Hong Kong is re-emerging as one of the most engaged destinations in Asia. The city’s distinct character is home to deep-rooted traditions embedded in its cosmopolitan way of living. Whether you are a local looking for a unique staycation spot, tourist on your “Eat Pray Love” trip, or a business traveler in transit, there is a Hong Kong hotel for everyone.
We’ve rounded up the best hotels in Hong Kong that guarantee a unique stay. Note that this list slightly veers away from property behemoths with established global footprint to make way for boutique and independent hotels with touches that are closer to the city’s heart.
FWD House 1881
Sitting amidst the tourism-led frenzy in Tsim Sha Tsui, FWD House 1881 provides a warm and welcoming ambiance that will ferry you back to Hong Kong’s old-world charm.
Formerly the Hong Kong Marine Police’s Headquarters, its structure lends it a timeless appeal worthy of its reputation as one of the city’s most iconic hotels. Its suites showcase burnished wood paneling and bespoke furniture, with the premier ones featuring colonial-style foyer and a prized view overlooking the Victoria Harbour.
Where: FWD House 1881, Main Building, 1881 Heritage, 2A Canton Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon
Ovolo Southside Hotel
Just a stone’s throw away from some of the city’s best galleries and breweries, Southside by Ovolo is what you get when industrial design meets sleek aesthetics. The hotel was once a warehouse, but that’s more than just its selling point.
Ovolo redefines Hong Kong hospitality with its irresistible perks that will make you hit that “book” button again. Think of free loot bags, a social hour with complimentary drinks, sweet treats available all day, and a well-equipped gym. Oh, and Ovolo will also plant a tree on your behalf for every direct booking!
Where: Ovolo Southside, Wong Chuk Hang Road, 64, Hong Kong
The Upper House
The design masterpiece of Hong Kong-born architect Andre Fu, The Upper House exudes opulence in every corner. Modern Asian influences dominate its aesthetics, from the Torii gate-like escalator to furnishings made of timber, bamboo, and shoji glass.
This is property giant Swire’s first hotel under its House Collective and is just a train station away from Wan Chai’s smorgasbord of foodie finds and Causeway Bay’s busy shopping malls.
Where: The Upper House, Pacific Place, 88 Queensway, Admiralty, Hong Kong
The Fleming
Mirroring the mixed bag of quirks of its homebase that is Wan Chai, The Fleming is where old meets new and the ordinary finds its opposite. Though its facade looks like your typical Hong Kong building, wait till you enter to see why it is a recommended stay among local staycationers. We mean retro interiors jazzed up by ’70s-inspired aesthetics with a hint of industrial touches.
But what’s most noticeable is The Fleming’s design inspiration from Hong Kong’s iconic Star Ferry, so expect quirky details such as passage-like corridors and furniture dominated by a palette of blue and green.
Where:The Fleming, 41 Fleming Road, Wan Chai, Hong Kong
Helena May
More than a century since its construction, The Helena May building stands as a treasured landmark in Hong Kong that pays homage to the city’s architectural heritage.
Apart from accommodation, the property also houses an extensive library and an onsite dining restaurant called The Club, featuring Western and Asian cuisines. To seal your unique stay, its guided tours are highly recommended, walking you through the landmark’s rich history.
Where: Helena May, 35 Garden Road, Central, Hong Kong
The Pottinger
With its prized location, The Pottinger poses a happy problem any food-loving, pub crawler would be willing to tackle: where to find the best eat. And that’s only because this 68-room boutique hotel is right in the center of Hong Kong Island’s busy Central, where your drink-and-dine options run aplenty.
Their accommodation is not to be overlooked, despite the temptation to walk up the stone steps and get your grub at the nearby club. Their basic room spans 23 square meters, appointed with a king bed, a Nespresso machine, and other amenities. For something more lavish, the Pottinger Suite boasts a 68-square-meter-space with bespoke finishes, bathtub, 42-inch LED TV, and stunning views.
Where:The Pottinger, 74 Queen’s Road Central, Central, Hong Kong
Tuve
Tuve is dominated by exposed concrete, grey marbles, and metallic finishes that embody the minimalist playbook. The hotel takes inspiration from Kim Høltermand' Sweden’s Lake Tuve photographic series, contrasting the isolating undertones of the stills against a play of natural light through the room’s translucent glass panels.
Where: Tuve, 16 Tsing Fung Street, Causeway Bay, Hong Kong
