Cordis, Hong Kong

Renovated in 2015, the Cordis is an outstanding choice in the hotel-heavy area of Mong Kok. Large-scale sculptures and colorful contemporary art punctuate the otherwise minimalist lobby. Modern artwork and black-and-white photography can also be found in the 665 comfortable and streamlined guest rooms, which feature modern peek-a-boo bathrooms with separate soaking tubs and rainfall showerheads. The Cordis has a number of sustainable features, including energy-efficient heating and air-conditioning, motion-detecting lighting, low-flush toilets, and a comprehensive recycling program. With its sleek interiors, mega-convenient location, and dining, event and hangout spots, the hotel attracts a mix of international business travelers and families. 

Cordis, Hong Kong hotel is located in Mong Kok, the area with the highest population density in the world. Though it's not on the water (many luxury hotels in Hong Kong are), the hotel is within walking distance of it and Mong Kok is a lively neighborhood with shops, restaurants, and bars. It maintains more of an authentic Hong Kong vibe than other areas -- many markets and food stalls line the streets of Mong Kok, and are juxtaposed against large shopping plazas. In fact, the hotel is part of the Langham Place complex.Trekking through Hong Kong is truly a feast for the senses. Much like Times Square and the blinking neon lights of the Las Vegas Strip, Hong Kong could at first be a sensory overload, but areas outside the statuesque skyscrapers showcase the true charm and beauty of the city.After exploring the city's tightly-packed streets and navigating the ever-present stream of traffic, one great place to escape is The Peak, Hong Kong's most popular attraction. Visitors arrive at The Peak via the Peak Tram, which rises 1,300 feat above sea level to provide outrageous views of the city. Once at the top, The Peak Tower offers shopping and dining, and The Sky Gallery displays artwork by local Hong Kong artists.- 36-minute drive to Hong Kong International Airport, or an hour via public transportation

• One to 10-minute walk to shops and restaurants
• Three-minute walk to the Mong Kok metro station
• 15-minute walk to Jade Market
• 17-minute walk to Mong Kok stadium
• 20-minute walk to the water
• Eight-minute drive to the China Ferry Terminal, with ferry service to cities including Macau, Zhuhai, and Panyu, or 14 minutes via public transportation
• Eight-minute drive to West Kowloon Waterfront Promenade
• 11-minute drive to Hong Kong Museum of Art and Hong Kong Space Museum
• 12-minute drive to Victoria Harbour, or 13 minutes via public transportation
• 12-minute drive to Avenue of the Stars, or 12 minutes via public transportation
• 12-minute drive to IFC Mall, or 32 minutes via public transportation
• 15-minute drive to Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre and Expo Promenade, or 22 minutes via public transportation
• 17-minute drive to Hong Kong Stadium, or 32 minutes via public transportation
• 23-minute drive to The Peak and The Peak Tram, or 57 minutes via public transportation
• 27-minute drive to Hong Kong Disneyland, or an hour via public transportation
• 34-minute drive to Butterfly Beach, or 51 minutes via public transportation
• 38-minute drive to Lantau Island, or an hour and a half via public transportation

Rooms aren't quite as modern as others in the area, but they're high-tech with flat-screen TVs, DVD players, iPod docks, free Wi-Fi, and mobile smartphone devices, which allow for free local and international calls (to certain countries, like the U.S. and Australia) and also act as a 3G hotspot for guests' own smartphones. With mirrored and wood-paneled walls, rooms feature thick carpeting and armless velvet easy chairs, as well as glass-topped work desks and ribbed, Eames-inspired desk chairs. Other features include electronic blackout blinds, bathrobes, slippers, safes, ironing equipment, coffee/tea facilities (French presses, in some rooms), stocked minibars, and pillow menus offering lavender- and green tea-scented options.The peek-a-boo marble bathrooms are the standout feature: all have textured white walls, glass vanities, separate showers (with Grohe rainfall showerheads and hand showers) and soaking tubs, dual-flush toilets, and Chuan bath products. Combs, shaving kits, cotton swabs, toothbrushes, and toothpaste are all provided.Unless guests specify otherwise, the eco-minded hotel launders bed linens every three days.

Located on the 42nd floor, the semi-covered heated pool features an underwater sound system, separate whirlpool, snack bar, strikingly designed pool deck, and 270-degree views of the city. On the top floor of the hotel is the elegant Chuan Spa, renovated in 2016 and complete with Japanese bath, steam room and sauna. The modern fitness center, transformed into a health club after our visit, offers treadmills, ellipticals, and open and machine weights, and two additional workout studios. The pool, spa, and gym all present astonishing views of Hong Kong.Of the hotel's four on-site restaurants and bars, the sixth-floor Michelin-starred Ming Court is the most renowned. There's also a wine bar with cheese and charcuterie plates, a raw bar, grilled meats, and pastas; a lobby-level buffet restaurant with plenty of seafood choices and Asian fare; and a landscaped outdoor bar with a daily happy hour, wine by the glass and bottle, local and international beers, and a light-bite menu. Guests who upgrade to Club rooms get access to the 36th-floor Club Lounge, which features free breakfast, all-day snacks and open bar, afternoon tea, pre-dinner Champagne, and late-night sweets.The Cordis also offers free neighborhood walking tours every afternoon.