One96 - Elegant Full Floor Suite Hotel

One96 is much like its sister hotels -- The Putman, The Jervois, and 99 Bonham. It offers all of the perks of living like a local in Hong Kong, albeit like a local who has the cash to afford modern style and lots of space (Hong Kong apartments are notoriously tiny, after all). Here, though, rates are relatively low for a polished upscale hotel, and you get the added bonus of having an entire floor to yourself. It's an intimate property, with only 29 units, and the vibe is entirely calm. Travelers wanting the perks that come with a standard hotel -- like on-site dining, room service, and a spa -- may find themselves wanting, but for those who value style, location, space, in-room amenities, and value for money, One96 is a great option. Independent business and leisure travelers are the most frequent guests here. 

Sheung Wan is one of Hong Kong's capitals of cool (at least during our 2018 visit it was). Why is that? Because the neighborhood seamlessly blends old and new, with historic temples, traditional markets, trendy coffee shops, and high-end eateries all standing side by side. All of that is literally just outside the hotel's front door. While the neighborhood isn't a major nightlife destination, guests at One96 can reach lively Soho -- the city's expat hub -- in five minutes on foot (Man Mo Temple is about the same distance away). Expect a 15-minute walk to Central and the bars and clubs of Lan Kwai Fong. The Sheung Wan MTR station is also around five minutes away on foot. It's a 20-minute trip to Kowloon Island from here by MTR, with one transfer. The airport will take about an hour to reach by using the MTR and Airport Express train. 

The suites here are ideal for travelers who want home-like comforts and space -- if home is a stylish condo in a Hong Kong high-rise. First impressions are hard to beat. Each suite has its own floor, and stepping out of an elevator into a foyer that leads to a space that is entirely your own is an unmatched feeling when it comes to staying in a hotel. You won't be bumping into neighbors in the hallway and don't have to stress about thin walls between rooms. It's all about exclusive privacy here. The wall-to-wall windows are another major plus, and views from floors 31 and higher open to the city skyline and harbor (though many floors below these also have nice city views). The look inside the suites is fresh and modern, with L-shaped couches and dining tables in the living rooms, bookcases with artfully arranged photos and books, a wall of closets separating the bedroom, and chic neutral tones throughout. The modern kitchenettes are tucked away around the corner from living rooms, and hold limited dishware plus sinks, microwaves, and Nespresso machines. Other features include entertainment systems, free Wi-Fi, free Handy smartphones, Frette linens, down duvets, air-conditioning, and marble bathrooms. The latter are posh, and include rainfall showers and upmarket toiletries. 

Like the other hotels in this local mini-chain, there aren't a ton of on-site features here. The front desk is staffed around the clock and can provide concierge services, though maps are found in each room. These are hand-curated by the hotel and updated every month to show where guests might find cool locals-only sights and dining spots. A lounge has free soft drinks and guests can use the fitness room at The Putnam, which is nearby. Laundry is free and soap is provided. Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel.