It’s one of the world’s largest metropolises, with over 7 million inhabitants. A blend of modernity and tradition, Hong Kong can be visited in just a few days. Planning a trip but don’t know where to stay in Hong Kong?
To answer this question, this guide provides all the information you need to know about the best places to stay in Hong Kong. Ambiance, must-sees, getting around, accommodation, you’ll find advice for each area to make your stay a good one. We also offer a list of hotels to suit every budget.
Key information
Before going into the description of the districts to target to identify the place to stay in Hong Kong, here are the essentials to know about the city, from a tourist point of view.
Our favorite places to stay
If you’re in a hurry, here are our favorite places to stay in Hong Kong:
- $ this hotel, is well located in the Sheung Wan district. The rooms are small, but the quality/price/location ratio is very attractive.
- $$ this establishment, in the same area, combines tradition and modernism.
- $$$ this 5star, on the waterfront. It’s one of the finest upmarket.
Map of different areas to stay in Hong Kong
We’re sharing the map on which you can find our hotel recommendations. This map also allows you to locate the different geographical areas we’ll be covering in this guide.
We’ve used the following color code: green for budget hotels, blue for mid-range hotels and red for luxury hotels.
Hong Kong accomodation essentials
Places to stay in Hong Kong
Let’s get to the heart of the matter with a review of the main areas where we recommend staying in Hong Kong.
Staying in Central, Hong Kong's business district
Central, the business district on Hong Kong Island, is a great place to stay, and is undoubtedly the best place to stay in Hong Kong. You're right in the heart of the action!
Between the towering skyscrapers, you'll find a frenetic, over-the-top atmosphere. Restaurants are crowded with business people and tourists alike, and shopping malls abound. You'll find parks where you can relax in the fresh air. Central also boasts a lively nightlife, thanks to its many bars and nightclubs.
Victoria Harbour, one of the largest in the world, offers traditional boat trips and ferry crossings to both shores. If you stay here, you'll be close to a must-see when visiting the metropolis: Victoria Peak, a viewpoint offering breathtaking panoramic views of the city. The more traditional Man Mo temple is well worth a visit. Not forgetting the Botanical and Zoological Gardens, Golden Bauhinia Square and the Maritime Museum.
When it comes to places to stay in Hong Kong, this is the area where you'll find the most luxury hotels. Due to its highly sought-after location, rates soar whatever the time of year. Celebrities and VIPs stay here.
Getting around couldn't be easier, with numerous MTR (Mass Transit Railway) lines converging on Central. The Island Line crosses Hong Kong Island from west to east, while the Tsuen Wan Line links Central to the Kowloon peninsula. The latter serves Tsim Sha Tsui and Mong Kok, all in less than 20 minutes.
Our recommended accommodations
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Very elegant hotel overlooking the bay. Very modern, the rooms are small but comfortable. You'll appreciate the terrace where you can cool off at the end of the day. A very good place to stay in Hong Kong.
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This boutique hotel offers family rooms. Close to the MTR. The decoration is sober but it's good value for money. It's a good address for families, ideal for accommodation in Hong Kong not far from the city center.
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Luxury establishment of the prestigious Mandarin Oriental group, where refinement is at its best. Swimming pool, spa and gym are available. Its excellent location is just a stone's throw from the metro. On-site bar and restaurant. This is the place to stay if you're on a budget.
Tsim Sha Tsui, lively and historic place to stay
The second best place to stay in Hong Kong is Tsim Sha Tsui. This is one of Hong Kong's best areas, making it an ideal base if you want to be in the heart of the city. This area is part of the more historic Kowloon.
Tsim Sha Tsui is even more dynamic than Central, with its lively, boutique-filled streets. Just as dynamic by day as it is by night, with its bars and restaurants, boutiques and markets, and shopping malls, this popular district never really sleeps.
Victoria Harbour offers a beautiful view of the Hong Kong Island skyline. The Tsim Sha Tsui promenade is another great place to admire the skyline, not to mention the Avenue of Stars.
A must-see is the Clock Tower, also known as the Former Kowloon-Canton Railway Clock Tower, located at the tip of the peninsula. Walk up Temple Street to the night market. This is the city's best-known night market, and well worth a visit. Nathan Road is a must-see for its neon lights.
