing Mody Road are brighter but noisier; try to get a room on a high floor. All in all, this is a functional hotel in a convenient location.