Best Areas and Hotels where to stay in Hong Kong

Top Places Where to Stay in Hong Kong

Hong Kong, considered a popular “gateway” to Asia, is a metropolis and an autonomous region in southern China. The city is quite densely populated and vibrant, with over 7.4 million people living there and it is the ideal destination for travelers interested in skyscrapers, modern architecture, authentic markets, nightlife, unforgettable gastronomy (dim sum, anyone?), Culture, history and more!

In case you are planning a trip to this interesting city, choosing where to stay in Hong Kong will be an important question, as the city has a truly unique layout, divided into three different territories. Deciding on the best area for your stay can be very difficult, especially if you are visiting Hong Kong for the first time.

But no worries, in this post, I'll tell you everything you need to know about the 6 best neighborhoods to stay in Hong Kong, as well as my handpicked hotel recommendations in each of them! From Central to Tsim Sha Tsui and Mongkok, you will find everything you need in the article below.

If you’re in Hurry…

The best place to stay for first time visitors to Hong Kong is Tsim Sha Tsui. This is considered to be the city center of Hong Kong and it combines interesting monuments with an authentic atmosphere, so that you can completely enjoy the atmosphere of Hong Kong. What's more, staying here means you can easily get around and reach the rest of the city!

Best Hotels in Hong Kong

  

Best luxury hotel: Four Seasons Hotel Hong Kong

Best middle-priced hotel: Tuve

Best budget hotel: Peace House

Which area should you choose?

Before going into the actual details and recommendations of the hotels, I need to explain a little bit about how Hong Kong is divided, as its layout is quite unusual in your average city and choosing the right territory is an important aspect of your stay.

Hong Kong is divided by the port of Victoria into three different sectors or territories:

Hong Kong Island - a more modern area where most tourists will spend their time

Kowloon - still considered the center of town, but more authentic and Chinese

New Territories - Hong Kong's largest land territory where locals live primarily

There are also the surrounding outer islands (which are technically part of the new territories) and Lantau (the island where the airport is located), but these are not areas of interest for a general tourist, so I'm not going not focus on them.

The two popular territories for tourists are Hong Kong Island and Kowloon, and people tend not to stay in the new territories either, as they are further from the main attractions and a fairly inconvenient choice. In terms of transportation, getting from Hong Kong Island to Kowloon and vice versa is super easy and fast, so whichever one you choose, the decision will be good.

Speaking of neighborhoods, there are different options in these two areas (Island and Kowloon), each with different benefits and unique charm. I will talk about 6 below, but to make your choice easier, I have made this list of personalized recommendations based on your preferences and your travel style:

Where to stay in Hong Kong for luxury: Causeway Bay or Central

Best area to stay in Hong Kong for budget travelers and foodies: Mong Kok

Where to stay in Hong Kong for nightlife: Central or Wan Chai

Where to stay in Hong Kong for families: Causeway Bay

Where to stay in Hong Kong for shopping: Causeway Bay

Now that you understand how the city of Hong Kong is organized and which are the best areas for tourists, let's find out more details about each of them, as well as my handpicked hotel recommendations:

Tsim Sha Tsui – Where to stay in Hong Kong for the first time

Tsim Sha Tsui (abbreviated as TST) is a very popular choice among tourists, no matter if we are talking about luxury backpacker travelers who want to get a taste of the real Hong Kong. Compared to Central (the city's business district), the TST is more authentic and has a real Chinese vibe.

No matter whether you choose to stay here or not, you will surely visit this part of the city during your stay. While you're here, make sure you see Kowloon Park, visit Avenue of the Stars (Chinese version of the Hollywood Walk of Fame) and stroll down Nathan Road where you will also find tons of bars, cafes, restaurants and stores. If you are bored, you can always take a ferry from the Star Ferry pier and you will get to Central in no time! By the way, Tsim Sha Tsui is also a great choice if you are interested in nightlife!

If you feel like this is the region for you, here are the best Hong Kong hotels in Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon that I could find for you:

Budget (Up To US $50)

Peace House - In case you are traveling on a very tight budget but want to be close to Kowloon Park or enjoy unforgettable views of Victoria Harbor, be sure to book a room at this hotel! All guests can enjoy the convenient location and impeccable service here.

Pacific Guest House - Looking for a great stay in Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon that won't make you ruin yourself? I just found it for you! This simple, clean guesthouse awaits you with free Wi-Fi, a spotless location, 24-hour security, and more!

