Best hotels in Hong Kong: ten places to stay on both sides of Victoria Harbour

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.