Prudential Hotel

The Prudential Hotel is a fine bet for travelers who don't need all of the futuristic polish and luxury fittings for which Hong Kong might be best known. Instead, this is a humble, relatively modern home base that can be a reasonably priced option for travelers wanting to base themselves on Kowloon. Don't expect too many frills, and while some corners of the hotel are quite contemporary -- like its casual bar -- you'll spot some fustier spots as well. However, guests here are generally spending most of their time out exploring, as location is a big advantage here. The Jordan MTR station is just downstairs, and Tsim Sha Tsui is within an easy walk. In the end, this is a decent choice for travelers who don't plan on spending too much time hanging out at their hotel, but want a clean and comfortable place to unwind. 

Location is easily this hotel's strongest suit, and most previous guests rave about how easy it is to hit up Kowloon's top sights from here. Kowloon Park is a minute away on foot, and the center of bustling Tsim Sha Tsui is only a 10-minute walk from the hotel. You can cozy up to authentic and iconic Hong Kong canteen style dining at the famous Australia Dairy Company, which is a five-minute walk away, while the Temple Street Night Market is less than 10 minutes away on foot. Travelers needing to get farther afield can head downstairs to the Jordan MTR station. It's only two stops to retail-packed Mong Kok, one stop in the other direction to Tsim Sha Tsui, and three stops to Central, on Hong Kong Island. The hotel runs a direct airport shuttle, though you can also reach the airport by using the MTR and Airport Express train in about an hour. A taxi will take 30 to 40 minutes. 

The rooms here are plain and pleasant, which is all you need if you're planning on spending your time out exploring Hong Kong. Don't expect much in the way of bells and whistles, and the style is straightforward, with plush seating, dark wood furniture, a mix of neutral and dark hues, and the occasional piece of wall art. Nothing screams "This is Hong Kong," but that's not what this hotel is about in the end. Expect amenities in line with typical mid-range and upper-middle-range hotels, including air-conditioning, flat-screen TVs, minibars, desks, safes, and free Wi-Fi. Bathrooms are fresh and modern, with showers or shower/tub combos as well as hairdryers. Higher category rooms, like Executive Suites, include L'Occitane bath products as well as separate living rooms. Take heed when booking so-called city view rooms, as they don't often match expectations -- insist on a higher floor if those views are important to you.

Features aren't too numerous here -- you won't find a spa and there's only one function room -- but the hotel has enough to help you unwind at the end of a long day, or charge up at the beginning of one. The hotel's rooftop pool is a bonus and there's ample rooftop space for soaking up the sun. A compact, but modern, fitness center is outfitted with cardio and weight-training equipment. The hotel's buffet restaurant scores mostly solid marks from previous guests, though breakfast isn't automatically included in rates. There's also a casual bar. Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel, and a shuttle bus runs directly to the airport for an extra fee. Keep in mind that there is no elevator to reach the lobby from the ground floor, so you'll have to haul luggage up the escalators (an experience previous guests haven't loved).