Hong Kong and Macau_ City Guide (Lonely Planet, 14th Edition) - Andrew Stone [171]
RENAISSANCE HARBOUR VIEW HOTEL Map Luxury Hotel $$$$
2802 8888; www.marriott.com/hotel-search/china/; 1 Harbour Rd; r $3300-4100, ste from $5000; 18, MTR Wan Chai (exit A5);
This spectacular hotel with a cavernous marble lobby adjoins the Hong Kong Convention & Exhibition Centre, ensuring steady suit-and-tie custom and marvellous harbour views from 65% of the guestrooms. Leisure travellers will appreciate the good service, outdoor pool and activities complex with a golf driving range and tennis courts. Rates drop significantly in off-peak periods.
FLEMING Map Business Hotel $$$
3607 2288; www.thefleming.com; 41 Fleming Rd; r $1880-2980; MTR Wan Chai (exit A2);
Forgive the new ‘urban lifestyle concept’ marketing drivel. This is just the kind of stylish, small-ish hotel Wan Chai needs. Located on a quiet road set back from all the Wan Chai nighttime madness, the rooms strike a good balance between smart minimalism and cosy homeliness. Executive rooms come complete with a home office, kitchenette and yoga mats, and there’s also a secure, women-only floor.
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METROPARK HOTEL Map Hotel $$$
2863 7330; www.metroparkhotelwanchai.com; 41-49 Hennessy Rd; r $1600-2200, ste from $3800; MTR Wan Chai (exit B);
This hotel had some unwanted publicity when it was shut down for seven days after one of its guests was found to be the carrier of Asia’s first confirmed case of swine flu. But we don’t think that should deter anyone from staying here. It’s central, the rooms are spick and span, and the staff helpful.
EMPIRE HOTEL HONG KONG Map Hotel $$$
3692 2111; www.empirehotel.com.hk; 33 Hennessy Rd, Wan Chai; r/ste from $1600/2800; MTR Wan Chai (exit A2);
With its sunny staff, pleasant rooms, outdoor swimming pool and fitness centre on the 21st-floor terrace, the 360-room Empire is a good option and an easy hop from the Hong Kong Convention & Exhibition Centre. Enter from Fenwick St.
HARBOUR VIEW Map Hotel $$$
2802 0111; www.theharbourview.com.hk; 4 Harbour Rd; r $1600, fortnightly/monthly packages from $7000/14,400; 18, MTR Wan Chai (exit A5);
Right next door to the Hong Kong Arts Centre and a mere stroll to the Hong Kong Convention & Exhibition Centre and Wan Chai ferry terminal, this 320-room, YMCA-run hotel is excellent value. It offers simply furnished but adequate rooms, and exceptionally friendly staff. Room rack rates can drop by as much as 45%.
CHARTERHOUSE HOTEL Map Hotel $$
2833 5566; www.charterhouse.com; 209-219 Wan Chai Rd; s/d/ste from $1400/1700/2000; MTR Wan Chai (exit A3), Morrison Hill Rd Tram;
On the leafy side of Wan Chai, you’re almost getting top-end accommodation for midrange rates (as little as $800 if it’s quiet). The ‘signature’ floor is a rather bleak attempt at ‘boutique’. The standard rooms, with quality fittings and restful decor, will do just fine.
GARDEN VIEW Map Hotel $$
2877 3737; www.ywca.org.hk; 1 MacDonnell Rd, Central; r/ste from $1350/2500, weekly packages from $4200; green minibus 1A;
Straddling the border of Central and the Mid-Levels, the YWCA-run Garden View, with 133 rooms, overlooks the Zoological & Botanical Gardens. Accommodation here is plain but comfortable enough and comes with an outdoor swimming pool. Daily rates drop substantially in the low season.
WESLEY HONG KONG Map Hotel $$
3553 6861; www.hanglung.com; 22 Hennessy Rd; r $1150-2000, weekly packages $4550, monthly packages $12,800-17,800; MTR Admiralty (exit F);
The rooms look a bit tired and service is somewhat lax. But if price and location matter