Where to Stay in Hong Kong + 5 Best Hong Kong Hotels (2022 Guide)

Among all the places in East Asia, Hong Kong is definitely one of the most visited countries. It remains to be one of Asia’s most vibrant and advanced cities, but uniquely notable with its scenic landscape of hills and nature trails. More metropolitan than it is cultural, tourists usually go to Hong Kong to experience the shopping markets, delicious cuisine and roaring nightlight. Whether you’re on vacation, a business trip or just a layover, you can find so many fun things to do with whatever time you have.

For you to better understand where to stay in Hong Kong, it is good to know that the country is divided into three areas, each offering interesting activities to add to your itinerary. First is Hong Kong Island, home to the central business district, luxury brands and energetic club scene. Here you’ll experience the country’s cosmopolitan lifestyle at its purest. A scenic bridge ride away is Kowloon, an area I personally recommend for first-time tourists because of its good balance of wide shopping options, an authentic local scene and affordable fun. The least popular but still equally interesting is Hong Kong’s New Territories, which is ironically where you’ll find old cultural landmarks and scenic trails away from the city. In this article, we break down these areas into the best places to stay in Hong Kong and best Hong Kong Hotels. We hope this guides you plan your trip!

This article was last updated on 1 February 2022.

Best Places to Stay in Hong Kong

KOWLOON

1. Tsim Sha Tsui, for first-time tourists

For those of you planning your first trip to Hong Kong, Tsim Sha Tsui in Kowloon side is the best base to experience Hong Kong’s local appeal while still satisfying your tourist cravings for great shopping, mouth-watering food and cultural hotspots. It is home to Hong Kong’s iconic Clocktower and Star Ferry Pier located along the Promenade where you can see beautiful views of Victoria Harbour across the river. You can easily take a ferry to get to Hong Kong Island or to simply just enjoy the city skyline. Another popular spot is the busy Nathan Road, where you’ll find many shopping stores and fashion brands, as well as the country’s largest mosque. The Tsim Sha Tsui station is one of the busiest and most well-connected, making it easy for you to explore other parts of Hong Kong.

Things to do in Tsim Sha Tsui:

• Hop on a ferry to appreciate the city and enjoy the harbour side attractions
• Walking along the Promenade and explore the famous Clocktower and Avenue of Star
• Visit Hong Kong’s largest mosque, the Kowloon Masjid and Islamic Centre
• Visit the many museums in the area like the Science Museum, Space Museum and Hong Kong Museum of History
• Stroll along the Kowloon Park for a break from the busy city streets
• Take your kids to SuperPark Hong Kong for a day of adventurous activities
• Experience Indian food, one of the popular cuisines in the country
• Enjoy authentic crab and other local dishes

Where to stay in Tsim Sha Tsui: The Peninsula Hong Kong

Rightfully called the “Grand Dame of the Far East”, The Peninsula Hong Kong is the epitome of world-class elegance and refined comfort. In fact, the Peninsula Hotels is the first and only luxury hotel in the world to receive the honor of a Forbes Travel Guide 5-star rating for all of its hotels around the world. This kind of reputation is evident in hthe hotel’s classically grand interiors, personal guest service and complete facilities. The HK flagship hotel boasts off beautiful views of Victoria Harbour and the cityscape throughout the hotel, from the stylish guest rooms to their in-house restaurants, indoor pool and wellness centers.

In terms of location, you can easily make your way around the Promenade, Star Ferry Pier and nearby shopping streets by foot. If you prefer to travel by car, the hotel offers private full-decked Rolls-Royce vehicles to take you around the city.

2. Mong Kok, for affordable shopping and dining

While most of the popular tourist areas in Hong Kong are known for their high-end fashion brands, Mong Kong is where you’ll find a wide price-range of shopping and dining. Boasting off a more rugged ambiance, its crowded streets are filled with people enjoying local street food, market stalls and massage parlors. It is most known for its Ladies Market and Argyle Center selling chic yet affordable fashion. Apart from the fashion, you might have fun explore unique markets like the Flower Market and Birds Market. Mong Kok is a good representation of how locals live and a refreshing way for tourists to explore the city.

