Searching hotels in Lantau, Hong Kong, you will find a mind-boggling array of prices everywhere from an astonishing $13 to an equally astonishing $2,000 per night. All are described in intriguing and beautiful Chinese characters that translate to “I don’t get it” in English. The language barrier can prove paralyzing for some.
Hong Kong has every branded hotel known to man, and then some. As you might expect in this global center for finance and business, the recognized names are polished to the hilt, with extra glamorous amenities and super special luxuries not even available in other locations. Consider the Peninsula, with 14 custom Rolls-Royce limousines at your beck and call, and pillbox-hatted bellboys, clad in white gloves, awaiting your next command. All that aside, many familiar hotel brands are available with rooms that fit within your budget without subjecting you to outdoor bathrooms some of those low-end hotels might feature.
There are hotels near the airport, some of which will charge a premium. There are a few international chains offering reasonably priced lodging there, however. Hong Kong could be a good place to use points you’ve earned in previous travels to take advantage of some of the luxury that pervades the landscape.
You will want to choose a hotel location in the Central or Causeway Bay areas that are attached at the hip to sights, shopping, dining, and business. On Kowloon, the Mong Kok and Tsim Sha Tsui areas are nice choices very close to similar pursuits. Hung Kom isn’t but a 5-minute bus ride out, but you’ve got to know where you’re going. The Island Shangri-La Hotel and the Mandarin Oriental are good Central hotel choices for shopping and business. Likewise, for Kowloon shopping and business, consider the Langham.
Prime considerations in determining hotel price are proximity to subway stops, as well as room size. Hong Kong hotels put a premium on both. Choosing a brand you know well will get you off on the right foot. Things change quickly here, also, so keeping up with current status is a good idea via travel publications and airline articles.