Hong Kong and Macau_ City Guide (Lonely Planet, 14th Edition) - Andrew Stone [180]
PARK HOTEL Map Hotel $$$
2731 2100; www.parkhotel.com.hk; 61-65 Chatham Rd S; s $2200-3500, d $2400-3700, ste from $5500; MTR Tsim Sha Tsui (exit B2);
The spacious rooms have a welcoming feel, a sense backed up by the warm service. The history and science museums are just over the road, and the hustle of Granville Rd is a block away. Enter from Cameron Rd.
BUTTERFLY ON PRAT Map Hotel $$$
3962 8888; www.butterflyhk.com; 21 Prat Ave; r $1700-1900, ste from $2500; MTR Tsim Sha Tsui (exit A2);
Its lobby may look a little flighty – which can happen when nouveau baroque gets out of hand – but don’t be put off. All 22 rooms are presentable, with matching fabrics, glass partitions, a queen-sized bed and a host of conveniences, including microwave oven, broadband and TV with 30 channels. Staff are very attentive, and guests get discounts at eateries nearby.
EMPIRE KOWLOON Map Hotel $$$
3692 2222; www.empirehotel.com.hk; 62 Kimberley Rd; r $1600-2400, ste from $3000; MTR Tsim Sha Tsui (exit B1);
This sister hotel of the Empire Hotel Hong Kong Click here offers modern, comfortable rooms and an excellent indoor atrium swimming pool and spa. It’s an easy stroll from here to just about anywhere in Tsim Sha Tsui. Check the website for promotions.
KIMBERLEY HOTEL Map Hotel $$$
2723 3888; www.kimberleyhotel.com.hk; 28 Kimberley Rd; r $1500-2350, ste from $2800; MTR Tsim Sha Tsui (exit B1);
The Kimberley isn’t a glamorous property, but it’s one of the better midrange hotels in Tsim Sha Tsui East. You’ll find assured staff and large, chintz-free rooms with good facilities. The hotel also has golf nets and a health spa. The lobby, a leafy and cool oasis up from the bustle, is on the 2nd floor. Summer rates are half the quoted ones.
MINDEN Map Hotel $$
2739 7777; www.theminden.com; 7 Minden Ave; r $900-1500, ste from $2500; MTR Tsim Sha Tsui (exit G);
This almost-boutique 64-room hotel, tucked away on relatively quiet Minden Ave, is one of our favourites. It’s central, being well located for both Tsim Sha Tsui and Tsim Sha Tsui East stations, and very reasonable value. The lobby is stuffed with Chinese antiques and paintings, while the rooms are serene and comfortable, with all the amenities you’d expect included in the rates.
HOTEL PANORAMA Map Hotel $$
3550 0388; www.hotelpanorama.com.hk; 8A Hart Ave; r $888-1488, ste $3180; MTR East Tsim Sha Tsui (exit N);
As its name suggests, you’ll find panoramic views at this hotel – but only above the 17th floor. The lower rooms overlook old buildings nearby, which may not be every-one’s cup of tea. That said, all rooms are tastefully furnished, and the breezy Sky Garden on the 40th floor offers some of the best vistas of Tsim Sha Tsui. The friendly tourist desk helps to organise China visas.
STAR GUEST HOUSE Map Guesthouse $
2723 8951; www.starguesthouse.com; Flat B, 6th fl, 21 Cameron Rd; s & d with shared bathroom $300, s/d with private bathroom from $350/450, tr with private bathroom $550; MTR Tsim Sha Tsui (exit B2);
This excellent guesthouse and its sister property just up the road, the Lee Garden Guest House ( Map; 2367 2284; charliechan@iname.com; 8th fl, D Block, 36 Cameron Rd), with a total of 45 rooms, are owned by the charismatic Charlie Chan, who can arrange most things for you, including China visas. Long-term stayers get good discounts. The rooms at Star have satellite TV, while Lee Garden has a computer for guests’ use.
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KOWLOON WEST
W HONG KONG Map Luxury Hotel $$$$
3717 2222; www.whotels.com; 1 Austin Rd W; r from $4500, ste $7800-45,000; MTR Kowloon (exit C1);
W features wow-worthy interiors created by an Australian and a Japanese designer, with rooms named after superlatives (wonderful, spectacular, fantastic…). Very impressed we were by the aesthetics, the sleek gadgetry, the harbour views in the suites and the ‘highest pool in the city’ (72nd floor), but slightly less so by the service at both the hotel and its restaurants.
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