Hong Kong hotels

Although the city has plenty of great street food, this is one of the best hotels in Hong Kong for those seeking a more refined culinary experience. Its restaurants have eight Michelin stars between them, but my preferred spot is Argo, a glowing cocktail hotspot (literally, the Art Deco-style central bar emits a glittering light) that’s made the World’s Best Bars list.

Set in the bustling Central district, all the guestrooms have stunning views of Victoria Harbour or Victoria Peak. Some suites come with Executive Club lounge access, which means you can admire the incredible sights from the 45th-floor Executive Club, enjoy complimentary snacks and meals and get express check-in and check-out.

What’s more, the spa here isn’t just a spa—it’s a whole wellness area complete with classes, workshops and visiting holistic practitioners.

Known as the “Grande Dame of the Far East”, this is one of the best hotels in Hong Kong for historic elegance. The Peninsula Hong Kong dates back to 1928 and after a 1994 refresh and expansion, it’s now the city’s glittering jewel with its own helipad.

Other modern touches include a fleet of signature green Rolls Royces, which you can request for an airport transfer (if you’re not going for a transfer by helicopter, that is). View the Rolls Royce collection from a courtyard room, or select any of the higher room categories to enjoy vistas of Kowloon’s skyscrapers or Victoria Harbour.

Although the hotel has a variety of international restaurants (some with Michelin stars), I find the afternoon tea service particularly delightful, thanks to its delicious treats, live music and memorable waterfront views.

One of the best hotels in Hong Kong for a boutique stay, the Lanson Place Causeway Bay sits at the base of the Wong Nai Chung Reservoir Park and Tai Tam and overlooks Victoria Park.

The charming hotel has a European feel, thanks to its French designer Pierre-Yves Rochon. In the guestrooms you’ll find amenities like Nespresso coffee machines, yoga mats on request and, for those travelling for longer periods or with families, kitchenettes. I also appreciated the guest laundry facilities here when travelling with my family.

While the entire hotel has a peaceful ambiance, the L’Orangerie, a warm and inviting courtyard space, is my preferred hangout spot. And for travellers looking to make new friends or try novel activities, the hotel puts on a range of fun events, such as whiskey and chocolate workshops, gong baths, Tai Chi classes and jazz music sessions.

Learn more about Chinese culture with a stay at Mira Moon in Causeway Bay, which takes its design inspiration from the Chinese Mid-Autumn Festival (also known as the Moon Festival).

The carved wood interiors, vintage Chinese textiles, and bold red details pull in the historic aspects of the city and its famous legends, while still offering all the modern comforts I look for in a hotel stay, like large, comfortable beds and rainfall showers. One of the best boutique hotels in Hong Kong, some of the 87 guestrooms also feature views of the harbour (as does the 24-hour fitness centre).

Mira Moon’s Supergiant restaurant and cocktail bar whips up Asian fusion cuisine, and even the drinks menus here draw on the history and fabled fairy tales of the hotel’s inspiration—my favourites are the Jade Rabbit or the Fly Me To The Moon cocktails.

This is one of the best hotels in Hong Kong for families, thanks to its 21 themed rooms, a child-centric splash pad and massive outdoor pool. I don’t think my son’s ever slept better than he did in one of the hotel’s vintage tramway-inspired bunk beds.

The Island Shangri-La, Hong Kong also has child-friendly rooms with submarine, castle and treetop beds, plus other options with children's slides and stuffed animals like teddy bears. There’s also The Hangout, a family space with grab-and-go snacks and family-friendly seating, and The Workshop, a family activity and playroom.

Meanwhile, parents will love the views of verdant Victoria Peak, the serene Yun Wellness Spa and the trendy Lobster Bar, an eclectic space with fun cocktails—try the Bohemian Aristocrat or the Pink Chihuahua.

If you’re after a relaxing escape, The Upper House is one of the best hotels in Hong Kong for a calm and tranquil vacation. It was designed by a resident Hong Kong architect, André Fu, with serenity and simplicity in mind.

The understated space feels far away from the hustle and bustle of Hong Kong’s busy streets, with wood-clad rooms, and studios and suites that boast massive windows with stellar views. The hotel is also ideal for families, as it has a jungle-themed playroom and offers music workshops for kids. There’s even a children’s nail bar, so your little ones can get mini manicures.

Still, I found my solo stay at the Upper House especially rejuvenating, thanks to the open-air yoga and meditation classes and the outdoor lawn bar, a quiet garden that offers cozy seating, snacks and drinks.

Located in the city’s Central neighbourhood, the Mandarin Oriental Hong Kong’s Asian-inspired guestrooms feature details like silk textiles and antique Chinese art. They still have a contemporary feel though, thanks to amenities like sleek marble bathrooms and large windows with views over Victoria Harbour or the Hong Kong skyline.

Another one of the best hotels in Hong Kong for food lovers, there are nine restaurants and bars to choose from. My favourites include the Cake Shop, which serves up tasty sweet treats, and the Michelin-starred Man Wah. The 25th-floor, blue-panelled Cantonese restaurant is a Hong Kong institution, dating back to 1968 and offering magical views of the water and gleaming skyline.

The award-winning spa is another spot you shouldn’t miss. Swim in the indoor pool or get a signature treatment such as the body ritual Oriental Qi, which uses essential oils and massage techniques for the ultimate relaxation.

The Ritz-Carlton Hong Kong is one of the best hotels in Hong Kong if you want to stay close to Kowloon attractions, like the Hong Kong Palace Museum and the Kowloon Art Park. It’s also one of the highest hotels in Hong Kong, located on the 103rd floor of a conference centre.

Since it’s so high up, this is also one of the best hotels in Hong Kong for impressive vistas. Every guestroom and suite features a bird’s eye, panoramic view of the skyline or Victoria Harbour, alongside muted, elegant furnishings and marble bathrooms.

You can spot those dazzling views pretty much everywhere in the hotel: I love gazing out over the glistening water and skyline wherever I am. Each of the restaurants and bars offer expansive vistas, and even the spa’s treatment rooms, fitness centre and indoor bar overlook the city or Victoria Harbor.

The Mondrian Hong Kong’s dynamic and modern design makes this a real gem in the city’s Tsim Sha Tsui district. It’s particularly notable for being the first Mondrian property in greater China.

All guestrooms have city or water views (and luxurious amenities like MALIN+GOETZ toiletries and coffee machines), but opting for a higher room category means you may get my preferred room: one with a corner, double window to maximize those views.

You can also catch the same vistas from the floor-to-ceiling windows at Avoca on the 38th floor, where you can sip cocktails on velvet couches. Or, go for a steak dinner at Carna by Dario Cecchini, a zero-waste Italian steakhouse where you can enjoy nose-to-tail dining. Step outside the hotel, and you’ll be surrounded by shops and restaurants, as well the Signal Hill Garden.

Another spot that features the interior design touch of André Fu, this is one of the finest luxury hotels in Hong Kong. Located in Wan Chai, I love the St. Regis Hong Kong because it has it all: truly luxurious guestrooms and suites, an outdoor pool, both indoor and al fresco dining options, a fitness centre, a spa and a drawing room for afternoon tea.

Guestrooms pull in some of the Wan Chai district’s history, featuring curved headboards and lantern lamps. I love how opulent they are, with walls of windows and large soaking tubs in the marble bathrooms.

Carrying on the luxurious vibe, the hotel has two restaurants with two Michelin stars apiece: Rùn, a classic Cantonese spot, and L'Envol, a French eatery.