Galen loves Hong Kong. He has been multiple times for work and eats himself silly. Hong Kong island preferred to Kowloon, even though the view from Kowloon at night is superior.

The history of Hong Kong has led to remarkable architecture, spread across a very hilly landscape. There are amazing historic trams that skirt the waterfront, and multiple old-town historic areas with bars, restaurants, and a lot of charm.

Note I’m organizing this under China but realize this is a complicated topic – no political intentions here.

Hotels

• *The Conrad (a Hilton) – the worst hotel in this area (the Admiralty), which has at least five 5-star hotels. It’s not awful, but it’s tired, and the breakfast is unimpressive for the price.
• *InterContinental – Grand Stanford Hong Kong (IHG property) – second worst in the same Admiralty area. Totally acceptable, better than the Conrad, but not nearly as nice as the Shangri-La. Pretty nice breakfast, a bit newer. Service and interiors not as premium as the other options.
• **The Murray: Very corporate. Location next to Central is quite nice. Not memorable.
• **Shangri-la Hong Kong Island is excellent. Best breakfast yet, predominantly Asian. Amazing service, excellent rooms, and higher than many other hotels. They have 7 restaurants, a great spa, and a medium sized gym, and a pretty pool area. 
  • Within the Hotel, the **Ming Pavilion has Fijian and Asian Fusion food. Excellent space, impeccable service, overlooking the beautiful pool area. 
• [to do] The Rosewood Kowloon, which looks very fancy
• [to do] Upper House Hotel: very fancy and expensive modern hotel that is worth it if your company is paying

Dining

• **Cooshti Quarry Bay has good drinks, with fun and tasty sushi rolls.
• *The Iron Fairies Hong Kong: did not like at all, bad drinks.
• Upper House Hotel Bar – **Green Room – great drinks with a view
• **Shiro Central: Excellent Japanese restaurant with an amazing high-end 50CHF all you can eat brunch of sushi, sashimi, and tempura. 
• **Tai Kwun (a district): Free and very cool to visit the old prison. Nice restaurants. Try **Café Claudel for a glass of French Rosé and to watch the visitors of Tai Kwun in the main square. 
• **Tai Ping Shan Street was not amazing, but has a lot of nice wine bars. A glimpse of old HK in central/sheung wan. Often used for movie settings.
• [For next time] Mott 32

Shopping

• [to do] Goods of Desire
• **Ka-Pok: very cool clothing and gift store. 
• *Monocle Shop – a meh 
• **PMQ: Old living quarters turned physical Etsy. There are usually DJ’s and events in between the blocks of stores. It was “Ginsanity” when we went. A tasting event for local gin distillers. 

Further Reading