Where to stay in hong kong

Choosing where to stay in Hong Kong is one of the most important decisions you’ll make when planning your trip. The city offers a wide range of neighbourhoods, accommodation styles and price points, and the area you choose can have a significant impact on your overall experience.

Some districts place you within walking distance of major attractions, while others offer better value, more space or a more local atmosphere. This guide compares Hong Kong’s most popular areas to help you find the right combination of location, budget and accommodation style for your visit.

AUTHOR EXPERIENCE

We have been visiting Hong Kong for many years and have stayed in hotels and apartments in different parts of the city including Sha Tin in the New Territories. One of the things that makes Hong Kong such an interesting destination is that each district offers a very different experience.

The recommendations in this guide are based on personal experience as well as practical considerations such as transport connections, accommodation choice, atmosphere and value for money.

Most recent visit: 2026

Stayed In: Sha Tin

Perspective: Independent Traveller

Find your ideal Hong Kong Base

Not sure where to stay? Start with the option that best matches your travel style and priorities.

First time Visitors

The best all-round choice for most visitors.

Hong Kong Island

Restaurants, nightlife and classic Hong Kong energy.

Budget Stays

Better value and a more local atmosphere.

Families and Space

More room, a slower pace and family-friendly options.

Best Value

More space and better value for money.

Returning Visitors

Neighbourhoods with more local character.

Quick Recommendations

first visit

TSIM SHA TSUI

BEST VALUE

SHA TIN

Shopping

CAUSEWAY BAY

Nightlife

WAN CHAI

ISLAND EXPERIENCE

CENTRAL AND SHEUNG WAN

LOWEST PRINCES

TUEN MUN

BEST FOR FIRST TIME VISITORS

Tsim Sha Tsui

Budget: ££–£££

Best For: First Visit

Transport: Excellent

Atmosphere: Busy & Scenic

The harbour promenade, Star Ferry pier, museum strip, Nathan Road shopping and a full spread of hotels at every budget – and the view across at the Hong Kong Island skyline. Most first-timers end up here and are happy they did. Suits anyone on a first visit who wants to be central, close to the main sights, and not have to worry about transport. This area has the broadest accommodation options: from the most celebrated luxury hotels to solid budget guesthouses and hostels.

Accommodation Snapshot (£ per night)

Budget accommodation: £30 – £90

Mid range: £109 – £221

Luxury: £251 – £765

Pros

Cons

Our Recommendation:

Stanford Hillview

Consistently strong reviews for value, cleanliness and service, guests like the location and relative quietness of the area

BEST OF HONG KONG ISLAND

Central and Sheung Wan

Best For: Island Experience

Budget: £££–££££

Transport: Excellent

Atmosphere: Urban & Sophisticated

The area: Central is Hong Kong Island’s financial heart — gleaming towers, Lan Kwai Fong (the main nightlife district), and some of the best restaurants in Asia. Sheung Wan, just to the west, is its cooler, calmer neighbour: indie cafes, antique shops on Cat Street, Man Mo Temple, and the old Hong Kong feel a short walk from the action. The Mid-Levels Escalator — the world’s longest covered outdoor escalator — runs through here, connecting Central uphill through SoHo, surrounded by bars and restaurants at every level. This suits visitors for whom dining, nightlife and atmospheric neighbourhoods matter most and who are happy to pay for the privilege of being on the Island’s most characterful stretch.

Accommodation Snapshot (£ per night)

Budget accommodation: £46 – £97

Mid range: £134 – £204

Luxury: £277 – £1,090

Pros

Cons

Our Recommendation:

Ibis Hong Kong Central

A good value hotel, modern rooms, with excellent transport connections and within walking distance to Sheung Wan, Central, SoHo, and the Mid-Levels Escalator. Try and book a harbour-facing room.

