B P International

Connected to the Scout Association of Hong Kong building, this high-rise hotel is busy both in terms of its crowds and its decor. Inside the dated '90s-style lobby, bronze statues of boy scouts, mirrored columns, dark wood panels, and floors with three kinds of marble all compete with each other for attention. A massive sculptural chandelier glints with metal and lights above a seating area of black couches. It's a striking element to look at, and resembles an exploded holiday decoration, while a painting of a distinguished figure from the Scout Association commands the far wall. There are multiple unremarkable restaurants and bars, including a main buffet restaurant with a massive, impersonal vibe, matching the overall feeling at the hotel. It polished floors, long buffet stations, and cafeteria-style seating. The hotel's reasonable rates pull visitors from all categories in droves, from couples and families to business and solo travelers, but  there are cheaper and more stylish options available in the neighborhood. 

B P International rises off of Kowloon Park, between Canton and Nathan Road, the main arteries in the Tsim Sha Tsui neighborhood in an area that's densely packed with shops and restaurants. It's a five-minute walk to both the Jordan and Austin MTR stations, while the Jade and Temple Street Markets can be reached in 16 minutes on foot. The Ladies Market is seven minutes away by car and the Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade -- with its view of the famed Victoria Harbour -- is a four-minute drive to the southeast. Expect a 30-minute drive to the Hong Kong International Airport, which otherwise takes an hour and 40 minutes to reach by public transportation.

The hotel's 529 rooms and suites are decked in generic chain-style decor, including blue carpets and padded headboards mounted on wood panels. These aren't the freshest rooms to be had in Hong Kong. The wood veneer furniture shows wear and most rooms could use at least minor updates. However, rooms make the most of their park or harbor views (some rooms have views of both) with window ledge-style desks that house pop-up vanities and serve as stands for the flat-screen TVs. Executive Rooms and some suites change it up, with seating areas by the windows instead of desks. All units come with electric kettles plus individually controlled air-conditioning, and Wi-Fi is free throughout the property. Bathrooms have frosted glass accents and walk-in showers; some of the pricier rooms also have separate soaking tubs. Guests should know that not all rooms are non-smoking and the smell may linger. We also saw a few features that didn't work, like cabinet doors that were broken.

Apart from its large conference facilities with a banquet hall that can host up to 1000 people, this hotel is slim on facilities. There are multiple dining options though, with Cafe by the Park offering a typical all-day buffet with a variety of Asian and Western food, and a Chinese restaurant that focuses on Cantonese cuisine. Breakfast is not included in room rates. On the mezzanine level, the Flamingo Lounge has a daily happy hour and live music. Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel. There is a bell service counter and the hotel can arrange airport transfers for a fee.