Things to do in Mong Kok:

• Go to the Ladies Market for endless female fashion
• Spend a day at the Argyle Center for some shopping and street food
• Explore the Flower Market and Birds Market for a unique city experience

Where to stay in Mong Kok: Cordis Hotel

Cordis Hotel is our pick for the best hotel in Mong Kok area because of its relaxing ambiance and good location. Rooms are modern in a color palette of lush white and neutral furnishings, with options for all kinds of travellers from couples to big families. Restaurant options are varied and fun, from a classic-styled buffet to fine dining to a food truck-inspired space with local food and craft beers. Whatever it is you’re craving for, the delicious food will surely satisfy you. Other amenities include a club lounge, a rooftop pool, an award-winning Spa and a health club with a cool line-up of workout classes. For those travelling with their families, the hotel also offers activities and spa treatments for kids.

Explore exploring in and out of this area will be a breeze as the hotel is located at the heart of Mong Kok and is just a three-minute walk from the nearest metro station.

HONG KONG ISLAND

3. Central, for the best nightlife

Central is Hong Kong’s business district and the busiest area in Hong Kong. Its streets are typically filled with locals hurriedly striding along in their office attire and eager tourists heading off the area’s many must-sees. The famous Victoria Harbour is found here, lined with sky scrapers and beautiful colonial buildings preserved from its history under British rule. A tram ride up to Victoria Peak will give you the best views of the city sky line and Kowloon side at a distance.

Exploring this area is best enjoyed by foot. As you may your way through this concrete jungle, you’ll see the city’s character continue to unfold. One of my favourite streets is SoHo with its iconic Mid Level Escalator, winding roads, cool street art and quirky shops. At night, locals and tourists alike make their way to Lan Kwai Fong, Hong Kong’s hottest part scene. This narrow road is filled with clubs, bars and people partying in the streets – a fun party experience unique to Hong Kong.

If you choose this area as your base, getting to other areas will be easy through Central’s MTR or tram system.

Things to do in Central:

• Walk around Victoria Harbour and appreciate the city landscape
• Take the Peak Tram up to Victoria Peak and enjoy unparalleled views from Sky Terrace 428. Spend the rest of the day visiting Madam Tussauds and The Chocolate Musem, and riding the Observation Wheel for more majestic views of the city.
• Explore SoHo and experience riding the Mid Level Escalator, the longest outdoor covered escalator in the world
• Learn about Hong Kong’s history and visit the Man Mo Temple in honor of the literature god
• Visit Tai Kwun, a center for heritage and arts
• Spend a peaceful day strolling around Hong Kong Park for a much-needed break from the skyscrapers
• Experience the Symphone of Lights show at night as it lights up the city’s skyline
• Party til dawn at Lan Kwai Fong

Where to stay in Central: Four Seasons Hotel Hong Kong

In the middle of all the action in Central is the Four Seasons Hotel, a lavish and restful place to come retreat to after a long day of exploring. On top of its cosy beddings and wide window views of the city, the royal treatment continues in their Michelin starred French and Cantonese restaurants, Zen-inspired healthy and wellness centers, and a harbour-side pool and terrace among many other top-class facilities. Guests staying in suites can also enjoy additional services in the Executive Club, good for people mixing vacation and business. If that wasn’t enough to convince you, the hotel is also connected to a shopping center, as well as just a walk away from Lan Kwai Fong and SoHo.

4. Causeway Bay, for high-end shopping

If your main agenda this vacation is shopping, shopping and more shopping, staying in Causeway Bay is your best bet. Considered the fashion capital of Hong Kong, Causeway Bay is most known for its endless shopping options from malls to boutique stores to luxury fashion brands. For a change of scenery in between the shopping, there are a few tourist attractions in the area like the Tin Hau Temple and the Victoria Park, the largest in the country.

