The Best Boutique Hotels in Hong Kong

Attitude is the quirkiest hotel in Kowloon, down to the two life-sized sheep in the lobby. With dark walls and punchy artwork, you might think you’re in an upmarket youth hostel, except that you can make your stay as luxe as you like: studio suites are like cool Hong Kong apartments, decked with antique furniture and ornate tiles. The smallest rooms come with ensuites and retro styling. Barrier-free rooms are available for travellers with disabilities.

A piece of silver-screen nostalgia in the heart of the SoHo district, the 38 one-bedroom suites at Madera Hollywood are camped up with Hollywood Regency-style stardust. All the rooms have generous floorspace and kitchenettes; book the Monroe Suite for a shocking-pink-coloured paradise. The mural hotel façade features a giant Marilyn, along with Sinatra, Chaplin, Hepburn – and you may just feel like an A-lister, when you hit the complimentary welcome minibar and snacks.

With a working space, art exhibition, shop and artisan coffee house on-site, there’s plenty of creative flair at this four-star hotel in Yau Ma Tei. Among the cream decor and translucent curtains in the rooms are eccentric colonial throwbacks, such as the doily-clad side table and rotary dial telephones. You can take part in coffee and chocolate tasting for an extra fee, and flamboyance is encouraged with a vintage clothing rental service.

This trendy hotel on the thoroughfare of Nathan Road offers free morning tai chi classes and neighbourhood tours. The rooms have been revamped with 1970s styling, such as cork panelling and geometric prints. Food is a big deal at the Eaton: dine on oysters in the basement restaurant The Astor, Michelin-starred Cantonese food at Yat Tung Heen or graze at the Hong Kong-style food court.

There’s a Wes Anderson-style nostalgia to the dark wood and lacquered red lobby of this boutique hotel, inspired by the famous Star Ferry of Victoria Harbour. The maritime design includes art deco furniture, porthole mirrors and brushed brass lamps. The largest rooms have free-standing beds in the centre of the space, while bathrooms are stocked with custom-created Shen Nong toiletries, with different fragrances for morning and night.

Birthed from a former warehouse, Ovolo Southside has an industrial heritage with a colourful twist. It’s as cool as it sounds, with art installations covering every communal space, down to the blue-patterned rooftop terrace looking out to Repulse Bay and the South China Sea. Free perks include a drink at social hour, snacks and help-yourself continental breakfasts. Book a Corner Room for 180-degree mountain views and extra floor space.

With crisp white linens against charcoal walls and mid-century-inspired furniture, Page148 has a restorative quality that defies the central location on Austin Road in Tsim Sha Tsui. All the rooms have floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking tree-lined Kowloon Cricket Club. Unwind in your room – a world away from the chaos – with the free signature coffee, Marshall wireless speaker and Netflix on TV.

The Mira offers five-star boutique luxury at its finest. The 400+ guest rooms and suites are immaculately designed with sleek, urban luxe interiors and the latest in-room tech. Best of all, the hotel is found on Nathan Road in the heart of Tsim Tsa Tsui – Kowloon’s leading shopping and entertainment district. Top attractions such as the Hong Kong Heritage Museum and Space Museum are right on your doorstep. And it’s just a five-minute stroll to the Star Ferry and MTR, giving you quick access to the rest of Hong Kong.

Opened in 1881, Hullett House was once the Marine Police Headquarters. Now, it envelops you in old Hong Kong charm; a welcome break from the onslaught of ultra-modern skyscrapers that otherwise dominate the city. It features 10 individually themed suites, all generously sized with high ceilings, wooden floors and enormous balconies. Wake up here and you’ll feel like royalty as you enjoy breakfast on the veranda and look over the beautiful grounds. The hotel has several in-house dining options and has a prime location in the heart of Tsim Sha Tsui surrounded by restaurants, shopping malls and attractions.

In the heart of the chic and historically rich Wan Chai neighbourhood, Hotel Indigo is on the doorstep of many of the best shops, markets, restaurants, bars and nightspots on Hong Kong Island. A standout feature is the glass-bottomed infinity pool located on the 29th floor; a generous portion hanging over the edge of the building allows you to look down on the streets below. It makes great social feed fodder if someone takes a photo of you from ground level.

If you’re looking to explore the city, you can’t do much better than the often-overlooked Bauhinia Hotel in Central. It’s located right where the eclectic Sheung Wan neighbourhood meets Central, convenient for transport with the MTR station around the corner, plus a neighbouring taxi stand and tram station. The Shun Tak Centre, with ferries to Macau, is across the road. And with 42 generously sized guest rooms plus free broadband wifi, it’s very reasonably priced.

Your in-room minibar here is free and replenished every day – enjoy the stock with the sweeping Victoria Harbour views from your luxurious room. The hotel is conveniently located in the harbourside Tsim Sha Tsui East entertainment district surrounded by the trendiest restaurants and bars in town. Operated in association with a hospitality training school, you get exceedingly good value for money, too.

Situated in the first historic stone-slab street in the city, the Pottinger is designed to reflect the local east-meets-west heritage with 68 luxury guest rooms embracing the charm of old Hong Kong with a modern twist. The hotel is also steps from restaurants, shops and speciality street stalls, plus the premier nightlife and party scene in Hong Kong.

Hotel Stage in the vibrant Jordan neighbourhood shines the spotlight on local character and culture. The hotel has an in-house art initiative and gallery space that showcases works by local artists with a commitment to fostering a sense of culture and community. The guest rooms are designed with minimalist interiors and are equipped with state-of-the-art tech. The hotel is also in easy reach of several prominent Kowloon landmarks and attractions including Tin Hau Temple and the popular Temple Street Night Market.

With an all-glass exterior, 99 Bonham is ultra sleek from the outside and equally so inside. This all-suite hotel features 84 spacious, stylishly minimalist rooms with luxury bathrooms and fantastic views. Some feature a small kitchenette, too. Located in the heart of Sheung Wan, it’s one of the most fascinating neighbourhoods to explore – brimming with some of the best restaurants, cafes, bars, antique stores and historic sights the city has to offer. Popular nightlife spots, including Lan Kwai Fong and SoHo, are just a short walk away. The MTR subway station is also around the corner, providing easy access to Central and the rest of Hong Kong.