Hong Kong is a vibrant city with many distinct neighbourhoods, each offering a different experience. Choosing where to stay depends on what you want to explore: markets, food, shopping, nightlife, nature, or simply being close to public transport.
This guide provides a clear overview of the main districts where travellers typically choose to stay, with practical insights, local context and hotel suggestions based on traveller reviews and location convenience.
Key information
Before diving into the different neighbourhoods and choosing the best place to stay in Hong Kong, here are a few essential points to help you understand the city from a visitor’s perspective.
Our recommended places to stay
If you’re short on time, here are a few accommodation options that travellers often appreciate for their location and overall convenience:
- $ this hotel (booking.com), located in the Sheung Wan area, offering compact rooms and a good balance between price, comfort and location
- $$ this establishment (booking.com), also in Sheung Wan, this property blends traditional elements with modern style.
- $$$ this 5star (booking.com), a waterfront hotel known for its premium facilities and scenic views.
Map of the different areas to stay in Hong Kong
Here is a map showing the hotels mentioned in this guide, along with the main neighbourhoods covered in the article. It’s a simple way to visualise where each area is located and compare the options more easily.
We’ve used the following colour 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
Here’s an overview of the main neighbourhoods where travellers usually stay, and what you can expect from each area.
Some of the links shown below are affiliate links. If you book through them, we may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you.Central & Admiralty: business district, modern city life and great transport
Central is Hong Kong’s main business district. Here you’ll find some of the city’s major skyscrapers, luxury malls, international restaurants, and access points to the Peak Tram and ferries. Admiralty, just next door, provides a similar atmosphere with slightly quieter streets.
Hotels in this area tend to be more business-oriented and generally belong to the upper budget range, but the convenience and modern environment make Central an excellent base for many travellers.
Central is also a great option for first-time visitors who want excellent transport connections and easy access to the city’s main sites.
Part of the renowned Mandarin Oriental group, this hotel offers a luxury experience with facilities including a pool, spa and gym. Its location is very convenient, just a short walk from the MTR, and the property also features an on-site bar and restaurant. It’s a suitable choice for travellers looking for a high-end stay in Hong Kong.
Tsim Sha Tsui (TST): central, lively and convenient
Tsim Sha Tsui is a very popular area for visitors. Located at the southern tip of Kowloon, it offers a mix of shopping streets, museums, restaurants and easy access to ferries and MTR lines. The waterfront promenade, with views of Hong Kong Island, is one of the highlights of staying here.
Accommodation in TST includes a wide range of mid-range and upscale hotels. Many travellers appreciate the neighbourhood for its walkability and transportation options.
Tsim Sha Tsui is often recommended for first-time visitors thanks to its central location and easy access to major attractions.
This budget-friendly hotel is a suitable option for travellers looking to keep accommodation costs low. The rooms are simple, well arranged and offer views of the Central skyline. The property features two on-site restaurants, as well as an outdoor pool and a gym.
The Mira offers good value for money and includes facilities such as an outdoor pool, spa, gym and bar. With five restaurants serving both local and international dishes, the hotel provides a range of dining options. Its convenient location near Nathan Road is one of its main advantages.
Part of the Regent hotel group, this luxury property features elegant, contemporary interiors. Many rooms and dining areas overlook Victoria Harbour, offering impressive views. Facilities include three infinity Jacuzzi pools, a large swimming pool, a gym and several restaurants serving a variety of cuisines. It’s a strong choice for travellers looking for a high-end stay in Hong Kong.
Mong Kok & Yau Ma Tei: markets, local life and great value
These neighbourhoods reflect a more traditional side of Hong Kong. Mong Kok is famous for its markets, street food and compact streets, while Yau Ma Tei offers a slightly calmer atmosphere with cultural spots and local eateries.
Hotels here are generally more affordable, making this area a good choice for travellers who want to experience daily Hong Kong life while staying well connected to the rest of the city.
Mong Kok and Yau Ma Tei are ideal for visitors looking for a more local atmosphere and lively neighbourhood life.
This hostel is a practical option for travellers on a tight budget and is known for offering some of the more affordable rates in the city. The spaces are compact, but the central location is convenient. The property is clean and the staff are generally described as welcoming.
Cordis is an upscale hotel with modern facilities, including a rooftop swimming pool that many guests appreciate. The property offers four on-site restaurants serving both local and Mediterranean cuisine, as well as a spa with massage services. The MTR station is located about 200 metres away, which makes it easy to explore the area.
Causeway Bay & Wan Chai: nightlife, busy streets and a strategic location
Causeway Bay is one of the most energetic parts of Hong Kong. It’s known for its shopping malls, department stores, small cafés and restaurants. Despite the lively environment, the area also has Victoria Park and quieter side streets.
Accommodation here is diverse, including mid-range hotels and boutique properties. Visitors often choose Causeway Bay for the combination of convenience, food options and urban atmosphere.
Causeway Bay is a popular choice for travellers who prioritise shopping streets and a wide range of food options.
Wan Chai is an interesting mix of business buildings, traditional markets, nightlife streets and historic sites. It’s located between Central and Causeway Bay, which makes it practical if you want to explore Hong Kong Island without long travel times.
The area offers a variety of accommodation, from business hotels to modern lifestyle properties. Travellers often appreciate Wan Chai for its central location and diversity of things to do.
Wan Chai suits travellers who want both convenience and nightlife, with plenty of things to do within walking distance.
Part of the Pullman hotel chain, The Park Lane offers several facilities including three restaurants, a gym and a bar. It is conveniently located about 250 metres from an MTR station, and many travellers appreciate the harbour views available from some areas of the hotel. It is reasonably priced for this part of Hong Kong.
With its modern design and comfortable atmosphere, The Hari offers rooms with attractive city views and a choice of four on-site restaurants serving Japanese, Italian and international cuisine. The hotel also includes a gym and a bar, making it a well-rounded option for visitors.
This upscale hotel offers spacious interiors and elegant design. Guests can enjoy a selection of international dining options, as well as facilities such as a spa, bar and gym. Some rooms overlook the pool, adding to the appeal for travellers seeking a premium stay in Hong Kong.
Summary
Here’s a quick summary to help you decide:
- First-time visitors: Tsim Sha Tsui or Central
- Shopping and food: Causeway Bay
- Local atmosphere: Mong Kok / Yau Ma Tei
- Nightlife + convenience: Wan Chai
- A balanced option for most itineraries: Wan Chai or TST
If you prefer quieter surroundings or you’re planning a short stay, Lantau Island is a peaceful alternative. The island offers hiking paths, beaches, family attractions and scenic cable-car rides. For travellers with early flights, airport hotels on Lantau provide comfort and excellent access to the terminals. Public transport connects Lantau to Central and Kowloon in under an hour.
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