Hong Kong, Asia’s “World City” is regularly rated one of the top cities in the world, known for its cosmopolitan atmosphere, trendy food and wine scene and incredible shopping. As a result, globetrotters (especially those short on time) often feel overwhelmed by the huge choice of hotels and need an expert’s guidance on where to stay.
The easiest way to choose a hotel is to decide on location: Hong Kong Island or the “Kowloon Side”. Bronwyn Hodge, Goway’s Product Development Manager for Asia writes the following to help you choose and have a fantastic experience in Hong Kong.
Hong Kong Island is the site of the original British settlement and is the historic and economic center of the city. The north shore of Hong Kong Island is crowded with over 700 skyscrapers, providing the city with its iconic skyline and serving as home to international banks, corporate headquarters and luxury apartments.
Hong Kong is Recommended for:
- Mixing business and pleasure (Hong Kong Island is also home to the HK Conventions Center).
- Those looking to experience Hong Kong’s hottest new restaurants, wine bars and nightclubs (check out SoHo and Lan Kwai Fung).
- Art and antique aficionados who will enjoy exploring the upscale galleries and shops along Hollywood Road.
- Visitors short on time, as some of Hong Kong’s most popular attractions (the Peak, Stanley market and Aberdeen Fishing Village) are located on the Island.
The “Kowloon Side” refers to the peninsula across Victoria Harbour from Hong Kong Island and is the center of the city’s entertainment and shopping. The bustling along the waterfront is called Tsim Sha Tsui (abbreviated “TST”) and is home to luxury boutiques, shopping malls, park and museums. Just north as one of the city’s “hippest” neighborhoods.
Kowloon is Recommended for: First time visitors to Hong Kong, as it offers the best views of the iconic skyline and nightly Symphony of Lights Show:
- If you are arriving by cruise ship, as both the Ocean Cruise Terminal and New Kai Tak Cruise Terminal are located in Kowloon.
- Shoppers for its vast range of markets, malls designer boutiques and tailors.
- Travelers on a budget as Kowloon offers a wide selection of accommodation choices.
Whether you choose to stay in Kowloon or on Hong Kong Island it is easy and inexpensive to visit both sides of the Harbour, with convenient access provided by taxis, the modern subway and of course, the legendary Star Ferry which has been shuttling passengers across Victoria Harbour for over 125 years. If you still can’t decide where to stay? Goway’s ASIA Experts can help you choose. To learn more about fascinating Hong Kong, watch Goway’s upcoming Hong Kong Webinar! ALSO VISIT: Travel Information for Hong Kong Hong Kong tours, vacation & experiences
By Bronwyn Hodge
Growing up in a family travel business, Bronwyn has been travelling from a very young age. Her favourite experience was 3 months spent backpacking through India and Southeast Asia. She counts many countries among her ‘favourites,’ but is especially fond of Australia for its lifestyle, Cambodia for its culture and resilience, and Japan for its contrasts. She holds the proud distinction of being Goway’s only former Bollywood star – having once starred in a Coke commercial in Mumbai.
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