Where To Stay In Hong Kong

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If you’re planning a trip to Hong Kong, the first thing you’ll want to consider is where to stay. Hong Kong is both small and huge at the same time – the city itself is easily navigable by MTR (subway) and ferry, but it can be a long way to walk. If you have a preference, for example, somewhere family-friendly or somewhere with great shopping, a few neighbourhoods stand out.

Hong is made up of Hong Kong Island and Kowloon, along with over 200 other small, beautiful and beach-covered islands, including larger ones such as Lamma Island and Lantau Island. The best place to stay is a district in the heart of Hong Kong, from where you can catch a ferry to go hiking, swimming or even to Disneyland in less than 45 minutes. Kowloon has arguably more of Hong Kong’s old-world charm; the bustling street food stalls and late-night markets are in Mong Kok, while classic harbour views and local eateries are in Tsim Sha Tsui.

Over on Hong Kong Island is where the city’s famous skyscrapers congregate. Soho, Sheung Wan and Lan Kwai Fong are all lively, buzzing neighbourhoods with great nightlife, restaurants and shopping. Stay closer to Central, Wan Chai or Causeway Bay and you’ll be in the centre of the action, close to high-end shopping, hotels and attractions.

Where To Stay In Hong Kong

Sheung Wan

Hong Kong Sheung Wan in black and white
Sheung Wan is one of the best areas to stay in Hong Kong for a central location.

Sheung Wan is one of Hong Kong’s coolest neighbourhoods and is the best place to stay if you like being close to excellent restaurants, bars, attractions and shopping.

Although it is just a stone’s throw from Central, it has its own personality – check out Cat Street for thousands of unique antiques and Hollywood Road for cool street art and the ancient Man Mo Temple.

Despite having a dizzying array of things to do, it is a little quieter than staying in Central, Soho or the like, but is still within walking distance or one stop on the MTR.

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This makes it a fairly popular place to stay, but hotels aren’t as expensive as elsewhere in the city.

It can also be a useful spot to base yourself to get around Hong Kong as it isn’t too far from the ferry piers, which can whisk you almost anywhere, including Macau, China.

Pros

  • Very central, located on Hong Kong Island, with an MTR station linking you to everywhere in the city, multiple ferry piers including the high-speed to Macau and the famous Hong Kong trams.
  • Plenty of art galleries, shops, markets and cafes but still quieter than other neighbourhoods.

Cons

  • Hotels can be more expensive here due to the central location, dependent on the season.
  • The neighbourhood closely borders Central and Soho, so hotels closer to there may be a little noisier on weekends.

Hotels in Sheung Wan

Cropped image of a female chambermaid making bed in hotel room.
When planning where to stay in Hong Kong, you’ll have many choices.
The Connaught

The Connaught is one of the best places to stay in Sheung Wan if you’re looking for a luxury property in a convenient location.

The hotel offers spacious rooms with city or harbour views, some of which have their own terrace.

The hotel also has its own fitness centre and isn’t far from both Sai Ying Pun and Sheung Wan MTR stations for easy access to the rest of the city.

Cat Street, Hollywood Road, and many great restaurants are within walking distance.

99 Bonham

A great mid-range option, 99 Bonham is less than a three-minute walk to Sheung Wan MTR and the bustling areas of Soho and Lan Kwai Fong can be reached in 15 minutes on foot.

Their stunning suites offer living and working spaces with city views and an extensive fitness centre.

It also has a leafy rooftop terrace with amazing city views and plenty of dining and shopping options surrounding the hotel.

Y Hotel

Y Hotel is perfect for those wanting to stay centrally on a budget, with clean, beautiful rooms in Sheung Wan.

Just a stone’s throw from the Macau Ferry Terminal and right in the middle of two MTR stations, you can access the city quickly.

The hotel has its own terrace and 24-hour front desk, plus comfortable rooms overlooking the city with every modern amenity you might need.

Central

billboards in Central
If you’re keen to do some shopping, Central tops the list of choices of where to stay in Hong Kong.

Central, as the name suggests, is one of the most centrally located areas you can stay in Hong Kong and has direct access to everywhere in the city.

