Hong Kong and Macau_ City Guide (Lonely Planet, 14th Edition) - Andrew Stone [179]
KOWLOON HOTEL HONG KONG Map Hotel $$$
2929 2888; www.thekowloonhotel.com; 19-21 Nathan Rd; s $2000-4400, d $2100-4600, ste from $3900; MTR Tsim Sha Tsui (exit E);
The Kowloon Hotel has a dated feel about it, with its 1990s techno aesthetic and views of the back of the Peninsula. Nevertheless, the hotel is popular for its unflappable service, central location and decent if rather small rooms. Rates drop dramatically off season.
BP INTERNATIONAL HOTEL Map Hotel $$
2376 1111; www.bpih.com.hk; 8 Austin Rd; r $1250-2600, ste from $3800; MTR Jordan (exit C); (14th-17th fl)
This enormous hotel overlooks Kowloon Park and is relatively convenient to most places of interest in Tsim Sha Tsui. The rooms are of a reasonable standard and some of the more expensive ones have good harbour views. There are family rooms with bunk beds available, making this a good option if you’re travelling with kids. Haggle before you book: depending on the season and day of the week, prices are often reduced by 50%.
SALISBURY Map Hostel $, Hotel $$
2268 7000; www.ymcahk.org.hk; 41 Salisbury Rd; dm $240, s $700-950, d $700-1000, ste from $1450; Star Ferry;
If you can manage to book a room at the fabulously located, YMCA-run Salisbury, you’ll be rewarded with professional service and excellent exercise facilities, including a swimming pool, a fitness centre and a climbing wall. The rooms and suites are comfortable but simple, so keep your eyes on the harbour: that view would cost you five times as much at the Peninsula next door. The four-bed dormitory rooms are a bonus, but there are restrictions: check-in is at 2pm, no one can stay more than seven consecutive nights, and walk-in guests aren’t accepted if they’ve been in Hong Kong for more than 10 days.
SEALAND HOUSE Map Guesthouse $
2368 9522; www.sealandhouse.com.hk; Flat D, 8th fl, Majestic House, 80 Nathan Rd; s $320-380, d $350-480; MTR Tsim Sha Tsui (exit B2);
This eight-room place, towering above Nathan Rd, is small but clean and very bright. Wi-fi is included in the rates. Rooms without private bathrooms are a bit cheaper. Enter from Cameron Rd.
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TSIM SHA TSUI EAST & HUNG HOM
INTERCONTINENTAL HONG KONG Map Luxury Hotel $$$$
2721 1211; www.hongkong-ic.intercontinental.com; 18 Salisbury Rd; r $4700, ste from $7800; MTR Tsim Sha Tsui (exit F);
Occupying arguably the finest waterfront position in the territory, the InterContinental tilts at modernity while bowing to colonial traditions, such as a fleet of navy-blue Rolls Royces, doormen liveried in white, and incessant brass polishing. The emphasis on service ensures a lot of return customers, from rock stars to business VIPs. Restaurants such as the Steak House Click here, Nobu and Spoon are top class. The InterContinental Lobby Lounge Click here bar has the best views in Hong Kong.
KOWLOON SHANGRI-LA Map Luxury Hotel $$$$
2721 2111; www.shangri-la.com; 64 Mody Rd, Tsim Sha Tsui East; s $3498-5048, d $3798-5348, ste from $5380; 5C or 8;
Almost as swish as its sister hotel, Island Shangri-La Hong Kong Click here, in Admiralty, the views here and the bars and restaurants, including the Japanese food at Nadaman, are excellent. We love the enormous murals of imperial Chinese scenes in the lobby.
ROYAL GARDEN Map Luxury Hotel $$$$
2721 5215; www.rghk.com.hk; 69 Mody Rd, Tsim Sha Tsui East; s $2900-3900, d $3100-4100, ste from $4800; 5C or 8;
The 422-room Royal Garden is one of the best-equipped hotels in Tsim Sha Tsui East and one of the territory’s most attractive options. From the blonde-wood and chrome lobby and atrium to the rooftop sports complex (25m pool, putting green and tennis court with million-dollar views), the Royal Garden ticks all the boxes. The rooms are highly specced with plasma screens and large, comfortable beds. You should be able to secure large discounts off the quoted rates. Sabatini Italian