The Mira Hong Kong

Hong Kong is certainly home to its share of destination hotels -- big-name properties that are packed with see-and-be-seen restaurants and bars. The Mira is one of the younger additions to that roster, and brings a healthy dash of sexy, contemporary style alongside a light-hearted party-friendly vibe. In fact, it's those bold design choices that set the immediate mood upon entering The Mira. You'll see undulating wall details competing with glossy black and white surfaces, as the hotel's main floor -- which is a hub of activity throughout the day and night -- opens up in seemingly every direction. Well-dressed locals and tourists stroll in and out of the gourmet pastry shop, striking buffet restaurant, and clutching bags from the high-end retailers in the malls attached to the property. It's a fashion-forward, lifestyle-conscious hotel that certainly embraces the lively, neon vibe of the Tsim Sha Tsui streets that are just outside. From its Michelin-recommended Cuisine Cuisine to Vibes, it's perennially busy shisha lounge, the hotel aims to keep guests entertained on-site by bringing Hong Kong's buzz inside. It's the kind of place that's been used to film episodes of Asia's Next Top Model, after all. You'll spot a wide cross-section of travelers here, though its vibe certainly appeals to a style-conscious traveler seeking an upbeat, trendy place to base themselves, whether for business or pleasure. 

A peaceful corner of Hong Kong, this is not -- in fact, Tsim Sha Tsui is one of the city's most lively and energetic districts. That's part of the appeal of staying at The Mira, where the location along Nathan Road puts literally everything at your fingertips. The hotel is attached to two malls that are loaded with trendy, high-end retailers. Beyond that, the streets are lined with all manner of shops and boutiques, including one-of-a-kind streetwear on the Granville Circuit, a five-minute walk away. Kowloon Park is just across Nathan Road, as are entrances to the Tsim Sha Tsui MTR station. You'll find international and Cantonese restaurants in every direction as well. A 10-minute walk south leads to Victoria Harbour, where the light show on Hong Kong Island can be viewed from Salisbury Gardens and the Avenue of the Stars. Alternatively, you can head due west from the hotel about the same distance for a calmer vantage on the harbor that's particularly beautiful at sunset. Trips to Hong Kong Island via the MTR will take about 15 minutes all in. Getting to the airport is relatively easy as well. The hotel runs a free shuttle to Kowloon Station for the Airport Express -- the trip takes about 45 minutes total. Otherwise, it's a 30- to 45-minute taxi ride. 

The rooms here have an attractive, minimalist look that eschews some of the high-gloss, bold style found in the common areas. Instead, expect an abundance of dark wood and white, with pops of jewel-tone hues like purple, red, and green. Details such as upholstered statement headboards add a softer touch, and almost every room gets plenty of natural light. The dark marble bathrooms are a particularly sexy addition, with separate glass-walled showers and bathtubs in all rooms, plus open-plan vanities and premium bath products. We did spot some wear on the hardwood floors and furniture during our 2018 visit, though overall things are in good shape.Just how much style you get depends on the level of your booking. Those seeking privacy should consider the hotel's Club Rooms, which are on the 13th and 15th floors and have private check-in and direct Club Floor-only access to the sharp Club Lounge. Spa Suites with steam showers are available as well. Specialty Suites on the fifth floor are massive units with dramatic furnishings, rooms on top of rooms on top of rooms, and terraces that open up directly to Vibes. Some even have private hot tubs. The style ante is upped in these suites as well, with original artwork by Pamela Nielsen and interiors by Charles Allem. Standard features include electric kettles, minibars, large flat-screen TVs, air-conditioning, Bose Bluetooth soundsystems, and free pocket Wi-Fi. This last perk is a massive step up from the bulky and inconvenient Handy Phones that nearly every other Hong Kong hotel offers, and can be easily taken around the city for internet access anywhere. High-end rooms see extras like Nespresso machines, Bang & Olufsen tech, or even outdoor hot tubs -- so check ahead on what perks you're after. Keep in mind that rooms overlooking Vibes, which is in the hotel's courtyard, are likely to pick up a bit of noise in the evenings until around midnight. Otherwise, things are well soundproofed. 

As one of the larger hotel's in this part of Hong Kong, The Mira has an extensive set of features to match -- and outpaces the W Hong Kong, which draws a similar social set. That starts with its dining and drinking scene, which includes six separate outlets. On the ground floor you'll find the gourmet pastry shop and cafe, where locals meet up for informal business meetings, as well as a sports bar and wildly popular buffet restaurant, Yamm. This busy spot pulls in locals and tourists in spades, and includes premium details, like lobster that's flown in daily. Upstairs, you'll find venues like Vibes, which is the hotel's perennially popular lounge nightclub that specializes in shisha. Back indoors, Cuisine Cuisine is a Michelin-recommended Cantonese restaurant that offers twists on traditional dim sum and is packed with local diners all day. The decor across all venues lives up to this hotel's place within Starwood's Design Hotel portfolio, and all are destinations in their own right on the Hong Kong scene.Indulgence of a different stripe is on offer in the hotel's extensive spa, which includes a large indoor lap pool, modern fitness center, and several treatment rooms. It's a calm and serenely decorated space that feels contemporary, but without the South Beach look found elsewhere in the property. Instead, expect scents of eucalyptus on the air and soothing tones. Business features are numerous as well, and the hotel is a major venue for events in the city, with a massive window-lined ballroom as well as smaller meeting and event spaces. Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel and valet parking service is available. A free shuttle runs to Kowloon Station for the Airport Express train. There's also direct access to two malls from the hotel, for anyone needing a little retail therapy.