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Where to Stay in Kowloon

Where to Stay in Kowloon

Kowloon Hong Kong Travel Guide

Full Spectrum of Lodging Options

Hostels & Guesthouses

  • Budget-friendly Stays

    Numerous hostels and guesthouses exist, many in multi-story buildings in Tsim Sha Tsui and Mong Kok. Dormitories and small private rooms cater to budget travelers and backpackers. Check Hostelworld for options.

  • Value for Money

    These options provide an economical way to stay in prime Kowloon locations, popular for short and long stays alike.

Hotels: Mid-range & Luxury

  • Mid-range Hotels

    Abundant 3-star and 4-star hotels across Tsim Sha Tsui, Jordan, and Mong Kok. Modern amenities and comfortable stays are common. Find good value on Booking.com or Agoda.

  • Luxury Hotels

    World-renowned 5-star hotels line the Tsim Sha Tsui waterfront, such as The Peninsula and Rosewood Hong Kong. Opulent experiences and harbor views mark these properties. Explore high-end stays on IHG Hotels.

Unique Local Accommodation Types

Kowloon features a growing number of boutique hotels, offering one-of-a-kind designs and intimate stays.

Boutique Hotels

Advantages
  • Special styles and personality
  • Personalized service
  • More intimate than large chains
Considerations
  • Can be pricier than standard hotels
  • Fewer amenities than large resorts

Vacation Rentals & Apartments

Advantages
  • More space, good for families or longer stays
  • Local living experience
  • Access to kitchen facilities. See options on Vrbo.
Considerations
  • Local regulations are complex
  • Purchase through reputable hosts

Camping & Outdoor

Considerations
  • Not available within urban Kowloon
  • Designated sites are in New Territories or outlying islands (e.g., Sai Kung, Lantau)
  • Plan a separate excursion outside Kowloon for these activities.
Alternative Options
  • Consider house/pet sitting exchanges via TrustedHousesitters for unique stays outside traditional hotels.

Homestay & Community-Based Tourism

Availability:

Less common in dense urban Kowloon compared to rural areas.

Finding Options:

A few options could exist through specific booking platforms that connect travelers with local hosts.

Kowloon Neighborhood Guide for Accommodation

Selecting the right neighborhood greatly influences your Kowloon experience. Each area has a distinct character for your stay.

Tsim Sha Tsui TST

  • Central location, harbor views, luxury shopping, easy MTR/ferry/Airport Express access.
  • More expensive, very touristy, often extremely crowded.

Jordan & Yau Ma Tei

  • Authentic local experience, good food, mid-range prices, convenient MTR access.
  • Less modern than TST, some regions have a gritty appearance.

Mong Kok

  • Energetic atmosphere, budget-friendly accommodation, excellent street food, unique markets, great MTR access.
  • Extremely crowded, can be noisy, some guesthouses are in older buildings with smaller rooms.

Hung Hom & Sham Shui Po

  • Local experience, cheaper accommodation, authentic food, distinct perspective.
  • More distant from the central tourist attractions, may mean more travel time on public transport.

Safety & Ambiance

Safety Notes:
  • All areas in Kowloon are generally safe.
  • Exercise standard caution in crowded markets.
  • Chungking Mansions is heavily monitored.
  • Use common sense.
Noise Levels:
  • Tsim Sha Tsui: Varies, main thoroughfares busy, hotels often have quiet rooms.
  • Jordan/Yau Ma Tei: Moderate noise, mix of quiet residential and bustling commercial areas.
  • Mong Kok: Extremely crowded and noisy.
  • For a quiet stay, choose a hotel slightly off main roads or request a non-street-facing room.

Proximity & Transport

Tsim Sha Tsui:

Excellent for harbor attractions, museums, MTR, ferry access. Airport Express Kowloon Station here.

Jordan, Yau Ma Tei, Mong Kok:

All boast excellent MTR access, permitting easy travel across Kowloon and to Hong Kong Island. Close to markets and local sights.

Hung Hom:

Direct MTR connections (Tuen Ma Line, East Rail Line) to the New Territories. Near High Bullet Train's West Kowloon Station.

Booking Strategies for Kowloon Accommodation

Different seasons and booking methods yield varying results for your stay.

Advance Booking Recommendations by Season

High Season Oct-Dec, CNY

High demand due to pleasant weather and major festivals. Book well in advance, ideally 3-6 months out, to secure selection and rates.

  • Last-minute options limited and more expensive.
Shoulder Season Mar-May

Booking 1-3 months in advance usually works. You might find more flexibility and better deals than in high season.

  • Good balance of weather and availability.
Low Season Jun-Sep

Fewer tourists due to heat, humidity, and typhoons. You can often find good deals and last-minute availability. Booking 1 month in advance or closer to your travel date works.

  • Offers budget-friendly opportunities.

Booking Channels & Policies

Trusted Booking Platforms

Use well-known international platforms like Booking.com, Agoda, Expedia, and Hotels.com. They present a wide selection and competitive prices.

  • Check hotel websites for loyalty programs or special direct rates.
  • Hong Kong special administrative region Hotels Association website provides information on member hotels.
Deposit & Cancellation Policies

These vary by lodging and platform. Always review the conditions carefully before making a reservation.

  • Many offer free cancellation up to 24-48 hours before check-in.
  • Cheaper non-refundable rates exist; select provided that arrangements are definite.

Negotiation & Fluctuations

  • Walk-in Rate Negotiation

    Negotiating walk-in rates is not common for established hotels. Fixed pricing is common. Some smaller guesthouses Might offer slight discounts for walk-ins during off-peak times. Online booking usually provides more security and better rates.

  • Seasonal Price Fluctuations

    Accommodation prices are highest during high season and major festivals. They generally drop during the summer low season, offering opportunities for budget-conscious travelers. Weekend rates are often higher than weekday rates.

Insider Tips

  • Read Reviews

    Always read recent reviews of hotels, especially for budget accommodations in older buildings, to manage expectations regarding room size and amenities.

  • Book in Advance

    For popular times, securing your stay early can save money and stress.

Accommodation Recommendations for Kowloon

Budget Options

YHA Mei Ho House Youth Hostel (Sham Shui Po): A converted historic public housing block with dormitory-style and private rooms. Mini Hotel Tsim Sha Tsui: Compact, stylish rooms in a prime location.

Mid-Range Options

Hotel ICON (Tsim Sha Tsui): Design-focused with excellent service, often harbor views. Eaton HK (Jordan): Culturally immersive with a focus on sustainability. Cordis, Hong Kong special administrative region (Mong Kok): Direct MTR access, spacious rooms.

Other Accommodation Types

Luxury Options

The Peninsula Hong Kong (Tsim Sha Tsui): Iconic colonial grandeur, impeccable service. Rosewood Hong Kong (Tsim Sha Tsui): Sophisticated design, stunning Victoria Harbour views. A Luxury hotel chain Hotel Hong Kong (Central, Hong Kong Island): Supreme luxury with breathtaking harbor views.

Family-Friendly Stays

Chain hotels offer family/connecting rooms. Hotels with pools (e.g., Hyatt Regency Tsim Sha Tsui, Kerry Hotel) are popular. Serviced apartments (e.g., Gateway Apartments) provide more space and self-catering facilities.

Solo Traveler, Long-Stay & Historic Properties

Solo: Hostels (YHA Mei Ho House), boutique hotels, lively neighborhoods. Long-stay: Serviced apartments (K11 ARTUS). Historic: The Peninsula Hong Kong, YHA Mei Ho House Youth Hostel.