The Independent's journalism receives support from our readers. Purchases made through links on our site may generate commission. This comprehensive guide presents the fourteen best hotels to visit in Hong Kong during 2026, as selected by a seasoned local travel expert. Whether you seek a world-famous swimming pool, Michelin-starred dining, or undeniable A-list appeal, these urban retreats and countryside boltholes deliver exceptional experiences with serious wow factor.
Hong Kong: A City of Contrasts and Charms
Hong Kong presents a captivating puzzle of forested mountains, soaring skyscrapers, bustling street markets, glittering malls, golden beaches, and atmospheric sea temples. This dynamic metropolis stands virtually unrivalled, offering everything from traditional dim sum to top-tier fine dining and vibrant nightlife. The city thrums with energy, its streets animated by historic trams, candy-coloured supercars, luxury yachts, traditional sampans, and iconic ferries.
As a lifelong resident, our expert confirms that while it's easy to indulge extravagantly, Hong Kong also boasts numerous world-class attractions accessible for mere pennies. Enjoy a scenic 25p tram ride, a classic 50p crossing on the legendary Star Ferry, explore ancient temples, or visit municipal museums for free on Wednesdays. Furthermore, the city serves as the historic home for several legendary hotel brands—including The Peninsula, Mandarin Oriental, Swire Hotels, Regent, and Rosewood—which first made their mark here before conquering the global luxury travel scene. Travellers will also discover plentiful wallet-friendly options, many featuring harbour-view swimming pools, rooftop bars, impressive art collections, or serene rural settings. Whether your priority is culinary immersion, scenic beauty, or relaxation at an urban resort, this list highlights the very best hotels Hong Kong has to offer.
The Best Hotels in Hong Kong for 2026
At a Glance: Top Picks by Category
- Best Central Hotel: Mandarin Oriental
- Best Hotel for Families: Grand Hyatt, Hong Kong
- Best Hotel with a Harbour View: Mondrian Hong Kong
- Best Hotel Near the Airport: Tai O Heritage Hotel
- Best Cheap Hotel: Eaton HK
- Best Luxury Hotel: Four Seasons Hong Kong
1. Ritz-Carlton Hong Kong
Occupying floors 102 to 118 of the International Commerce Centre—Hong Kong's tallest building—the Ritz-Carlton Hong Kong provides breathtaking panoramic views stretching from the old Kai Tak airport to the Outlying Islands. Beyond the vista, the hotel houses two double-Michelin-starred restaurants: Tosca di Angelo for Italian fine dining and Tin Lung Heen for exquisite Cantonese cuisine. Guests can also enjoy the futuristic Ozone rooftop bar, a serene spa offering pearl-based treatments, and the world's highest swimming pool for cloud-level laps.
2. Four Seasons Hong Kong
Celebrating its 20th anniversary in 2025, the Four Seasons Hotel Hong Kong made history as the first hotel globally to be awarded eight Michelin stars across its restaurants. These accolades are shared between three-Michelin-starred Lung King Heen and Caprice, along with one-starred Noi and Sushi Saito. The hotel also boasts the acclaimed Argo bar and a Forbes five-star spa, complemented by impeccable service and stunning Victoria Harbour views.
3. The Peninsula Hong Kong
An icon of global hospitality, The Peninsula—affectionately called The Pen by locals—boasts an illustrious history, a guest list of legends, and opulent Italian Renaissance decor. Arrive via the rooftop helipad or in one of fourteen signature green Rolls-Royce Phantoms. The experience includes afternoon tea accompanied by a string quartet, plush rooms, a lavish spa, a Roman-style indoor pool, and nine superb bars and restaurants, including Michelin-starred Spring Moon.
4. Tai O Heritage Hotel
Escape the urban buzz with a journey to this nine-room heritage hotel in the tranquil fishing village of Tai O on Lantau Island. Housed in a former colonial-era maritime police station, the property features French windows opening onto sunset-view verandas, Neoclassical columns, and white wood-panelled rooms with vintage furnishings. While a small restaurant is on-site, exploring the village for local delicacies like jumbo fish balls and charcoal-grilled egg waffles is highly recommended.
5. Mondrian Hong Kong
This design-led hotel has transformed the old Panorama Hotel in Tsim Sha Tsui into an artsy retreat. Rooms are compact but cleverly designed with large V-shaped windows framing city and harbour views. Interiors pay subtle homage to Hong Kong through lacquered sewing box minibars and lamps inspired by junk boat sails. While there's no pool or spa, the Avoca bar serves inventive local cocktails, and the Carna steakhouse is a buzzing culinary hotspot.
