stayed here for a few weeks with family during our Asia visit last summer. surveyed several rooms during our truncated stay (checked out then back in few days later), and to suit different needs.
Location & Convenience:
- right in the heart of downtown, this location can't be beat.
- at least 15 eateries of all categories and price range ON THE SAME BLOCK!
- convenience stores, mini supermarket, pharmacies, household goods stores, fashion shops, hair salons... all nearby.
- several trendy malls around within a 2-7 min walk.
- 5-7 min to Star Walk (星光大道) -- bonus find: Middle Road Playground right by it!!!
- 15-20 min to Star Ferry / Ocean Terminal area. use MTR passage (see pointer below) if you don't like to be exposed to the elements.
- MTR station within 2 min to N2 exit (another 5-7 min to platform) if you prefer to get to the train via their underground, covered passage (and they have the moving walkway too!) -- very convenient esp when weather won't cooperate!
- if one is feeling adventurous, there's a bus terminal (~5 min walk) by Chatham Rd S. with buses that can take you to Sha Tin, Tsuen Wan, Stanley, and other places.
- no taxi stand on site, don't need one - usually one can find a vacant cab passing through the street, even at 3am (my friend tried it!).
Room & Ambiance:
- room size is appropriate -- maybe i should even say abundant -- esp if one understands how real estate works in Hong Kong. your hotel room is likely larger than any given local's home that is situated wayyy off downtown. trust me: i grew up there.
- if that's not enough of a reference, try this: 3.5 open check-in size suitcases lying around, there is still room to walk, no need to jump from place to place. That, in Hong Kong, spells SPACIOUS!
- room comfort is adequate. in the heat of summer, we never felt stuffed in the room, sometimes even too cold i had to turn up the thermostat.
- bed and pillows were comfy! not too soft, not too hard. just right. they have two firmnesses on the pillows, too.
- noise level -- low. aside from the occasional car honks from the streets (can't avoid those), and an occasional inconsiderate group on your floor (can't avoid those, either), the hotel stay feels calm and quiet.
- everything in the room was in working condition. one bathroom even had the electronic bidet feature on the seat!
Amenities:
- room is equipped with enough: tea kettle, coffee maker, closet, slippers, toiletries, hair dryer, room safe, work desk. some has a seating area consisting of an extra cushy chair and small table.
- free wifi. 'nuf said.
- complimentary bottled water (coz tap is NOT safe for drinking unless boiled!), 2 per room every day when your room gets cleaned.
- upgraded room is equipped with USB charger on outlets. also got Crabtree & Evelyn toiletries!
- executive lounge (Noble Quad) on top floor (exclusive access) is a quiet oasis in the midst of downtown chaos. lots of natural lighting, plenty of comfortable seating. great place to chill alone or with a couple friends, business partners, etc. don't try to sneak in as security guards do patrol there.
- local phone and data service available for rental. i used it as my hotspot when i'm out of the hotel.
- two restaurants right on premise. one is the Michelin-starred Come Into (silly name, yes) Restaurant, featuring Chiu Chow cuisine.
- typical of downtown mid-range hotel: no gym, no pool, no business center. they're not necessary.
Staff & Service:
- predominantly younger (20s & 30s) staff dressed in semi-casual uniforms (ex. tee under tweed jacket, paired with white sneakers) imparts a fresh, contemporary look. i really appreciate that.
- airport/hotel car service drivers are punctual, polite, and safe -- we drove through Red Rain Warning with a baby on my lap and i didn't cringe one time -- this says a lot: once one has experience with the red taxi and mini van in Hong Kong, they'll know what i'm talking about.
- these guys also stand by in lobby and greet guests. they say hi to us every time we depart and return to hotel, hold the door and call the elevators, all of that. very friendly and hard working!
- front desk: good command of English; i would presume they are proficient in Cantonese and Mandarin as well. courteous, dutiful, efficient.
- housekeeping: very polite and considerate, minimum "intrusion" when cleaning with you in room. efficient with cleaning and requests. laundry service also good.
- breakfast: it's nice that it is there, but really a low point of the stay (which is not entirely the hotel's fault coz they're outsourced). if your room rate includes it and you don't feel like the 15+ choices out there within a stone's throw, then you'd be glad it's provided.
Full disclosure: got connection for a favorable rate and upgraded room. nevertheless, review is not altered due to these reasons, just my honest take.
In short, considering all elements, i would stay here again and would recommend to friends and family.