Laura Sharman visited Hong Kong for the Daily Mail travel desk‘s splurge or save weekly feature staying at the high-end Rosewood Hong Kong hotel and the more affordable Harbour Grand Kowloon.
This buzzy Asian city of neon skyscrapers and great food is perfect for all budgets
IT’S 28 years since Hong Kong was returned to China by the British (in 1997) and tourism since then has witnessed major developments.
There’s a new airport, Hong Kong International (opened 1998), the arrival of Disneyland Hong Kong in 2005 and many additional hotel chains including Four Seasons and Ritz-carlton.
For those combining their visit with a trip to mainland China, the Express Rail Link, launched in 2018, now connects Hong Kong to its high-speed rail network.
There’s masses to do in the ‘special administrative’ region of Hong Kong (population 7.4 million): ancient temples nestle beneath neon-lit skyscrapers, vintage trams trundle past buzzing shopping malls and Michelin-starred dim sum restaur- ants share the spotlight with slick cocktail bars.
Hong Kong’s appeal is growing, welcoming 12 million visitors in the first quarter of 2025. One of the main attractions is a glass-bottom cable car ride that soars over lush peaks to the 112ft (34m) Big Buddha and Po Lin Monastery.
Don’t miss the Peak Tram’s steep climb to Vic- toria Peak where views of Victoria Harbour await, or the Star Ferry.
FROM… £563 A NIGHT
RISING 43 floors above Tsim Sha Tsui’s arts district, Rosewood Hong Kong has 413 rooms and around 200 apartments. Rooms have lavish views and comforts include marble bathrooms, twin showers and free- standing baths.
The eight restaurants and bars all have distinct personalities. Among them are two Michelin-starred establishments: Legacy House, serving Cantonese cuisine, and Chaat, with elevated Indian street food. Another showstopper is the 25-metre infinity pool with uninterrupted views over the harbour.
The hotel’s waterfront location puts you on top of key sites such as museums and the Star Ferry crossing to Hong Kong Island.
Booking: Doubles from £563 (rosewoodhotels.com/hong-kong).
£140 A NIGHT
ALONG the waterfront from the Rosewood, just beyond the city centre, lies Harbour Grand Kowloon hotel, whose sleek, blue-glass facade gives way to elegant interiors.
It’s enormous with 967 rooms, but there is an intimacy to be found in the friendly service.
Expect a glass-framed rooftop pool, spa, massage rooms and several restaurants. Rooms are comfortable and understated.
You have direct access to Victoria Harbour promenade where you can enjoy a scenic 30-minute walk to Tsim Sha Tsui’s lively heart.
Booking: Doubles from £140 per night (harbourgrand.com).
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