6. The Upper House
A celebrity favourite, The Upper House offers sleek, André Fu-designed interiors that provide a serene escape from the city's energy. The hotel features the sultry Salisterra restaurant, the intimate Green Room bar, and 117 spacious rooms with warm woods and sophisticated fabrics. Unique to the property is its Longevity Centre, offering advanced wellness treatments like hyperbaric chambers, cold plunges, and in-room massages.
7. Eaton HK
With its 1970s-inspired design, vibrant art installations, funky food hall, and strong community ethos, the Eaton HK is a beloved local hangout. Compact yet cleverly configured rooms feature cork walls, geometric carpets, and smart shower rooms. Amenities include a rooftop pool, a 24-hour fitness studio, a radio station, a screening room, and Michelin-starred Yat Tung Heen restaurant.
8. Hotel Icon
Designed by Sir Terence Conrad and operated as a training school for Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hotel Icon surprises with its professionalism and style. The triple-height lobby is adorned with Asia's largest indoor vertical garden. The hotel offers award-winning dining at reasonable prices, spacious mineral-hued rooms with harbour views, an executive lounge, a gym, and a temperature-controlled outdoor pool.
9. Regent Hong Kong
Following a three-year, multi-million-dollar refurbishment, the Regent Hong Kong has reclaimed its legendary status on the Kowloon waterfront. Designer Chi Wing Lo has reimagined the interiors, featuring rooms with granite bathrooms, Japanese soaking tubs, and day beds framing spectacular harbour views. The hotel retains its stellar culinary lineup, including NOBU and two-Michelin-starred Lai Ching Heen.
10. East Hong Kong
Located in Taikoo, East Hong Kong caters to a business-leaning yet hip crowd. The woody double-height lobby includes hot-desk seating, while 345 energy-efficient rooms blend warm woods with clean lines and panoramic views. Amenities include an outdoor pool heated in winter and a perennially popular rooftop bar.
11. Grand Hyatt, Hong Kong
Overlooking Victoria Harbour in Wan Chai, the Grand Hyatt excels for both business and leisure. Its proximity to the Hong Kong Exhibition Centre and a swish executive lounge appeal to conference-goers, while holidaymakers can enjoy the Plateau Spa and a stunning tropical lagoon-style pool. Ten diverse bars and restaurants cater to all tastes.
12. The Hari Hong Kong
This boutique hotel in vibrant Wan Chai boasts a prime location near street markets, temples, and nightlife. Tara Bernerd's tactile interiors—featuring caramel leather, tweed armchairs, and custom rugs—create a cosy, stylish atmosphere. The efficient service and tasteful rooms encourage extended stays, with excellent dining at Lucciola's and Zoku, plus a terrace bar perfect for people-watching.
13. Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong
A mid-century marvel in the heart of Central, the Mandarin Oriental celebrated its 60th anniversary in 2024. Beloved by locals and celebrities alike, it offers classic rooms with walnut marquetry and Chinese art. Highlights include the famed Clipper Lounge afternoon tea, Michelin-starred Man Wah, The Captain's Bar, and the comprehensive Mandarin Spa.
14. Rosewood Hong Kong
Owned by the billionaire Cheng family, Rosewood Hong Kong has swiftly become one of the city's most exclusive addresses since its 2019 opening. The Tony Chi-designed property features museum-worthy art, consistently brilliant restaurants like Chaat, and exceptionally thoughtful service. Most of the 413 rooms offer dazzling harbour views, with plush interiors and Hollywood-worthy marble bathrooms. The Asaya wellness centre provides unique offerings like life coaching and art therapy.
Why Trust This Guide
The hotels featured in this curated list have been meticulously selected by The Independent's expert travel writer, Lee Cobaj. Having been raised in and currently residing in Hong Kong, she brings deep, personal knowledge of the destination. Her recommendations are informed by firsthand experience, evaluating each property on location, facilities, service, and all the nuanced details that contribute to an exceptional stay for every type of traveller.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the best time of year to visit Hong Kong?
Hong Kong's subtropical climate brings hot, muggy summers and temperate winters. The optimal visiting period is between November and March, when humidity decreases and temperatures range from a pleasant 20°C to 28°C.
What is Hong Kong most famous for?
While renowned for its unmatched skyline—home to 564 skyscrapers over 150 metres tall—many are surprised to learn that nearly 70 percent of Hong Kong's territory consists of protected green spaces and country parks.
How many days do I need in Hong Kong?
Hong Kong is a compact yet multi-layered destination that deserves a minimum of five days to fully appreciate its iconic sights, vibrant street life, diverse culinary scene, and beautiful countryside.