Backed by the nightlife district of Lan Kwai Fong and fronted by the Central Pier, it is also home to more expensive shopping malls, department stores like Harvey Nichols and designer brands, alongside equally pricey restaurants, bars and hotels.

You couldn’t be better located if you’re willing to spend a little more.

If you’re after buzzing nightlife, then you may be able to find more affordable accommodation around Soho, while the closer to the waterfront you get, the more beautiful the views and the higher the prices.

If you stray further over towards the neighbourhoods of Wan Chai and Causeway Bay, the theme continues and you’ll find Times Square filled with luxury boutiques, as well as Happy Valley Racecourse – a weekly, unmissable Hong Kong tradition.

It’s easy to reach any of Hong Kong’s many islands from here by boat, take the Star Ferry over to Kowloon or catch a taxi up to The Peak – the city is your oyster.

Pros

  • Very centrally located, with multiple MTR stations linking to the rest of the city and Kowloon. Access to all ferry piers to visit the islands and the main tram line.
  • Close to, or linked to, many famous sights such as The Peak, Star Ferry and Times Square.

Cons

  • One of the most expensive places to stay in Hong Kong due to location. Also expensive to eat, drink and shop although there are lots of local, affordable places around Soho.
  • Both Soho and Lan Kwai Fong are the city’s busiest nightlife districts so hotels in this area are likely to be busy and noise, especially on weekends, public holidays and some evenings.

Hotels in Central

Central Hong Kong At Night
The good news is that public transport is excellent and no matter where you stay in Hong Kong, you’ll be able to get around with ease.
Four Seasons

Like its brand around the world, the Four Seasons is the place to stay if you’re willing to splash out and want to be in the heart of the action.

The huge rooms all have sweeping harbour views, flat-screen TVs, Nespresso machines and large marble bathrooms.

There is also a spa with steam rooms, a sauna, a rooftop pool, and two Michelin-star restaurants.

It is less than five minutes from the Central Ferry Pier and a short walk to Sheung Wan and Hong Kong MTR stations.

Conrad Hong Kong

Located just a short hop from Admiralty, within Hong Kong’s bustling business district, the Conrad is conveniently located within walking distance from multiple neighbourhoods and close to attractions such as The Peak and Star Ferry.

The hotel has a huge selection of amenities, including six dining options, a rooftop lounge, a fitness centre, a heated outdoor swimming pool, and a spa.

Mini Central

Mini Central is located in the heart of Central and provides easy access to popular tourist spots such as Lan Kwai Fong and Soho, as well as transportation options like the Central MTR station.

The hotel’s rooms have modern amenities, including free Wi-Fi and flat-screen TVs.

Mini Central is the perfect hotel for budget-conscious visitors to Hong Kong who still want a comfortable and convenient place to stay.

Tsim Sha Tsui (TST)

Rolled Up White Towels On The Hotel Bed
Picking where to stay in Hong Kong can make or break your vacation.

Tsim Sha Tsui, or TST as it is known locally, is probably the best neighbourhood to stay in if you’ve never been to Hong Kong.

Located on Kowloon, the neighbourhood combines local gems such as street markets and cool cafes, with breathtaking sights such as the picture-perfect view of Victoria Harbour, the Avenue of Stars and plenty of convenient shops and restaurants.

It’s also easily linked to the rest of Hong Kong by MTR and ferry.

Despite having the city’s most famous and historic hotel, The Peninsula, TST’s location means you can also find many affordable places to eat, shop and stay.

There are also great family attractions such as the Hong Kong Science Museum, Kowloon Park (waterfalls, flamingos and more) and the Hong Kong Space Museum.

Pros

  • Much more affordable than staying on Hong Kong Island, for accommodation, dining and shopping, although high-end options are also plentiful.
  • Combines local charm, such as street food, markets and shops, with refined shopping malls, harbour views and lots of attractions.
  • Easy access to everywhere in Hong Kong via MTR, from stations such as TST, Jordan and TST East, and within walking distance to the ferry piers.

