Lying directly across the harbour from Hong Kong Island, Kowloon has evolved into the city’s leading shopping, arts and entertainment district. It’s also home to Hong Kong’s finest hotels. For the best hospitality, facilities and locations in town, these hotels have got you covered.
No list of Kowloon hotels would be complete without including the grand dame of Hong Kong hospitality. The Peninsula is the city’s most iconic luxury hotel and has become a destination all of its own. Built by the British in 1928, it has evolved to represent the best of East-meets-West hospitality. Expect classic old-school elegance and impeccable service; luxurious but not snobby. Located in the heart of Tsim Tsa Tsui, the hotel is on the doorstep of major attractions with the majority of rooms offering sweeping views of the spectacular Victoria Harbour. Famed for their fleet of green Rolls Royces, available for airport transport and private hire, there’s no classier way to arrive or, indeed, place to stay. Afternoon tea here has become a bit of a local institution, too – a great excuse to visit and just soak in the atmosphere, even if you’re not planning to stay.
Far from being just another run-of-the-mill place to lay your head, Hotel Stage in Hong Kong’s vibrant Jordan neighbourhood shines the spotlight on local character and culture. The hotel has its own in-house art initiative and gallery space that showcases works by local artists with a commitment to fostering a sense of culture and community. Its guest rooms are designed with minimalist interiors and equipped with state-of-the-art technology. The hotel is also within easy reach of several of Kowloon’s prominent landmarks and attractions including Tin Hau Temple and the popular Temple Street Night Market.
A relative newbie to Kowloon, the Kerry Hotel opened its doors in 2017 and has become a hotspot with visitors ever since. Located on the waterfront of Hung Hom Bay on Victoria Harbour, its 16-storeys, comprising 546 rooms, were designed by leading architect and designer Andre Fu. The result is modern, clean, and spacious rooms – the majority of which come with harbour views. The Red Sugar garden terrace and bar is a great spot to sit and chill over a few drinks and take in the stunning surroundings. Location-wise, it’s only a few steps away from Tsim Sha Tsui East shopping district. The nearest metro station is just 350m away, which gives you easy access to the rest of Hong Kong.
The Mira offers five-star boutique luxury at its finest. The hotel’s 436 rooms and suites are immaculately designed with sleek ‘urban luxe’ interiors and the latest in-room technology. Best of all, the hotel is located along the bustling Nathan Road in the heart of Tsim Tsa Tsui – Kowloon’s leading shopping and entertainment district. Top attractions such as the Hong Kong Cultural Museum and Space Museum are right on your doorstep. It’s also just a five-minute stroll to the iconic Star Ferry and MTR, giving you quick access to the rest of Hong Kong. The rooftop bar, Vibe, is also well worth checking out.
Originally opened in 1881, Hullett House was the former Marine Police Headquarters and is one of the city’s most beautiful colonial buildings. A stay here envelops you in the charm of old Hong Kong and is a welcome break from the ultra-modern skyscrapers that dominate the city. It features ten individually themed suites, all generously sized with high-ceilings, wooden floors and their own enormous balconies. Wake up here and you’ll feel like royalty as you enjoy breakfast on the veranda and look out at the beautiful grounds. The hotel boasts several in-house dining options and benefits from a prime location in the heart of Tsim Tea Tsui surrounded by numerous leading restaurants, shopping malls and attractions.
Luxury is literally taken to new heights at Ritz Carlton Hong Kong. Occupying the 102nd to 118th floors of the city’s tallest building, it officially takes the honour of the world’s highest hotel. Add to that the world’s highest bar, Ozone, located on the 118th floor, and you’ve got the quintessential ‘high life’ experience. Michelin-star restaurants, rooms that boast spectacular views, a stunning spa, infinity pool and five-star Ritz-Carlton hospitality – it’s elevated luxury at its finest.
The suites and rooms at the InterContinental Hong Kong offer panoramic views of Victoria Harbour and Hong Kong Island | Courtesy of InterContinental Hong Kong / Hotels.com
Located on the Kowloon waterfront, the Intercontinental Hong Kong directly overlooks the stunning Victoria Harbour. The lobby lounge, with its floor to ceiling windows, is the best place to come for a drink or bite to eat while you sit in awe of the magnificent views, especially at night when the city is illuminated. Most of its 503 rooms offer panoramic views of Victoria Harbour and Hong Kong Island. For the ultimate in luxury, the hotel’s presidential suite is the largest in the city, offering a whopping 7,000 square feet of space, as well as its own rooftop infinity pool and jacuzzi. Restaurants include the Michelin-star Rech by Alain Ducasse and two-Michelin-star Yan Toh Heen.
For starters, Hotel ICON’s mini bar is completely free and replenished every day. Guests can also enjoy unlimited Wi-Fi access and international calls to 27 countries. The levels of hospitality here truly do set the bar for Hong Kong’s boutique hotels. Its convenient location in the Tsim Sha Tsui East entertainment district give guests easy access to some of the city’s best dining and drinking options. The hotel is partly a hospitality training school – anyone sceptical of a student training hotel need only check the reviews where it’s consistently ranked as one of the top hotels in the city.
Cordis is a relaxing place to retreat to in the bustling heart of Kowloon. Rooms are upscale, sleek and modern with great views. In addition to VIP hospitality, all you need is right on your doorstep. The hotel has direct access to Mongkok MTR Station and the Langham Place Shopping Mall. It’s also within walking distance to some of Hong Kong’s more rough and tumble shopping destinations, like the Ladies, Temple Street and Flower Markets. Restaurant-wise, you can’t do much better than the hotel’s own two-Michelin-star Cantonese restaurant, Ming Court.
The W Hotel occupies a prime location above Kowloon MTR Station, which offers easy access to anywhere in Hong Kong. The Elements Mall and a range of great restaurants, shops and bars are right on your doorstep. Stylish rooms overlook the city, harbour or ocean. There’s a fantastic rooftop heated pool on the 76th floor, one of the highest in the world, alongside an award-winning spa and gym – plus some of the most friendly and welcoming staff in the city.
