No.8 Hung Luen Road, Hunghom Bay, Hung Hom, Kowloon, Hong Kong, China | (888) 989-6591
Beautiful outdoor lagoon pool that stays mostly uncrowded
Location right on Victoria Harbour means great views from many rooms
All units are two-bedroom suites that are ideal for families
Rooms include separate living rooms and efficiency kitchenettes
Modern fitness center with an array of equipment
Spa includes sauna and steam room
Attractive bar offers daily happy hour specials
Free shuttle to the Star Ferry Terminal
Meeting and event space is available
Free Wi-Fi throughout
Location isn't within walking distance of anything interesting
Shuttle doesn't run around the clock
Dining at the cafeteria leaves much to be desired
This hotel gives off urban resort-like vibes, with its lovely outdoor pool, an attractive bar for happy hour specials, and a wide range of amenities including a fitness center, screening room, and spa. The 240 rooms are pleasant and decked in neutral tones, and all come with two bedrooms, plus standard features like free Wi-Fi, Handy smartphones, and flat-screen TVs. There's only one restaurant, which is open for all-day dining, though food is pricey and mediocre. Unfortunately, while the harborside location means great views, it's a long and confusing walk from the Hong Hum MTR stations and there's nothing nearby. A free shuttle to the Star Ferry terminal helps, but only to an extent. If you'd like a proper resort with amazing dining and a livelier vibe, opt for The Kerry instead.
Scene
Modern property with resort-like amenities and harbor views that's best for low-key families
The Kowloon Harbourfront Hotel has one undeniably exceptional advantage -- as its name suggests, the hotel sits right on the water, meaning unimpeded views of Victoria Harbour and Hong Kong Island from many vantages throughout the hotel. Unfortunately, it's also quite isolated from the city's buzzier quarters, so the hotel is best suited for low-key travelers who don't need much in the way of entertainment. With that in mind -- and coupled with the hotels only-suite inventory -- expect to see lots of families here. Amenities match resorts elsewhere in the world, with a lagoon pool that stays calm throughout the day plus extras like a spa and a nice bar. However, there isn't much in the way of a vibe -- don't expect on-site entertainment or any ambient dining venues. Instead, consider it a clean and modern place to crash after long days spent touring the sights of Hong Kong.
Location
Right on Victoria Harbour, but removed from Hong Kong's lively neighborhoods and fairly inconvenient
This hotel's location is a blessing and a curse. Sitting right on Victoria Harbour, it certainly capitalizes on amazing water views, though it's removed from almost anything of interest. Don't expect to walk anywhere on foot, and even the closest MTR stations -- Whampoa and Hong Hum -- require at least 15 confusing minutes spent navigating elevated pedestrian paths and crossing busy highways. The area immediately around the hotel is, at least, quiet at night. However, you'll likely be relying on the hotel's shuttle, which runs to the Star Ferry terminal in Tsim Sha Tsui. Trips to the airport will take around 30 to 45 minutes by taxi, depending on traffic. Free airport shuttles are not offered.
Rooms
Big two-bedroom suites with modern style, plus many with outstanding harbor views
For travelers that value space, the suites here offer plenty to be happy about. Rare among Hong Kong hotels, the Kowloon Harbourfront Hotel offers only two-bedroom suites, all of which are done in pleasantly modern neutral tones. Separate bedrooms and living rooms mean that there's plenty of space for families to spread out, and windows let in lots of natural light. In many units, those windows open to fantastic and uninterrupted views of Victoria Harbour across to Hong Kong Island. These are particularly great for watching the nightly light show across the harbor. Expect standard amenities like flat-screen TVs, Handy smartphones, free Wi-Fi, electric kettles, and efficiency kitchenettes with microwaves and hot plates. Bathrooms are simple and straightforward, with shower/tub combos and limited counter space. Given the slightly removed setting, things stay expectedly quiet at night.
Features
Beautiful lagoon pool and attractive bar with happy hour, though restaurant is a let down
Aside from the Victoria Harbour views, this hotel's other best asset is its pool. The lagoon-style area is surrounded by plenty of greenery. It features a whirlpool and the whole area remains relatively calm throughout the day. A fitness center has a good amount of cardio and weight-training equipment, and there's a spa with a sauna and steam room. The attractive bar offers happy hour specials, though the restaurant is a bit of a let down. It's a cafeteria-style outlet that lacks much in the way of ambience and doesn't score the most enthusiastic reviews from previous guests. Several meeting rooms and event spaces are often busy with local businesses on weekdays. A screening room is also available. The hotel runs a free shuttle into the evening that takes guests to the Star Ferry Terminal. Wi-Fi is free throughout the property.