Middle-Priced (US $50 – US $100)

The Salisbury - YMCA Hotel Hong Kong - If you're looking for quality accommodation with great value for money, you've just found it! This popular hotel is within walking distance of Kowloon Park and has an eco policy, air-conditioned rooms and more!

Dash Hotel on Minden - Here is another great choice if you want to be within walking distance of all of the city's major sights. This 3 star accommodation is the perfect place to enjoy a comfortable stay in clean and comfortable rooms at a very good price!

Luxury (US $100 and Up)

The Peninsula Hong Kong - If you're looking for the ultimate luxury stay near Victoria Harbor, within walking distance of all of the city's major attractions, this hotel is for you! This superb 5-star property awaits you with an indoor pool and immaculate location.

InterContinental Hotel Hong Kong - Here is another great choice for a spoiled stay in Hong Kong, very close to Nathan Road and the Avenue of Stars, for example! This is one of the best hotels in Hong Kong where you can also enjoy free Wi-Fi, beautiful rooms, a huge terrace and an infinity pool overlooking Victoria Harbor!

Central – Where to stay in Hong Kong for Nightlife

Besides being the financial/commercial center of Hong Kong, the central district is one of the most popular areas of the city and it is also very close to Tsim Sha Tsui. If you only have two nights in Hong Kong, choosing to stay here would be a great decision!

The central district is also an amazing choice for first-time visitors to Hong Kong!

Some of the advantages of staying here are the fact that it is extremely easy to get around and that you will also be very close to the main attractions of the city. For example, you can climb Victoria Peak (552m) and admire the incredible skyline of Hong Kong, or you can be surprised by colonial buildings or stroll through Hong Kong Park. The area is also well known for Hong Kong's largest nightlife and tons of shops and restaurants.

In terms of accommodation, you can find everything your heart desires in the center, from luxury 5-star hotels to budget accommodation and hostels. That being said, here is my selection of carefully selected hotels:

Budget (Up To US $70)

Mojo Nomad Central by Ovolo - Are you more on a budget? No problem! This excellent budget accommodation will offer an excellent comfortable stay to all its customers! Some of the important nearby sites are Lan Kwai Fong (for nightlife), The Peak and more. The airport is also 40 minutes away!

LBP Hotel - If you are a night owl who wants to be close to Lan Kwai Fong, but you have a very limited budget, this is the place for you! Book a room here if you want to enjoy a stay in a 3-star hotel near all of the city's main attractions.

Middle-Priced (US $70 – US $130)

Butterfly on Wellington Boutique Hotel Central - Looking for a perfect mid-range hotel? Some of the facilities at this property include free Wi-Fi, a currency exchange desk and a laundry service, among others. In addition, you will be close to the Lan Kwai Fong area (within 350 meters) where you can enjoy the nightlife and other attractions of Central.

Butterfly on LKF Boutique Hotel Central - If you still haven't found the perfect mid-priced place to stay in the central district, near Victoria Peak, I have another option for you! This hotel awaits with bright, super clean rooms and even portable Wi-Fi rental - how great is that?

Luxury (US $130 and Up)

Four Seasons Hotel Hong Kong - If you're wondering where to stay in Hong Kong for the ultimate luxury experience right in the heart of the central district, with breathtaking views of Victoria Harbor, this is for you! Staying here means that you will also be close to Hong Kong Park and Victoria Peak and can enjoy impeccable 5-star service. Probably the best hotel in Hong Kong!

Madera Hollywood Hotel Hong Kong - This great 5 star hotel in Hong Kong is my recommendation for those who want a spoiled stay in one of the best places in the city! If you're bored, you can also climb Victoria Peak or head to Lan Kwai Fong for nightlife, or just stroll the beautiful streets and admire the view over the harbor skyline.

Causeway Bay – Where to stay in Hong Kong with a family

Causeway Bay is the right place to go if you want to be surrounded by tons of amazing restaurants and bars, or if you want to buy cheap gadgets and other interesting things. Even though this area is a bit densely populated, it is considered an ideal place to stay with your family and children, as the location is pretty spotless, close to all of the main attractions in the city center (20 minutes from Central by MTR).

Other things not to be missed here are Victoria Park (the largest park in the city), SOGO (a huge department store that has no less than 13 levels - what ?!) and the Tin Hau temple (just one many Tin Hau temples in Hong Kong).

