iclub Fortress Hill Hotel

The Fortress Hill outpost of this mid-range local chain doesn't offer too many surprises for travelers familiar with the iclub brand. It's a simple property with a contemporary look that's a great option for travelers who need little more than a clean place to sleep at night. Compared to other mid-range properties that we saw on our 2018 visit to Hong Kong, interiors here are fresh and bright, and the lobby level -- where you'll find a lounge and outdoor space -- buzz with activity throughout the day. There's no real scene of which to speak -- don't expect a bar or dining options -- but the hotel is a great fit for travelers who want to be close to the MTR while in a local neighborhood that's starting to come up on Hong Kong's trend radar. Expect to see a mix of travelers here, from tourists to business people, all drawn by relatively low rates, a solid location, and better-than-average interiors.

While this hotel isn't situated right amid the buzz and bright lights of Hong Kong's Central or Causeway Bay districts, it's hard to argue with its setting. The Fortress Hill MTR station is an easy five-minute walk from the hotel. Causeway Bay -- Hong Kong Island's shopping hub -- is two stops away on the MTR, while Central is five stations away (for access to Soho). The immediate area is a mostly local part of town, packed with Cantonese restaurants and low-key canteens or tea shops. There's a strip of trendy drinking and dining spots on Wang On Road, around the corner, and Oi! -- a cool arts center -- is five minutes away on foot. You can also grab local sweets, like egg waffles, and plenty of pastries at the numerous bakeries all around. Victoria Park is within a 10- to 15-minute walk, while Happy Valley is less than 10 minutes away by taxi for horse races. Budget around 45 minutes to reach the airport by taxi, depending on traffic. Alternatively, it takes about the same amount of time to reach the airport by using the Airport Express from Hong Kong Station and the MTR.

Rooms here fall into four categories, though all are on the compact side of things and the suites available at some of the other iclub properties aren't offered here. Even so, interiors are clean and bright, helping to make them feel a bit larger than they actually are. Space-saving design features also create a bit more space, and some units have cubby-style desks in the windows with nice cityscape views (and even partial glimpses of Victoria Harbour). Standard features in all rooms include electric kettles, air-conditioning, flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi, desks with media hubs, and mini-fridges. Pocket Wi-Fi is available for free with direct bookings. Bathrooms are compact and clean and include rainfall showers. The glass-walled units are frosted for privacy, though if you're traveling with company, you might find them a bit less than private. 

Features aren't too numerous here, though the hotel offers the right basics to help make a stay convenient for independent travelers. The hub of it all is the lounge, which has indoor and outdoor space. Guests tend to make good use of the space, as rooms are compact, and you can expect to see travelers enjoying takeaway lunches and drinks, as well as the free coffee that the hotel provides around the clock. During breakfast hours, light snacks and pastries are provided for free, though there's no full breakfast available on-site. The space has plenty of seating, and the hotel offers a laundry area, simple fitness corner, computer station, and mobile-phone charging. Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel, and pocket Wi-Fi is free with direct bookings. Meeting space is also available.