Kowloon is a sprawling city and an exciting area of Hong Kong offering visitors a diverse and vibrant experience. This densely populated area is a treasure trove of cultural landmarks, bustling markets, and gastronomic delights, offering a glimpse into the soul of Hong Kong. From the iconic Victoria Harbour, providing stunning skyline views, to the historic streets of Mong Kok, where the air is perfumed with the scent of street food, Kowloon is an urban explorer’s paradise. Whether you’re drawn to the serene beauty of Kowloon Walled City Park, the electric atmosphere of the Temple Street Night Market, or the luxury shopping experiences at Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon promises a journey filled with discovery and enchantment at every turn.
Ritz Carlton Hong Kong
Classic luxury is always on tap at the Ritz (read our review of the Ritz Carlton Hong Kong here). This one is located in Kowloon, on floors 102 to 118 of the International Commerce Centre. There are Michelin-starred restaurants, two bars and a dedicated caviar bar. Don’t miss the spa and indoor infinity pool – a swim here is an ethereal experience, with a mirrored ceiling and an LED display wall. The Ritz is a great option for parents, with ample facilities – the staff will even create indoor night safari adventures to keep little ones entertained after dark. And for those wishing to party, head to the Ozone rooftop lounge, with Asian tapas, cocktails and a DJ.
The Peninsula
Just along from The Ritz is another historic institution – The Peninsula. Opened in 1928 and described as ‘the grand old lady’ of the island, she is a combination of all things modern and classic. Arrive by helicopter (it has its own private landing pad), take tea accompanied by a live orchestra, luxuriate in the spa, enjoy a sundowner on the terrace and dine at seven different eateries. There are 165 sleek and modern rooms in the original section of the hotel, with a further 135 in the new tower. Children are made very welcome too, with their own cheery bedding, bathrobes and cosy slippers.
W Hong Kong
Owned by the Marriot group, this funky upscale hotel chain is beloved by the trendy jet set. Found above the huge Elements Mall, it’s home to many a glitzy rooftop pool party. But it’s perhaps best known for its epic boozy Sunday brunch buffet, so large, diners are furnished with a map on arrival. Here the champagne flows, while endless fine food stations ensure you’re truly spoilt for choice. There are 393 rooms – some with glimpses of the harbour – decorated in notably calmer tones than the public areas, two restaurants, a cocktail bar and the Bliss Spa.
Rosewood Hong Kong
On Kowloon’s waterfront lies this 65 storey skyscraper, housing 413 rooms and a superb wellness centre, Asaya Spa, with a huge range of holistic, therapeutic and aesthetic treatments. Guests arrive through a charming cobbled driveway, and cosy lobby, before heading to spacious rooms beautifully designed by Tony Chi – most of which have harbour views. The decor nods toward Hong Kong’s heritage, with more than a hint of 1930s Hollywood glamour thrown in. Rosewood’s art collection is impressive, with work from the likes of Damien Hirst on view. Asian, Western, Indian and steakhouse cuisine are available, as well as a delightful afternoon tea in The Butterfly Room.
Hotel Icon Hong Kong
Stay just a little way from Hong Kong Island, in the hubbub of colourful Kowloon. Hotel Icon, owned by Hong Kong Polytechnic University, has Asia’s largest vertical indoor garden designed by French botanist Patrick Blanc and a Green Cafe – providing a welcome change in a sea of skyscrapers, walkways and roads. Hotel Icon also has 262 rooms, oodles of Chinese artwork, an outdoor pool, three restaurants and an elite glitzy club lounge with free drinks and snacks (for those choosing to upgrade).
The Langham Hong Kong
Bringing a little slice of London to the east is The Langham. While the first of the chain was established in the 1800s, this one didn’t arrive in Hong Kong until 2003. Sporting plenty of European elegance with chandeliers, rococo features and Wedgewood china, there’s also a wealth of Chinese art and a fondness for pastels and dusky pink throughout its furnishings. The Chuan Body and Soul Spa includes an outdoor heated pool and hot tub, while the Michelin-starred T’ang has some of the best Cantonese food to be found anywhere on earth.