Convinced? Here are the best hotels in Causeway Bay, Hong Kong from which you can choose:

Budget (Up To US $60)

Starfish - If you are planning a budget stay in Causeway Bay, Hong Kong, this hostel might be the place for you! They have different room types that you can choose from and a great location, close to all of the major attractions that the city has to offer - a big plus!

Yesinn @Causeway Bay - This is another great budget option located near many restaurants, bars, pubs and, of course, shopping malls. This one is super close to the SOGO shopping center, for example, and one of the best assets of the accommodation is its unbeatable price!

Middle-Priced (US $60 – US $130)

Tuve - In case you are looking for convenience while being close to shopping centers and Victoria Park, then this might be the right place for you! This 4 star accommodation awaits you with a fantastic breakfast, exceptional cleanliness and high quality room amenities.

Metropark Hotel Causeway Bay - This is another great mid-range hotel in Causeway Bay for anyone interested in shopping and tourism! Some of the perks of staying here include tasteful decor, modern amenities, an on-site fitness center and a sauna. Sounds great, doesn't it?

Luxury (US $130 and Up)

Lanson Place Hotel - Looking for the ultimate luxury stay in Causeway Bay, close to tons of shopping options? You have reached the right place! This 5-star luxury hotel is the perfect blend of convenience and warmth that will help you have an unforgettable vacation!

The Park Lane Hotel Hong Kong - This is another great place if you want to have enough space in your room in Hong Kong. Staying here means you'll always be close to tons of restaurants, stores, and MTR stations, and you'll also have an on-site fitness center. The staff also speak perfect English - what more could you want?

Wan Chai – Where to stay in Hong Kong on a budget

Wan Chai is also a popular shopping district in Hong Kong. You can think of it as very similar to central Hong Kong, but a little more laid back and less crowded - and with more friendly hotel options. The location is quite fab too - just a half hour walk from the center (or 20 minutes by metro).

Some of the most important points of Wan Chai are the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Center (HKCEC), Golden Bauhinia Square and tons of beautiful architecture, as it was one of the oldest colonial colonies from the city. You will also find many traditional buildings and eating places here, so you can certainly enjoy the real side of Hong Kong at Wan Chai. In terms of accessibility, Wan Chai is very well connected to the rest of the city via public transportation, so getting around shouldn't be a problem at all.

If you have Wan Chai at heart, below are my accommodation recommendations for your stay in Hong Kong:

Budget (Up To US $80)

Apartment 218 - If you are on a tight budget but still want to visit Wan Chai and stay there, this might be the place for you! This 4 star property is close to an MTR station and the rooms are very clean and comfortable. Believe me, the value for money is just great here!

The Emperor Hotel - Are proximity to countless shops, restaurants, bars, an MTR station and many notable attractions important to you when visiting Hong Kong? Then I'm pretty sure you will enjoy staying here, especially if you don't have a lot of money to spend on accommodation!

Middle-Priced (US $80 – US $160)

The Fleming - In case you want to be in a great location in Wan Chai, very close to the Hong Kong convention center and lots of shopping possibilities, then you should take a look at this property, you might just to fall in love! This 4-star boutique hotel awaits you with an on-site Italian restaurant, free breakfast, great, clean rooms, and more.

OZO Wesley Hong Kong - This is another great choice if you want a mid-priced hotel room in Wan Chai. Some of the best things about staying here are the 4 star facilities and amenities, free Wi-Fi and excellent comfort. In addition, the staff is very friendly and helpful!

Luxury (US $160 and Up)

The St. Regis Hong Kong - If you plan on enjoying the ultimate spoiled visit to Wan Chai, look no further than this superb hotel! Staying here means you will be close to the Admiralty and other major landmarks and hotspots of Hong Kong. You'll also enjoy the on-site restaurants, pool bar, cafe, and more!

Grand Hyatt Hong Kong - In case you haven't found your ultimate luxury stay in Hong Kong, Wanchai, I have another great choice for you! This magnificent 5 star hotel has a very impressive interior and decoration and the service is quite excellent. Of course, you will also have easy access to all the main attractions that might interest you!

Mong Kok and Yau Ma Tei

Mong Kok (which means "popular corner" in Chinese) and Yau Ma Tei are very nice neighborhood options if you are interested in street food stalls, authentic inexpensive places where you can taste traditional foods and markets nocturnal. Make sure you don't miss the Temple Street Night Market, the Ladies Market (for souvenirs) and Fa Yuen Street if you want to buy sneakers and not only!