Things to do in Causeway Bay:

• Shop til you drop as you hop from one shopping mall to another, such as Causeway Bay, Fashion Walk, Time Square, Lee Tong Avenue
• Explore the bustling streets of Hong Kong aboard a 1920s tram
• Go sightseeing in Victoria Park, the largest in the country, and Tin Hau Temple
• Have an legit hot pot experience at The Drunken Pot
• Try Hong Kong’s famous street food, egg puff, at Mammy Pancake
• Enjoy other authentic dishes like spicy crab, milk tea and sweet buns, Chinese pancakes, or a fine dining meal

Where to stay in Causeway Bay: Lanson Place Hotel

If you’re staying in Causeway Bay for the shopping and sightseeing, consider staying in the Lanson Place Hotel, a small high-end boutique hotel. Inside this 19^th-century French-styled building are contemporary rooms, a fitness center, a lounge-and-library in one, and a self-service laundrette. Room amenities are also very tourist-friendly as it comes with free use of a smartphone to help you make your way around the city. What I like most is their 133 Lounge and Library where guests can enjoy a breakfast buffet, afternoon tea over a good book, or evening cocktails with live jazz music.

It is located near Victoria Park and other commercial establishments, while the main MTR Station is only a 5-minute walk away. This makes it an ideal location to get around the area or travel to other fun places in Hong Kong.

NEW TERRITORIES

5. Lantau Island, for culture and nature

The last time I visited Hong Kong, I decided to take a trip to Lantau Island, and it easily became one of my favorite areas in the country. Tourists usually come here to see the famous 100-year old Po Lin Monastery which houses the Tian Tan Buddha, the world’s highest bronze Buddha at 34 meters tall. For awe-striking panoramic views of the entire Lantau Island, be sure to experience the Ngong Ping 360, a transparent cabin.

Although a day trip to Lantau Island is a good time to see all the major attractions, it can also be a good base if you’re looking for a relaxing trip away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Soak in nature and immerse yourself in the culture of other New Territory islands. While you’re in the area, you can take a day trip to the uncrowded beach in Sharp Island or Tung Chung beach. Although accommodations are limited, there are enough options for a comfortable and peaceful vacation.

Things to do in Lantau Island:

• Go a complete tour around Lantau Island, including a Ngong Ping 360 cable car ride, visits to Po Lin Monastery and Big Buddha, a cruise along the Tai O Fishing Village and ending with a relaxing sunset by Tung Chung beach
• Have a fun day with your family or friends at Hong Kong Disneyland
• Discover the nearby New Territory island of Cheung Chau to learn more about the indigenous people and their local customs
• Take a day trip to other New Territory islets like Lamma Island, Plover Cover, Tai Mo Shan waterfall, Tai Po Countryside, Yuen Long, Sharp Island, Shing Mun Reservoir and many more
• Explore New Territory highlights via bicycle for best views of nature

Where to stay in Lantau Island: Tai O Heritage Hotel

Staying in The Tai O Heritage Hotel will allow you to experience the country’s rich history through its European-inspired architecture and aesthetic.  Originally a police station built in 1902, the hotel was able to preserve some of the intricate designs and old feel of the place. Couple that with surrounding luscious greenery and views of the Tai O fishing village, and guests are in for a serene vacation unlike any other. With only 9 rooms in the entire hotel, customer service is excellent and staying indoors is a treat. Guests can enjoy delicious Western and Asian culinary at the Tai O Lookout, and have their afternoon coffee in the hotel balcony overlooking the sea. Transportation services can be arranged with the hotel to best explore the area.

We hope that our guide on where to stay in Hong Kong & the best Hong Kong hotels has helped you! Please share it with your friends and family. Do also check out our other Hong Kong reads below!