BEST BALANCED CHOICE

Wan Chai

Best For: Balance and Convenience

Budget: ££–£££

Transport: Excellent

Atmosphere: Local & Lively

Wan Chai sits between Central and Causeway Bay on Hong Kong Island — modern, well connected by both MTR and tram, and noticeably more relaxed than either Mong Kok or TST. It has a business district feel during the week but is easy and walkable at weekends. It suits visitors who want to be on Hong Kong Island without paying Central prices, value good transport connections in every direction, and prefer a slightly calmer base. A strong choice for a second visit or longer stays.

Accommodation Snapshot (£ per night)

Budget accommodation: £53 – £99

Mid range: £108 – £238

Luxury: £482 – £533

Pros

Cons

Our Recommendation:

The Burlington Hotel

Consistently praised by guests for its clean, modern rooms and helpful staff. Competitively priced below many premium hotels in the area.

BEST FOR BUDGETS AND LOCAL LIFE

Mong Kok

Best For: Budget and Atmosphere

Budget: ££–£££

Transport: Excellent

Atmosphere: Busy & Local

Mong Kok is one of the most densely populated urban districts in the world and delivers the classic image many visitors have of Hong Kong: neon signs, street markets, busy junctions, small restaurants and constant loud activity. Accommodation is generally cheaper than in Tsim Sha Tsui or on Hong Kong Island, making it a good choice for travellers who want to maximise value while staying in the heart of the city. The MTR puts you everywhere quickly. Mong Kok suits budget travellers who want to be genuinely in the city rather than observing it. Not the place for a quiet retreat — but for the right kind of traveller, there’s nowhere more alive.

Accommodation Snapshot (£ per night)

Budget accommodation: £34 – £95

Mid range: £100 – £154

Luxury: £484

Pros

Cons

Our Recommendation:

The Dorsett Mong Kok

West of Mong Kok’s centre, we have stayed at the Dorsett and thought it good value. Its strong points are cleanliness, service and transport connections. The room sizes are however small.

BEST FOR SPACE AND VALUE

Sha Tin

Best For: Space and Value

Budget: ££–£££

Transport: Very Good

Atmosphere: Relaxed & Residential

Sha Tin offers a very different Hong Kong experience from the dense urban districts around Victoria Harbour. Located in the New Territories, it combines modern shopping centres, riverside walkways, green space and excellent transport connections. Hotel rooms are often larger and better value than equivalent properties in Central or Tsim Sha Tsui, making Sha Tin an attractive choice for visitors who prioritise comfort, space and value over being in the middle of the action.

On several visits to Hong Kong we have chosen to stay in Sha Tin. While it lacks the harbour views and energy of Tsim Sha Tsui or Central, the combination of space, comfort and transport convenience has made it one of our favourite bases in the city.

Accommodation Snapshot (£ per night)

Budget accommodation: £81 – £92

Mid range: £105 – £109

Luxury: –

Pros

Cons

Our Recommendation:

Alva Hotel by Royal

This is an excellent hotel available at a great rate – particularly if you book well in advance. We have stayed here for more than three weeks and were impressed by the service, facilities, the location and the hotel shuttle transport that carries guests to the main MTR and also to the West Kowloon AirPort Express station. We will stay there again on our next visit.

BEST FOR SHOPPING & ENERGY

Causeway Bay

Best For: Shopping and Entertainment

Budget: ££–£££

Transport: Excellent

Atmosphere: Busy & Energetic

Causeway Bay is one of Hong Kong’s busiest and most energetic districts. Known for its shopping, restaurants and excellent transport connections, it offers many of the advantages of staying on Hong Kong Island while often providing better value than Central. The area is particularly appealing to visitors who enjoy being surrounded by activity. Large shopping centres, local markets, restaurants and cafés are all within easy reach, while the MTR, trams and buses make it simple to explore the rest of the city.

Accommodation Snapshot (£ per night)

Budget accommodation: £72

Mid range: £156

Luxury: –

Pros

Cons

Our Recommendation:

Lanson Place Hotel

If your budget will stretch to this, it’s among the best-reviewed hotels in the area with spacious rooms, an elegant feel and excellent location near Victoria Park while remaining slightly removed from the busiest shopping crowds.

