HONG KONG – One would think that the loss of international visitors would bring any city’s hotel sector to a standstill. Not in Hong Kong.

Volatile street protests in 2019 followed by three years of strict pandemic quarantine rules did not deter hospitality brands from opening in the city, especially those in the luxury sector such as Rosewood Hong Kong, The St Regis Hong Kong and The Hari. 

One of the last destinations to reopen, Hong Kong finally ended its mask mandate on March 1 after dismantling most of its Covid-19 rules earlier.

As international visitors return, creating a sense of place for guests has been key for its hospitality sector.

Rosewood, for instance, has worked with local artists to place their pieces in the rooms and common spaces, and has created food that highlights Hong Kong’s heritage, such as mooncakes that celebrate the city’s love of lemon tea.

There is also a beef tartare with fermented bean curd by the century-old home-grown Liu Ma Kee brand. 

At The St Regis Hong Kong, local ingredients such as soya sauce and Ping Yuen chicken are spotlighted at its dining outlets.

Newer openings such as AKI Hong Kong – MGallery and The Silveri Hong Kong – MGallery act as social hubs or urban retreats for guests to gather and enjoy the city’s views or nature over a good meal and well-made drinks. 

From practical rooms to fancy, twin-sink-and-deep-tub suites, here are the places to check into for your next vacation in the Fragrant Harbour.

1. For families and the young at heart

The Fullerton Ocean Park Hotel Hong Kong

Despite its southern Hong Kong Island location, the 425-key hotel is only 20 minutes away by taxi from Central’s hip bars and restaurants and 10 minutes from Aberdeen’s beautiful beaches and hiking trails.

That is, if you still have energy after an adrenaline-packed day splashing about in Water World Ocean Park next door.

Or maybe you can spend time exploring the Wong Chuk Hang neighbourhood, an emerging art, cultural and dining enclave with home-grown businesses, such as craft breweries Young Master and Black Kite, and indie fashion brands Edit and 112 mountainyam.

Once you are back in the room, admire stunning South China Sea views through floor-to-ceiling windows.

Hanging out all day in the hotel is no issue. There is a luxury spa and five restaurants including Jade, which serves Cantonese cuisine, and Satay Inn, where you can find Singaporean fare if you get homesick.

Children will love the kids lagoon and 6,400 sq ft indoor playground – as big as six five-room Housing Board flats – as well as themed rooms with pirates, unicorns and safari motifs.

Info: 3 Ocean Drive, Aberdeen, Hong Kong; go to str.sg/i5p8; from HK$1,664 (S$288) a night for an Oceanfront Room

2. For those who want to live it up

Regent Hong Kong

Formerly the InterContinental Hong Kong, which ceased operations in 2020, the 497-room Regent Hong Kong is the latest luxury opening in the city located along Victoria Harbour.

After a two-year renovation, the interiors now boast museum-worthy art and sculptural features. Soft tones, leather and light wood dominate the cosy rooms with day beds by expansive windows to take in the beautiful harbour views.

In some rooms, Japanese-style sliding panels allow guests to appreciate those scenes even from the free-standing bath tub.

Even the restaurants are designed for diners to savour harbour views as you tuck into delicious cuisine such as surf and turf fare at The Steak House and Cantonese dishes at popular award-winning Cantonese restaurant Lai Ching Heen. 

Info: 18 Salisbury Road, Kowloon, Hong Kong; go to hongkong.regenthotels.com; from HK$3,900 a night for a classic room

The St Regis Hong Kong

Soaring ceilings, grand chandeliers, sculptures and paintings may bring an ostentatious atmosphere to some luxury hotels, but this Wan Chai property has used them to create a comforting home-like atmosphere in its common areas and 127 rooms.

At The St Regis Bar, drink in Hong Kong’s history and the hotel’s New York origins through the cocktail menu, including a Canto Mary version of the bar’s signature Bloody Mary cocktail, which includes dry tangerine peel, five-spice powder and locally produced soya sauce.

The hotel has two Michelin-starred restaurants – Run serves up excellent Cantonese classics while L’Envol dishes up French cuisine. 

If you are looking for insider tips, the hotel’s 24-hour eButler WhatsApp service is available at your fingertips.

