Budget Hotel at Tsimshatsui

Tsimshatsui is one of the most cosmopolitan areas of Hong Kong. Thousands of tourists like to spend time here for various interests and activities. It is also a transportation hub where many tourist groups meet and dismiss.

Right facing the Victoria Harbour, there are several luxury hotels such as The Peninsula and the InterContinental which I have introduced previously.

Today, let me introduce a budget hotel in Tsimshatsi which is right next to The Peninsula, having the same harbour view and prime location.

YMCA Salisbury
Let's take a look at the map below. At the harbour front, the YMCA and The Peninsula are standing side by side at the prime location of Tsimshatsui.

In my next post, I am going to talk about YMCA Salisbury in more details.

P: The Peninsula

Y: YMCA Salisbury

I: InterContinental

Hong Kong Travel - Budget Hotel - YMCA Salisbury

Hong Kong Luxury Hotel - The Peninsula

Location: Tsimshatsui, Kowloon (walking distance to Star Ferry)

The Peninsula Hong Kong is one of the most historical luxury hotels here. Buildings in Tsimshatsui used to be limited to 18 storeys. Following the relocation of the airport, the height restriction was lifted and hence The Peninsula has a newer and taller building. Its modern appearance had a great contract with its traditional English look.

Perfect Harbour View
Facing the harbour front at Tsimshatsui, The Peninsula has the best location to look at the Victoria Harbour and its world famous night view. Everyday towards evening, there are numerous photogenic fans with their tripods gathering outside the Hong Kong Cultural Centre (just opposite to The Peninsula) trying to capture the best of Hong Kong at night. Yes, to look at the beautiful Hong Kong night view, it is always the best to look from Kowloon side to Hong Kong side. You must be fully impressed by the breathtaking scene. Staying at The Peninsula, you don’t have to compete with the crowds. Just book a harbour view room, sit back and enjoy. Of course if you come around Chinese New Year, you would have an extra bonus of having one the best locations to view the fireworks.

Apart from the harbour view rooms, The Peninsula has a fabulous rooftop restaurant with panoramic views and a sun terrace – both overlook the Victoria Harbour. I once had my company conference here and I really agree that it is a life time experience. Even I live in Hong Kong, I never had a chance to look at Hong Kong in such a fabulous breathtaking setting. If you are on luxury travel to Hong Kong, The Peninsula is one of the top choices.

The Helicopter and Rolls-Royce
The Peninsula Hotel Hong Kong is famous for its fleet of Rolls-Royce limousines which are used to transport guests in style to various locations throughout the territory. In addition, twin helipads on the roof provide a convenient landing spot for guests who wish to arrive or depart by helicopter. What could be more luxurious!

The Peninsula Hong Kong

Hong Kong Travel - Luxury Hotel - The Peninsula

Hong Kong Luxury Hotel - InterContinental

InterContinental

Location: Tsimshatsui, Kowloon

At the end of the Avenue of Stars, it has perfect view of Victoria Harbour and Hong Kong skyline. Walking distance to Star Ferry.

Lobby Lounge
The Lobby Lounge is one of Hong Kong's most treasured meeting places from early morning to late evening – celebrities in particular. You might bump into Jackie Chan when you are next here. Magnificent floor-to-ceiling windows reveal breathtaking views of bustling Victoria Harbour. This is probably one of the best venues to have a full view of the Victoria Harbour while having a cup of high tea and to view the magnificent Hong Kong sunset.

InterContinental Wedding
Apart from being one of the most luxurious hotels in Hong Kong, the InterContinental Hong Kong is also famous for is wedding package. Local celebrities like to hold their weddings here. The latest being Kelly Chan, the famous star singer. It has a special wedding package to ensure a very unique, prestigious and memorable wedding. It is ranked 13/50 Best Wedding Locations by The Independent. If you are planning your wedding, you might want to consider the InterContinental Hong Kong.

InterContinental Hong Kong

Hong Kong Travel Blog - Luxury Hotel - InterContinental

Hong Kong Luxury Hotel - Four Seasons

Hong Kong Luxury Hotel – Four Seasons

Location: Central, Hong Kong island

If you are on luxury travel, Hong Kong has a great choice of internationally famous 5-star hotels that one of them must suit your taste.

The first 5-star hotel I would like to recommend is the Four Seasons, one of the newest luxury hotels in Hong Kong.

Opened in September 2005, the Four Seasons Hong Kong is connected to the IFC Mall, a great place for shopping and dining. The new Star Ferry is within walking distance.

Why Four Seasons
One of the major advantages of the Four Seasons is its superb location. Examine the map here will help you explore Central Hong Kong while originating from the Four Seasons. Click to view a larger map.

