Hotels
Best hotels in Hong Kong: ten places to stay on both sides of Victoria Harbour
From the window you watch the Star Ferry cross the harbour between the towers, and at night the Hong Kong Island skyline lights up over the water. Hong Kong has some of Asia's best known hotels, and which side of the harbour you choose shapes your stay.
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Hong Kong is made up of Hong Kong Island, the Kowloon peninsula and more than 200 islands. Most luxury hotels sit around Victoria Harbour, either in Central, Admiralty and Wan Chai on the island, or in Tsim Sha Tsui on the Kowloon side. The Star Ferry and the metro link them in minutes, so it is hard to choose badly.
We have picked ten hotels in two areas and say who each one suits. All have a guest rating of at least 8.8 out of 10 and more than 50 reviews on Expedia. Our links go there, and the hotel is always chosen before the link. Many of these hotels are among the best known in Asia, and the service is excellent. Stay on Hong Kong Island for the Peak and the bars of Soho, or in Kowloon for the skyline view and the street markets.
Quick answer: where should you stay in Hong Kong?
If you want to be in the business district, with restaurants and bars around you, stay in Central or Admiralty on Hong Kong Island. If you want the famous skyline view, stay in Tsim Sha Tsui on the Kowloon side. On a first visit, both sides work well.
Best classic: The Peninsula Hong Kong
Best view: Four Seasons Hotel Hong Kong
Best in Central: Mandarin Oriental The Landmark
Best design: The Murray
Best for families: Grand Hyatt Hong Kong
How to choose the right hotel in Hong Kong
Island or Kowloon: Hong Kong Island has Central, the Peak and the bars of Soho. Kowloon has the skyline view, the markets and the museums.
Harbour view: ask for a harbour-facing room. It costs more, but the view is a big part of the Hong Kong experience.
Metro: choose a hotel near a station. The MTR is fast, clean and cheap, and it runs to the airport.
Season: October to December is dry and clear. Summer is hot and humid, with a risk of typhoons.
Trade fairs and holidays: prices rise during big trade fairs and around Chinese New Year. Book early if you travel then.
The harbour view
A room overlooking Victoria Harbour at The Peninsula in the evening.
Kowloon and Tsim Sha Tsui
Tsim Sha Tsui sits at the tip of the Kowloon peninsula, with the harbourfront promenade, museums, the shopping street of Canton Road and the night markets further north. From here you get the famous view of the Hong Kong Island skyline, and the Star Ferry takes you to Central in under ten minutes.
The Peninsula Hong Kong: the classic since 1928
The Peninsula opened in 1928 and is Hong Kong's most famous hotel. It is known for its fleet of green Rolls-Royces, afternoon tea in the lobby and Felix, the restaurant high up in the tower with views over the harbour.
This is our classic pick, for a special occasion or anyone who wants to experience Hong Kong as it once was. The tower rooms have the best views. Take afternoon tea in the lobby, but arrive early, as there is often a queue. The lobby is open to everyone, so you can drop in even if you stay elsewhere.
Book your stay: Check availability and prices at The Peninsula Hong Kong
A harbour view room
A room with a harbour view at Regent Hong Kong.
Regent Hong Kong: right on the water
The Regent sits right on the water in Tsim Sha Tsui, with large windows facing the harbour and the skyline. The hotel reopened after a major renovation, and the rooms are bright and modern.
It suits you if you want the harbour as close as possible. The promenade and the Star Ferry are right outside. Watch the light show over the skyline from the hotel in the evening, then walk along the promenade to the Avenue of Stars.
Book your stay: Check availability and prices at Regent Hong Kong
A harbour view room
A room overlooking Victoria Harbour at Kowloon Shangri-La.
Kowloon Shangri-La: views at a good price
Kowloon Shangri-La sits on the harbour in Tsim Sha Tsui East, with many rooms facing Victoria Harbour, several restaurants and an indoor pool. It has one of the highest guest ratings in the area.
It suits you if you want a harbour view without the Peninsula price. The promenade and the metro are a few minutes' walk away. Have dim sum for lunch, then take the Star Ferry across to Hong Kong Island.
Book your stay: Check availability and prices at Kowloon Shangri-La
The rooftop pool
The rooftop pool at The Langham in Tsim Sha Tsui.
The Langham: by the shops of Canton Road
The Langham sits in the heart of Tsim Sha Tsui, close to the shops of Canton Road. The hotel has a rooftop pool and T'ang Court, one of the city's best known Cantonese restaurants.
It suits you if you want to shop and eat well, with everything on the Kowloon side close by. Most rooms do not have a harbour view, but the price is lower. Head to the Temple Street Night Market in the evening, a short metro ride away.