BEST ISLAND VALUE

North Point

Best For: Island Value

Budget: ££

Transport: Excellent

Atmosphere: Local & Residential

North Point offers one of the best value propositions on Hong Kong Island. Located east of Causeway Bay, it combines lower accommodation prices with excellent transport connections, making it possible to enjoy the convenience of the Island without paying Central or Causeway Bay hotel rates. The district feels noticeably more local than Hong Kong’s major tourist areas. Traditional markets, neighbourhood restaurants and everyday Hong Kong life sit alongside modern hotels, while the MTR, trams and buses provide easy access to the rest of the city.

Accommodation Snapshot (£ per night)

Budget accommodation: £97

Mid range: £159

Luxury: –

Pros

Cons

Our Recommendation:

Hyatt Centric, Victoria Harbour

A good combination of hotel quality, excellent harbour views, facilities, and location in North Point. It has a rooftop pool and direct access to the North Point waterfront and MTR.

BEST FOR DISNEY & NATURE

Lantau Island

Best For: Disney and Outdoors

Budget: ££-£££

Transport: Good

Atmosphere: Relaxed & Scenic

Lantau Island offers a completely different side of Hong Kong. Home to Hong Kong Disneyland, the Big Buddha, Ngong Ping and some of the territory’s best hiking trails, it appeals to visitors looking for a slower pace and easier access to nature. For most first-time visitors, Lantau is unlikely to be the best base for exploring the city’s main attractions. However, families visiting Disneyland, travellers with early flights or those wanting to combine urban sightseeing with outdoor activities may find it an attractive alternative to the busy districts around Victoria Harbour.

Accommodation Snapshot (£ per night)

Budget accommodation: £90

Mid range: £233

Luxury: 273

Pros

Cons

Our Recommendation:

Silveri Hotel

It has a modern luxury feel without the price of Central luxury hotels. It’s well connected to Tung Chung and the outlet mall; within easy reach of the Ngong Ping cable car, the airport, and the MTR. At further distance, the Tai O Heritage Hotel also deserves a special mention — it’s a converted police station in the stilted fishing village of Tai O, one of the most atmospheric stays in all of Hong Kong. At £211 a night it sits towards the top of mid-range but offers something genuinely different.

BEST FOR BEACHES & A SLOWER PACE

Southern District

Best For: Beaches and Relaxation

Budget: ££-££££

Transport: Good

Atmosphere: Relaxed & Residential

The Southern District offers one of Hong Kong’s most surprising accommodation options. While most visitors focus on the busy districts around Victoria Harbour, the south side of Hong Kong Island provides beaches, coastal scenery and a noticeably slower pace of life. Areas such as Repulse Bay, Stanley and Aberdeen feel very different from Central, Wan Chai or Tsim Sha Tsui. For travellers who value relaxation, outdoor space and a more residential atmosphere, the Southern District can be an appealing alternative while still remaining within easy reach of the city.

Accommodation Snapshot (£ per night)

Budget accommodation: £79

Mid range: £164

Luxury: –

Pros

Cons

Our Recommendation:

Fullerton Hotel

The reviews are positive, rooms spacious, many with views over the beautiful South China Sea and its offers convenient access to Ocean Park, Repulse Bay, and Stanley.

BEST FOR MODERN VALUE

Kowloon East

Best for: Modern Hotels

Budget: ££

Transport: Very Good

Atmosphere: Business & Residential

Kowloon East is one of Hong Kong’s fastest-changing districts. Former industrial areas such as Kwun Tong have been transformed into modern business and residential neighbourhoods, creating opportunities for visitors to find newer hotels at lower prices than those around Victoria Harbour.

While the district lacks the atmosphere and attractions of Tsim Sha Tsui or Hong Kong Island, excellent MTR connections make it a practical option for travellers prioritising comfort and value.

