Auberge Discovery Bay Hong Kong

Auberge Discovery Bay Hong Kong has a scenic ocean-side location, and the atmosphere of an upscale vacation resort. The hotel occupies a large multi-story building with a soaring inner atrium, filling the spacious lobby with natural sunlight. The vast reception area feels slightly playful, with shiny white floor tiles, a turquoise accent wall, and multicolored crystal baubles cascading down from a central skylight. A seating area with a turquoise-and-brown rug offers contemporary-style sofas arranged in a circle. The hotel is popular with locals on a short break from the hustle and bustle of Hong Kong. This is not a convenient hotel to explore the city attractions, but rather a place to stay for a relaxing vacation. It's also popular with families looking for a hotel located close to Disneyland, which can be easily reached via the hotel's shuttle bus.

Auberge Discovery Bay Hong Kong is located in Discovery Bay on Lantau Island, in a quiet environment overlooking the sea. This is mostly a residential area, and there are a few restaurants, shops, and a supermarket located within walking distance of the hotel. Just next door to the hotel is Discovery Bay North Plaza, a shopping center with specialty shops and a food court. Sam Pak Beach is a three-minute walk from here, while Discovery Bay Beach (Tai Pak Beach) is a 25-minute walk or five-minute drive. 

Hong Kong airport and Hong Kong Disneyland are also located on Lantau Island, and are easily accessible from the hotel by shuttle bus, within 10 to 15 minutes. Private cars and taxis are not permitted to enter Discovery Bay, but there is a local bus service connecting most points of the island. The hotel also provides a shuttle service to the Sunny Bay MTR Subway Station (a 10-minute ride), Hong Kong Disneyland (an 11-minute ride), and Discovery Bay Ferry Terminal (a six-minute ride). There are two public buses that connect the hotel to Hong Kong International Airport, about a 30-minute ride away.

The highlight of rooms and suites at Auberge Discovery Bay Hong Kong are the stunning views from the large floor-to-ceiling windows. Plush loveseats and armchairs are strategically placed by windows to provide a perch for taking in the ocean or vista of rolling hills in the Mountain View Rooms. The nine Ocean Front Panoramic View Rooms offer the most impressive eye candy, offering wraparound outlooks of the South China Sea. 

Decorated in tones of ocean blue and brown, guest room and suite interiors are done up in a modern and streamlined style. Walls are a crisp white, with contrasting dark-wood paneling and furniture, and tan carpeting. The bright-turquoise bed runners and pillows provide a cheery splash of color, as do the colorful abstract artworks on the walls. The spaces are exceptionally light-filled, thanks to the large windows, as well as the rectangular mirrors strategically placed to amplify daylight.

All the suites and rooms are well-equipped with standard amenities, like 40-inch flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi, and electronic safes. Other handy extras include electric kettles, mini-fridges, and ironing facilities. The bathrooms are painted a bright ocean blue, which contrasts with the white tile floors and sink tops. The impressive bathrooms of the Ocean Front Rooms feature spacious walk-in showers with rainfall showerheads, and floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the ocean. Mountain View Rooms have shower/tub combos or sunken baths, each with a window peeking through to the bedroom, and a blind that can be lowered for privacy. Other fittings include large mirrors, and in some rooms, double sinks. Bathroom amenities include toiletries, hairdryers, bathroom scales, and bathrobes.

The Suites include separate rooms with living areas, dining tables, and kitchenettes equipped with coffeemakers, microwaves, electric kettles, full-size fridges and freezers, and small sinks. 

Auberge Discovery Bay Hong Kong offers a number of extra features expected of a hotel of its category, with many of these offering views over the ocean. Café Bord de Mer & Lounge, the on-site restaurant, serves a variety of international dishes, both buffet-style and a la carte. A large buffet breakfast is served here for an extra fee, and it can get crowded at peak hours. The restaurant's adjacent outdoor terrace fits up to 400 guests and offers panoramic views over the sea. The Bounty Entertainment & Sports Bar has large screens for live sports, a dartboard, and a VIP room. But some guests have complained of the high price of food and drinks in the hotel's restaurant and bar.

A lengthy outdoor swimming pool overlooks the ocean, with a smaller plunge pool and a hot tub. Spa Botanica has 10 private treatment rooms with sea views, and offers a variety of massage, beauty, and wellness therapies. The fitness center also displays scenic views, thanks to the floor-to-ceiling windows. There's a good range of equipment available, including strength-building and cardio equipment, free weights, and a stretching area.

The children's activity center has toys and games (including Xbox) to keep kids occupied, and also organizes activities for a variety of ages, including guided hikes and bike tours of Discovery Bay. 

The hotel is also a popular venue for conferences and meetings, with over 33,000 square feet of event spaces, including seven multipurpose function rooms, and a ballroom. The business center has computers available for guests. 

A shuttle service (charged extra) takes guests to Hong Kong Disneyland (once a day), and to Sunny Bay MTR subway station (once per hour). Be aware the trip to Disneyland fills up fast and should be booked in advance. The hotel also offers a point-to-point pick-up service guests. Other services include limited room service, free Wi-Fi, and assistance from the concierge team to arrange day trips.