If you choose to stay in one of these two neighboring areas, you will never run out of pub, bar and cafe options, so you can be assured that you can never get bored here!

That being said, here are the best hotels I could find in Mong Kok and Yau Ma Tei for you:

Budget (Up To US $50)

Metropark Hotel Mongkok - If you're on a tight budget but still want to be in the heart of Mong Kok, very close to Temple Street Market and the Ladies Market, this might be the place for you! The rooms are simple but very pleasant and the hotel has free Wi-Fi, an excellent location and an on-site fitness center, among other facilities.

Wing On Hotel - Last but not least, here is another excellent choice for a pleasant and inexpensive stay in Mong Kok, right in the north of the city. This property is close to many public transportation options and offers easy check-in and check-out and comfortable rooms!

Middle-Priced (US $50 – US $110)

Lodgewood by The Mongkok Hotel Hong Kong - This is excellent mid-range accommodation that will offer great value for money in Mong Kok, also close to the Yau Ma Tei area and its attractions. This 4-star property offers a fantastic daily breakfast, many nearby public transportation options, and other great perks.

Yesinn @YMT Kowloon Hong Kong - If you want to be close to Temple Street Market and other interesting sites in these two areas, then you can visit this amazing hotel, I'm sure you will like it! Free Wi-Fi, air conditioning and cleanliness - you'll enjoy all of this and more during your stay! This place will provide you with excellent service whether you visit in December or August.

Luxury (US $110 and Up)

Cordis, Hong Kong - This incredible accommodation is located in Mong Kok, which means it's not far from Yau Ma Tei either. Staying here means you will enjoy 5-star service and access to the on-site swimming pool. You can spend your days exploring the nearby sites and enjoying authentic dim sum from street food vendors, which I think will make your trip unforgettable! Ah, and by the way, the property is directly linked to the Langham Place shopping center!

Royal Plaza Hotel - Here's another great choice if you want premium service! This incredible 5-star hotel is one of Hong Kong's best sellers and is very close to countless street restaurants, shops and cafes. The rooms are spacious and super clean and the hotel even has its own shuttle service to the main attractions!

Sheung Wan

Considered one of the coolest neighborhood choices in Hong Kong, Sheung Wan is where you can see what the city looked like many years ago, while being close to the most modern part of the city. town and with a magnificent view of the Victoria harbor.

Sheung Wan combines all the good things in one: great restaurants, art galleries, colonial architecture, traditional local shops, a great location near many nightlife options, and interesting history. Some of the best things to visit during your stay include the Western Market, the Hong Kong Museum of Medical Sciences and the Man Mo Temple, among others.

If you think this is the right place for your stay in Hong Kong, let me show you the best hotels I have selected for you in this beautiful region:

Budget (Up To US $60)

Travelodge Central, Hollywood Road - Are you on a tight budget but still want to be very close to the center and all of its street food options, shops and cafes? No worries, I have a solution! This cute and comfortable hotel is also very close to the Soho district and there are tons of entertainment possibilities nearby!

Iclub Sheung Wan Hotel - This is located very close to the Sheung Wan MTR station and it has unbeatable prices, especially considering its excellent location! Also, some rooms have a great view of Hong Kong, which is super nice in my opinion!

Middle-Priced (US $60 – US $120)

Holiday Inn Express Hong Kong Soho - If Convenient And Valuable Accommodation Is What You Are Looking For, Then You Should Check This Hotel! It offers free Wi-Fi in all rooms, free breakfast included in the price, super clean rooms and other incredible benefits that you will surely enjoy.

Mojo Nomad Central by Ovolo - In case you're looking for a great 4 star hotel that won't cost you a ton of money but will still offer great service and value for money, you've just found it! You should note that the streets near the hotel are full of countless restaurants, bars and pubs, so you can never get bored here!

Luxury (US $120 and Up)

The Jervois - Looking for a spoiled upscale vacation in Hong Kong? Then you should head over to this property's page and look at the photos - it's just amazing! The rooms are bright, spacious and tastefully decorated and the hotel is very close to the Sheung Wan Station MTR station, which provides easy access to attractions.

99 Bonham - Here is another perfect choice if you are looking for original, high-quality accommodation near countless restaurants, street food stalls, bars and more. This beautiful 4 star property also offers great views of Hong Kong!