- Atop Airport Express Hong Kong Station
- Three-minute walk to MTR Central Station
- Five-minute walk to Star Ferry
- Connected to the IFC Mall by footbridge
- Connected to the other malls in Central by covered footbridge. You don’t really need to carry an umbrella even on a rainy day, if you decide to tour around Central area.
- Connected to the other major first class commercial buildings in Central, such as IFC One and IFC Two, Exchange Square, Chater House, The Landmark and so on…
- Within walking distance to Soho and Lan Kwai Fong – ideal places for barhopping. Connected by covered footbridge makes life easy for travelers.
- Excellent harbour view; wonderful for viewing fireworks

Fine Dinning
Four Seasons has the only Chinese Restaurant in Hong Kong which has a Michelin 3-star rating – Lung King Heen. Its French Restaurant, Caprice, also has a Michelin 2-star rating. No wonder these are fabulous restaurants, but please make sure to bring a thick wallet.

Read Four Seasons Reviews.

Hong Kong Travel Blog - Luxury Hotel - Four Seasons

Hong Kong Luxury Hotel - Mandarin Oriental

Mandarin Oriental

Location: Central, Hong Kong island

Following a nine-month $140 million renovation, Mandarin Oriental reopened at end of September 2006. Originally opened in 1963, Mandarin Oriental is one of the most luxuries hotels in Hong Kong. It is within walking distance to Star Ferry, the Landmark and the IFC Malls.

Mandarin Barber
Apart from its world famous SPA and fine dining services, the Hong Kong Mandarin Barber shop is one of the most popular barber shops in town. Why? I had never used their services. But my boss, my former bosses and most of the businessmen I know use their service. HK$350 for a hair cut is quite expensive, but they are always fully booked. For male guests who want a grooming, please make sure to make a booking in advance. Walk in service is not guaranteed.

· Telephone: +852 2825 4088
· Facsimile: +852 2810 6190
· Email: mohkg-barber@mohg.com
Opening Hours
· Monday to Saturday 8am–7pm
· Sunday 10am-5pm

Note: Mandarin has a boutique hotel called Landmark Oriental which is just a few blocks away. If you want to go for a truly 5-star luxury hotel, make sure to book the Mandarin Oriental at 5 Connaught Road Central.

Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong

Hong Kong Travel Blog - Luxury Hotel - Mandarin Oriental

Hong Kong Luxury Hotel - Island Shangri-La

Island Shangri-La

Location: Admiralty, Hong Kong island

Atop Admiralty MTR and connected to Pacific Place shopping mall. You can visit Hong Kong Park which is just opposite to its main entrance on lobby level.

The company I work for is a corporate client of Island Shangri-La. I was invited to tour around their hotel and inspected some of the rooms. In-room internet and private fax are available at no extra cost.

The minimum level guest rooms are on the 39th floor plus the hotel is at an altitude, almost all the rooms facing harbour side are guaranteed of full harbour view. However you would also feel happy about their mountain views.

Lovely Pool
I am a health club member of Island Shangri-La. I pay the expensive fee only because of its lovely pool and its wonderful views. Water is kept at 28°C year round. If you enjoy swimming, you must love Island Shangri-La.

Café Too
If you are a buffet fan, you must love this hotel. Café Too on the 7th floor is a famous buffet venue in Hong Kong. My office is nearby and I do buffet here quite often. I must admit that you would need to visit this restaurant at least three times in order to be able to taste a bit of each and everything.

Note: There is another Shangri-La situated on the Kowloon side. Please make sure your booking is for the Island Shangri-La or you might get upset.

Read Island Shangri-La reviews.

Hong Kong Travel Blog - Luxury Hotel - Island Shangri-La

Hong Kong Luxury Hotel - Grand Hyatt

Grand Hyatt

Location: Wanchai, Hong Kong island

Grand Hyatt is a truly luxury hotel. It is the president’s choice. It has a 285-square-meter presidential suite, overlooking the whole of the Victoria Harbour. No wonder Bill Clinton chose to stay here when he visited Hong Kong in 1998. Actually he is not the only celebrity who stays here.

Connected to the Hong Kong Convention & Exhibition Centre and Central Plaza by footbridge, it is ideal if you come to Hong Kong for conferences or exhibitions. The Wanchai MTR station and the Wanchai red light district as well as the bars in Lockhard Road and Jaffee Road are some 5 to 10 minutes by walking. If you enjoy bar hopping, Grand Hyatt is not bad a choice.

If you come around Chinese New Year and want to view the fireworks, please make sure to booking a room with harbour view. Of course you would prepare to pay high price.


Grand Hyatt Hong Kong


Hong Kong Travel Blog - Luxury Hotel - Grand Hyatt