I ask for the best places to eat braised beef noodles and am recommended a staff supper favourite just minutes away.

Chiu Hing Fishball Rice Noodle’s gruff-but-efficient service and savoury tripe soup hit all the right homecoming notes for me, as Hong Kong is my second home.

Then, traipsing back to the hotel to soak in a deep tub and sleep in a plush bed is deeply satisfying.

Info: 1 Harbour Drive, Wan Chai, Hong Kong; go to stregishongkong.com; from HK$5,400 for a deluxe room

3. For those who want the ultimate luxury food and wellness holiday 

Rosewood Hong Kong

Occupying 43 floors of a 65-storey skyscraper, the 413-room Rosewood Hong Kong reflects the legacy of one of Hong Kong’s wealthiest families, led by late property tycoon Cheng Yu-tung.

Expect evocative art pieces in public spaces and capacious rooms characterised by rich textures, opulent mirrored bathrooms and mostly panoramic views of Victoria Harbour.

There are 10 restaurants within the building, with offerings ranging from freshly made Italian casual fare at BluHouse to some of the best Asian cooking at one-Michelin-starred Indian restaurant Chaat and Cantonese restaurant The Legacy House.

Massage your woes away at spa oasis Asaya and enjoy a creative tipple at Darkside, one of the best cocktail bars in the city, with soulful live jazz to boot.

Info: Victoria Dockside, 18 Salisbury Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon, Hong Kong; go to str.sg/i5pL; from HK$7,000 a night for a Kowloon Peak View Room King

4. For those who want to bask in the outdoors

The Silveri Hong Kong – MGallery

Located in Tung Chung, the 206-room urban resort reflects Lantau Island’s silver mining history and is for those who like active holidays with a dash of (last-minute) shopping.

The hotel is in the same complex as the Citygate Outlets and a mere five minutes from Hong Kong International Airport.

Metallic design motifs play off nature elements such as lush green public spaces, wood interiors and a palette of marine blue and green in the rooms.

Spend a day at Hong Kong Disneyland or hike around Lantau Island’s villages such as Tai O, Mui Wo and Cheung Sha. Then come back for a drink to dramatic sunset views at the Pavilion cocktail bar before a French-Mediterranean dinner at modern bistro The Enclave. 

Info: 16 Tat Tung Road, Tung Chung, Hong Kong; go to thesilveri-hongkong.com; from HK$1,395 a night for a classic room

5. For digital nomads who love Japanese aesthetics and a drink with a view

AKI Hong Kong – MGallery

The sleek, modern-looking hotel stands out for its convenient location in Wan Chai and 20 Japanese-style tatami rooms, which are a rarity in the city.

For the eco-conscious, the 173-key property automatically shuts off air-conditioning and closes the blinds when you leave the room.

Those who need to check in on work while on holiday can use its co-working space and refuel at all-day diner Tangram, which offers lunch bowls in the day and transforms into a sake bar in the evenings.

Squeeze in a workout at any hour at the 24-hour gym.

Rooftop whisky bar Uncle Ming’s, billed as one of the best in the city, is the place to sample more than 80 labels including rare single malts as well as creative cocktails. You can also store unfinished whisky bottles for later visits. 

Info: 239 Jaffe Road, Wan Chai, Hong Kong; go to aki-hongkong-mgallery.com; from HK1,400 a night for a classic room

6. For the value-seeking traveller

Y Hotel Hong Kong

For room prices that include a work desk, a capsule coffee machine and a Slumberland mattress, the 96-room Y Hotel is the efficient and convenient accommodation for budget-conscious travellers.

The rooms are snug, but tastefully decorated in light wood and earthy hues.

For those who travel regularly to Hong Kong to stock up on dried goods, the hotel is located right at the famous streets offerings dried seafood and tonic food, where locals buy products such as salted fish, scallops and black moss.

The Sai Ying Pun MTR station is only a three-minute walk away, giving easy access to the rest of the city’s attractions. 

Info: 89 Des Voeux Road West, Sheung Wan, Hong Kong; go to mosaic-collection.com/yhotel-hongkong; from HK$727 a night for a superior room

• Freelance lifestyle writer Grace Ma considers Hong Kong her second home and often travels back to seek out new eats with her foodie relatives.
• Suite Life is a series on destination hotels and their locales.