You'll find beautiful hotels as well as budget accommodation. There's a wide range of accommodation on offer, even if prices are still high. To get around, the Tsuen Wan Line is your best bet, as it crosses the district from north to south.
Our recommended accommodations
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Low-cost hotel, perfect for small budgets. Rooms are decent, well-decorated and overlook the Central skyline. There are two restaurants on site. We really appreciate the outdoor pool and gym.
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Excellent value for money, with an outdoor pool, spa, gym and bar. A total of five restaurants offer both local and international cuisine. The hotel's greatest asset is its location just a stone's throw from Nathan Road.
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A luxurious complex from the Regent hotel chain, this establishment is imposing in its elegance. The decor is chic and modern. Rooms and dining areas overlook Victoria Harbour, offering superb views. There are 3 infinity Jacuzzi pools, as well as a large swimming pool and gym. The 4 restaurants offer a variety of cuisine. If your budget allows, this is clearly the place to stay!
Choosing Mong Kok for your animation
This is one of Hong Kong'smost popular districts. With its wide, boutique-filled avenues, local cuisine and flower markets, there are many reasons to choose Mong Kok. Staying here is also more affordable, and the atmosphere is pleasant.
Nestled between the tall buildings is Kowloon Park, the peninsula's green lung. It's a great place to relax in the cool, away from the hustle and bustle. Mong Kok is the most densely populated district in the world, with around 130,000 inhabitants per km2.
Those who love shopping will be delighted to discover the Ladies' Market. And don't hesitate to sample the street food, where the best stalls are to be found.
The Tsuen Wan Line takes you to Central, the furthest point of interest, in around 15 minutes. The Prince Edward, Mong Kok and Yau Ma Tei stations will get you around the metropolis quickly.
When it comes to where to stay, you'll find that accommodation is more affordable, even if there's less on offer than in previous areas. Hotels are much more affordable in this part of town.
Our recommended accommodations
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This hostel is undoubtedly the best way to stay in Hong Kong on a budget, as it's probably one of the cheapest places to stay. Admittedly, everything here is tiny, but the location makes up for it. It's clean and the staff are pleasant.
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Tastefully decorated, this accommodation offers spacious rooms and a fitness center. The location is convenient, just a stone's throw from Yau Ma Tei station. Breakfast is included in the package.
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Superb, fairly upscale hotel. Its top-floor swimming pool is its greatest asset. The 4 on-site restaurants offer local and Mediterranean cuisine. A special highlight is the spa offering massages. The MRT station is 200m away. This is a great place to stay in Hong Kong.
Staying on the rest of Hong Kong Island
The last alternative for staying in Hong Kong is on the island just off Central. This is where you'll find Wan Chai and Causebay. These two districts to the west also have a number of qualities in addition to providing good accommodation.
First of all, there's Wan Chai, famous for hosting the Convention and Exhibition Centre, and the famous square opposite it, Golden Bauhinia Square. Don't miss the daily flag-raising ceremony. Antique and technology stores mix here. This area is mainly frequented by working locals, but you'll find plenty to do as a tourist.
Causeway Bay is a little more upmarket, with refined establishments - from restaurants to boutiques. If you're in the area, you can check out the Hong Kong Central Library before settling down in Victoria Park. It's worth noting that there's much less on offer here.
The Island Line, which crosses Hong Kong Island, takes you to Central, a connection to the Kowloon peninsula. Accommodation is more affordable, with mid-range prices. You'll have the advantage of being well placed.
Our recommended accommodations
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A Pullman hotel chain establishment that's quite well equipped: three restaurants, a gym and a bar for you to enjoy. It's conveniently located (250m from an MRT station). We come here mainly for its harbor views. Reasonably priced for the area.
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With its modern design, this is a very pleasant establishment. As well as offering spectacular views, it boasts 4 restaurants serving Japanese, Italian and international cuisine. On-site gym and bar. A great place to stay.
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A very spacious, elegant luxury hotel that stands out from the crowd. The decor is refined and the restaurants all offer an international menu. Some rooms overlook the pool. There's a spa, bar and gym. A superb place to stay in Hong Kong.
Summary
This guide ends here. You now know everything there is to know about the best places to stay in Hong Kong. Choose Central and Tsim Sha Tsui for a livelier atmosphere, while Mong Kok and Wan Chai and Causeway offer a quieter, more affordable place to stay.