Book your stay: Check availability and prices at The Langham Hong Kong
The harbour at night
The view over Victoria Harbour at night from Four Seasons Hotel Hong Kong.
Hong Kong Island: Central, Admiralty, Wan Chai and Quarry Bay
Hong Kong Island is home to the financial district of Central, the malls of Admiralty and Causeway Bay, the bars of Soho and Lan Kwai Fong and the trams that have run here since 1904. The Peak Tram climbs to the Peak from Central.
Four Seasons Hotel Hong Kong: the harbour from the pool
The Four Seasons sits on the harbour in Central, next to IFC and the ferry piers. The hotel has pools overlooking Victoria Harbour, a large spa and restaurants such as Lung King Heen, known for Cantonese food and dim sum.
This is our pick for the view, if you want the harbour right outside and all of Central within walking distance. The airport train leaves from the station next door. Take the ferry to Lamma Island for half a day of seafood and walking trails.
Book your stay: Check availability and prices at Four Seasons Hotel Hong Kong
One of the suites
A suite at Mandarin Oriental The Landmark in Central.
Mandarin Oriental The Landmark: in the heart of Central
The Landmark sits in the middle of Central, right above the shops of the Landmark centre. It is small by Hong Kong standards, with large, modern rooms, a big spa and first-class restaurants.
This is our pick in Central, if you want the restaurants, bars and shops right outside the door. It has no harbour view, but the location is hard to beat. Ride the escalators up to Soho and have dinner there.
Book your stay: Check availability and prices at Mandarin Oriental The Landmark
The arches
The arches at the entrance to The Murray in Central.
The Murray: an old office tower in green surroundings
The Murray occupies a converted 1960s office building between Central and Hong Kong Park. The arched entrances have been kept, and the hotel has a rooftop bar with views over the city.
This is our design pick, if you want a stylish stay a little calmer than Central itself. The Peak Tram and Hong Kong Park are within walking distance. Take the Peak Tram up to the Peak early in the morning, before the queues.
Book your stay: Check availability and prices at The Murray
A suite with a view
A suite with a harbour view at Island Shangri-La.
Island Shangri-La: suites above Admiralty
Island Shangri-La sits above the Pacific Place mall in Admiralty, with large rooms and suites looking over the harbour or the mountains. The hotel has several restaurants and a large outdoor pool.
It suits you if you want space and a view, with Central and Wan Chai close by. The metro is right below the hotel. Walk through Hong Kong Park to the tea museum at Flagstaff House.
Book your stay: Check availability and prices at Island Shangri-La
The outdoor pool
The outdoor pool among the towers at Grand Hyatt Hong Kong.
Grand Hyatt Hong Kong: a big pool in Wan Chai
The Grand Hyatt sits on the harbour in Wan Chai, next to the convention centre. It has one of the city's largest outdoor pools, a spa, many restaurants and rooms facing Kowloon.
This is our family pick, for a pool and space in the middle of the city. It is a little way from the metro, but covered walkways lead there. Ride the tram through Wan Chai and Causeway Bay for a cheap city tour. The children can swim afterwards while the adults relax in the spa.
Book your stay: Check availability and prices at Grand Hyatt Hong Kong
The bar
The bar with a harbour view at EAST Hong Kong.
EAST Hong Kong: modern and better value
EAST sits in Quarry Bay on the east of Hong Kong Island, with modern rooms, an outdoor pool and a rooftop bar overlooking the harbour. It is more relaxed and cheaper than the hotels in Central.
It suits you if you want a modern stay at a lower price and do not mind a few extra minutes on the metro. The area around has plenty of cafés and restaurants where locals eat.
Book your stay: Check availability and prices at EAST Hong Kong
When should you book?
October to December: the best time, with dry, clear weather. Book early.
Chinese New Year: January or February. The city is decorated, but prices rise and many shops close for a few days.
June to September: hot and humid, typhoon season and often lower prices.
Frequently asked questions about hotels in Hong Kong
How many nights do I need in Hong Kong?
Three to four nights is enough for the city. With a week you can add Lantau, the islands and a day trip to Macau.
Should I stay on Hong Kong Island or in Kowloon?
Both are good choices. Hong Kong Island has Central and the bars, Kowloon has the skyline view. The Star Ferry and the metro link them.
Are hotels in Hong Kong expensive?
The luxury hotels are expensive, but cheaper than in London or Tokyo. Prices rise during trade fairs and around Chinese New Year.
How do I get from the airport?
The Airport Express takes around 25 minutes to Central and also stops in Kowloon. Free shuttle buses run from the stations to many hotels.
Is it worth paying for a harbour view?
Yes, if your budget allows. The view over Victoria Harbour, especially at night, is one of the best things about Hong Kong.