Cons

  • It may take a little longer to get into the centre of Hong Kong, up to 20 minutes by MTR, taxi or ferry.
  • Lots of bars, pubs and clubs but few compared to the nightlife districts of Central, so not the place to stay if you’re looking to party.

Hotels in Tsim Tsa Tsui

Hong Kong cityscape at night
Looking for somewhere to stay in Hong Kong?
The Peninsula

The Peninsula, also known as The Pen, is one of Hong Kong’s oldest, most-renowned and prestigious hotels, with a price tag to match.

Located in the heart of Tsim Sha Tsui, with incredible views of Victoria Harbour, the hotel’s suites have a dizzying range of amenities, living spaces and modern technology.

The multiple restaurants offer award-winning cuisine, while the spa has treatments, sauna, and an indoor pool.

There’s even a helipad! Right on the harbourfront and close to multiple MTR stations, it’s the ultimate place to stay in Hong Kong.

Hotel ICON

Hotel ICON is a 5-star hotel in the heart of Tsim Sha Tsui and has stylishly designed guest rooms and suites, with stunning views of the city.

It also offers amenities, including a rooftop infinity pool, fitness centre and spa.

Many dining options exist, like Cantonese food at Above & Beyond or international dishes at The Market.

It is just a short walk to TST MTR or a little further along the harbour to reach the Star Ferry and in a quieter, residential area with great food and shopping.

Page148

Page148 is a boutique yet budget hotel located in the heart of Tsim Sha Tsui.

The hotel’s spacious rooms have free toiletries, garden views and living areas.

The facilities also include a fitness centre, library lounge and a rooftop garden with panoramic views of the city, plus the hotel’s restaurant serves delicious food and drink.

It is within walking distance of TST, Hung Hom and Jordan MTR stations, surrounded by plentiful shopping and attractions such as Kowloon Park and the Science Museum.

Mong Kok

Mongkok
If you’re wondering where to stay in Hong Kong for extra colour close to markets, try Mongkok.

Moving further up Kowloon, you’ll find the quirky, authentic neighbourhood of Mong Kok. Still well connected by MTR, this area is filled with hole-in-the-wall eateries, local shops and unusual markets – such as the famous Ladies Market, Yuen Po Bird Market and Goldfish Street.

It’s location a little further back from the harbour means you can get some of Hong Kong’s most delicious street food and find more unique attractions.

Surrounded by a technicolour of the city’s famous neon signs, this area is much more residential and where Hongkongers live, so accommodation is often more affordable.

Pros

  • An authentic area perfect for seeing the real Hong Kong, with lots of local shopping, quirky markets and street food stalls, including the famous Ladies Market and Bird Market.
  • More affordable accommodation due to being slightly further from the centre.
  • Still well connected via MTR, just a few short stops from Hong Kong Island.

Cons

  • Quite full on – if you’re looking for upmarket stays and Hong Kong’s highlife, this residential area may feel a little too busy and chaotic!
  • To visit many attractions, you’ll need to travel a few stops on the MTR to get there.

Hotels in Mongkok

Cordis

Cordis is for you if you’re looking for luxury while still staying in a bustling local area.

Its 5-star rooms and suites feature modern amenities, free Wi-Fi and city views.

The hotel has high-end dining options, including Michelin-starred Cantonese cuisine, plus a rooftop bar and lounge.

There is also a fitness centre, outdoor pool, and spa. It’s less than 5 minutes from Mong Kok MTR and surrounded by markets, restaurants and Langham Mall.

Royal Plaza Hotel

Royal Plaza Hotel is a five-star hotel situated in the heart of Kowloon.

Its beautiful rooms and suites have modern amenities, stunning city views, flat-screen TVs, and spacious bathrooms.

The onsite restaurants offer Chinese, Japanese, and international cuisine and facilities include a rooftop swimming pool, a fitness centre, and a spa.

It’s just a short walk to Mong Kok East MTR and right next to the famous Yuen Po Bird Market, and has direct access to MOKO mall, with hundreds of shops, restaurants and a cinema.

Tung Nam Lou Art Hotel

A perfect affordable option in Mong Kok, Tung Nam Lou Art Hotel is just 700m from Mong Kok MTR, providing easy access to the rest of the city.