Accommodation Snapshot (£ per night)

Budget accommodation: £80

Mid range: £120

Luxury: –

Our Recommendation:

Dorsett Kwun Tong

We have stayed here. The room was clean, the service good, the price was great for Hong Kong although it does require a 15 minute walk to the MTR station.

BEST FOR LOCAL CHARACTER

Kowloon City and Kai Tak

Best for: Local experience Hotels

Budget: ££

Transport: Very Good

Atmosphere: Traditional & Emerging

Kowloon City offers a more local perspective on Hong Kong, with traditional restaurants, neighbourhood markets and a slower pace than the major tourist districts. The nearby Kai Tak redevelopment area is transforming the former airport site into a modern waterfront district with new hotels and attractions. Visitors who enjoy exploring beyond the usual tourist trail may appreciate the area’s character, although transport connections are not quite as convenient as those found in Tsim Sha Tsui or Central. While the district lacks the atmosphere and attractions of Tsim Sha Tsui or Hong Kong Island, excellent MTR connections make it a practical option for travellers prioritising comfort and value.

Accommodation Snapshot (£ per night)

Budget accommodation: £70

Mid range: £244

Luxury: –

Our Recommendation:

Keri Hotel

Yes, this is pricey but it has large rooms by Hong Kong standards, there are excellent harbor views, it’s modern and has direct waterfront promenade access.

BEST FOR LOWEST PRICES

Yau Ma Tei and Jordan

Best for: Value and Convenience

Budget: ££

Transport: Excellent

Atmosphere: Local & Practical

These districts offer a more local atmosphere at prices consistently lower than Tsim Sha Tsui. The area suits travellers who want to keep costs down without sacrificing location, and who enjoy being in a more genuinely local part of the city rather than the tourist-polished harbourfront.

Accommodation Snapshot (£ per night)

Budget accommodation: £60

Mid range: £143

Luxury: £400+

Our Recommendation:

Eaton Hotel

Across every forum thread and Reddit discussion in our research, the Eaton HK came up more often than any other mid-range hotel as the go-to recommendation. At around £95 a night it’s well below the mid-range ceiling and consistently well-reviewed.

BEST FOR LOWEST PRICES

Tuen Mun

Best for: Budget Value

Budget: ££

Transport: Fair

Atmosphere: Suburban

Located in the western New Territories, Tuen Mun is the furthest accommodation option covered in this guide but often offers some of Hong Kong’s lowest hotel prices. Modern shopping centres, waterfront areas and good local amenities make it a comfortable base for longer stays. The trade-off is distance. Reaching Hong Kong Island, Kowloon and many of the city’s main attractions requires considerably more travel time than staying in the central districts. For most first-time visitors there are better choices, but budget-conscious travellers may find the savings worthwhile.

Accommodation Snapshot (£ per night)

Budget accommodation: less than £100

Mid range: –

Luxury: –

Our Recommendation:

Penta Hotel

Modern design, well-maintained rooms and convenient access to the Tuen Ma Line and local shopping. Reviews from guests praise cleanliness, staff, and room size.

Still Not Sure?

For most first-time visitors, Tsim Sha Tsui remains the safest all-round choice. Returning visitors should consider Wan Chai or Central & Sheung Wan, while Sha Tin offers some of the best value and space in Hong Kong.

External Links:

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Where to stay in hong kong

Find your ideal Hong Kong Base

Quick Recommendations

Tsim Sha Tsui

Accommodation Snapshot (£ per night)

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Our Recommendation:

Central and Sheung Wan

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Wan Chai

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Our Recommendation:

Mong Kok

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Sha Tin

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Causeway Bay

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North Point

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Our Recommendation:

Lantau Island

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Our Recommendation:

Southern District

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Our Recommendation:

Kowloon East

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Our Recommendation:

Kowloon City and Kai Tak

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Our Recommendation:

Yau Ma Tei and Jordan

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Our Recommendation:

Tuen Mun

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Our Recommendation:

Still Not Sure?

External Links:

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