Hotel Sáv Hong Kong

The Hotel Sav is certainly trying to position itself in a trendy way: Its location is riding the first wave of the hipsterfication of this traditionally Cantonese neighborhood, and its style is lifted from millennial design playbooks. Expect lots of white, glossy surfaces, retro-futuristic lines, and bright Pop Art-inspired decor in the common areas. Those common areas are certainly active, with a constant stream of guests coming and going, hanging out in the restaurants and lounges, and visiting the pop-up shop. It can get downright busy, and check-in and check-out is often a queued up affair. That, unfortunately, diminishes any sense of a personal touch here, and instead makes it all feel a bit like a high-polish hostel. The major upside here is that the neighborhood surrounding the hotel has a distinctly local vibe, with lots of restaurants and shops offering fare in Cantonese only. What's more? Rates are some of the lowest you'll find on Kowloon. Expect to see plenty of young tourists from mainland China here, as well as budget-conscious international travelers and businesspeople. 

The Hotel Sav seems to be betting that its immediate area might be the next "it" neighborhood in Kowloon. That may very well be true, as the MTR system keeps expanding in this direction, and busy Tsim Sha Tsui is close enough to make it an appealing spot. However, at the moment, you shouldn't expect much nightlife near the hotel, though the area buzzes with local activity all day and early evening. There are almost too many Cantonese restaurants and markets to count, and the Whampoa MTR station is within a five-minute walk. The hotel also runs a free shuttle to the station. You'll need the MTR or a taxi to reach Tsim Sha Tsui; it's a 25-minute ride with a transfer via MTR, and 15 minutes or so by cab. Central, on Hong Kong Island, is about 30 minutes away by MTR. A trip to the airport will take around 90 minutes by MTR, or 45 minutes via taxi, depending on traffic.

Rooms here don't hew to the hotel's far more vibrant public areas -- in fact, some are downright plain to the point of no frills. Sure, a bit of backlighting on the bed adds quote-unquote futuristic style, but many are tricked out in a white-on-white-on-white decor that looks spartan rather than stylish. That's exacerbated by the fact that many rooms have small windows, making the often tiny floor plans feel especially closet-like in some units. Certain floors have rooms that add wall decals to give them a dash of personality, though you'll spot some wear throughout. Features include flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi, air-conditioning, Handy Phones, electric kettles, a bit of desk space, and minibars with free limited soft drinks. You can also rent Apple TVs and speakers for MP3 players. Open hanging areas replace closets, though you won't find irons or ironing boards. Bathrooms are modern, with showers and just a bit of counter space. Limited toiletries and hairdryers are both provided. Some higher-floor rooms will have nice city views, and despite the location on a busy street, things remain relatively quiet at night.

This hotel is tapping into the trendier offerings found at savvy new properties. The youthful vibe is centered on the bar and lounge, where you'll find open-air seating, pool tables, and lots of bright decor. Keep in mind that weather affects whether or not this space is open. Otherwise, there are two restaurants: Bauhinia Kitchen (which is open from lunch onward) and Moreish & Malt (which serves all meals). The former serves traditional Catonese fare, while the latter offers Western comfort and pub fare. Breakfast is only included with certain bookings. There's a small fitness room with limited cardio equipment and basic free weights, though it's only sufficient for a simple workout. Other features include a pop-up shop and meeting space. A free shuttle runs to the Whampoa MTR station. Wi-Fi is free throughout the property.