Its rooms are modern and spacious, with stunning city views and personal iPads, and the hotel also has its own terrace, a shared lounge and 24-hour reception.

Surrounded by bustling markets and eateries, it’s an inexpensive yet comfortable base for exploring Hong Kong.

Lantau Island

Lantau Island Hong Kong
If you’re wondering where to stay in Hong Kong for peace and quite, check out Lantau Island.

Most people visiting Hong Kong stay within Hong Kong Island or Kowloon, and this is a good idea if you’ve never been before. However, many often don’t consider the benefits of staying on one of Hong Kong’s many islands.

On Cheung Chau, Lamma and the biggest island of Lantau, you’ll find many expats and digital nomads for a reason.

Ferries run 365 days to Central taking just 30 minutes.

Lantau Island has several great attractions, such as the giant Tian Tian Buddha, Ngong Ping Cable Car, Lantau Peak and abundant jungles, beaches and countryside.

It is also home to Hong Kong’s Disneyland, so is one of the best places to stay for kids, especially around the Discovery Bay area, or in Tai O for stunning beaches and possible pink dolphin spotting!

Pros

  • Much quieter than Hong Kong proper, filled with the countryside, outdoor activities, beautiful beaches and more.
  • Ideal for families, as Disneyland is close with other fun activities like visiting the Big Buddha and the world’s longest cable car.
  • Hong Kong can be reached in less than 30 minutes, and accommodation is generally more affordable. Plus it is where the airport is located for stress-free travel.

Cons

  • Not great for first-timers who prefer to be in the centre of the action, as you will need to factor in ferry schedules if visiting the city.
  • Can work out more expensive if staying in a resort and heading to Disneyland.
  • Great restaurants, but not the same choice of shopping and dining as you have in Hong Kong proper.

Hotels On Lantau Island

Tai O Heritage Hotel
tai o hotel sign
Tai O Heritage Hotel is one place to stay in Hong Kong.

The most picturesque place to stay if you’re looking to stay away from the hustle of the city and experience Hong Kong’s beautiful nature and beaches.

Tai O Heritage Hotel is located in the historic fishing village of Tai O on the northern end of Lantau Island.

The hotel is housed in a beautifully restored colonial building that was formerly a police station dating back to 1902 and has spacious rooms with modern amenities and stunning views of the surrounding area.

The hotel also offers a range of activities, such as exploring the local fishing village or taking a boat ride to see the famous pink dolphins.

If you’ve already explored Hong Kong’s main sights, this is the place to stay, as it can be a long drive plus a ferry ride to get into the city, although this is easily done on a day trip.

Disney Explorer’s Lodge

If you’re planning to explore Disneyland, there’s only one place to be: the Disney Explorer’s Lodge, right next to the park and on Lantau’s pretty coastline.

The rooms are spacious and decorated in wood, with modern amenities, and the hotel has multiple dining options for every taste.

There is also a shop selling any Disney merchandise you might have forgotten and a large swimming pool.

With easy access to the park, just a short distance to the beaches of Discovery Bay and a 40-minute ferry to Hong Kong proper, it’s a super convenient place to stay.

Silveri by MGallery is a perfect budget stay on Lantau Island.

Its pretty rooms feature flat screens, coffee machines, ensuite bathrooms, and an onsite restaurant, swimming pool, jacuzzi, fitness centre, and bar.

The hotel is conveniently located near Hong Kong Disneyland, the Tian Tan Buddha, and even closer to Hong Kong International Airport.

It is also right next to Tung Chung MTR station, where you have direct access to Kowloon and Hong Kong Island in less than 45 minutes. 

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India-Jayne Trainor
India-Jayne Trainor is a British/Australian freelance writer, photographer and contributor to various online blogs and travel websites. She has travelled to almost 30 countries, most recently Cuba and Sri Lanka. Her work focuses on solo female travel, having spent two months backpacking alone through South East Asia as well as living in Germany for a year. Her favourite country to date has been Hong Kong, but she is happy in any country by the ocean. Her next destinations are Uzbekistan and a road trip through the American Mid-West. India is currently based in London, UK.