99 Bonham All Suite Hotel

Like its sister hotels -- The Jervois, The Putman, and One96 -- the stylish 99 Bonham All Suite Hotel has a lot to like in a simple, chic package. That pared-down list of extras helps elevate its refined upscale vibe rather than diminish it, particularly for travelers who value privacy and independence. Unlike the city's more ostentatious luxury properties -- like the Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong -- you won't find busy destination dining or drinking on-site. Instead, a stay at the 99 Bonham feels like you've checked into a posh condo, helping you settle into one of Hong Kong's coolest neighborhoods like a local. While rooms are stylish and spacious, and views from higher floors are astounding, you won't find many services on-site. With that in mind, the hotel is best suited for independent-minded travelers in town for either business or pleasure. What's more? The relatively reasonable rates make 99 Bonham something of a bargain in this pricey city.

On our 2018 trip to Hong Kong, Sheung Wan was easily one of our favorite neighborhoods. It's a fascinating blend of old-school Hong Kong and the city's modern pulse, where galleries and graffiti sit next to historic temples and traditional street markets. The Sheung Wan MTR station is less than five minutes away on foot, and there are numerous dining options in every direction. Nightlife isn't big in Sheung Wan, but lively Soho is only a five-minute walk from the hotel, with Lan Kwai Fong's bars under 15 minutes away on foot (a five-minute taxi ride, at most). The Man Mo Temple is a five-minute walk uphill, and there are numerous trendy cafes and restaurants nearby. From Sheung Wan, it's one stop on the metro to Central, and 20 minutes by MTR (with one transfer) to Tsim Sha Tsui on Kowloon Island. Budget an hour to reach Hong Kong's airport by Airport Express train and the MTR, or 30 to 45 minutes by taxi depending on traffic.

For such an understated property, this hotel goes big on premium style and amenities, accentuated by stunning city and mountain views in many units. Rooms come in three categories: Standard, Premium, and Deluxe -- with the latter found on the hotel's top five floors. These units include dual-aspect windows for exceptional city views. However, all units have at least one wall of floor-to-ceiling windows, meaning that so long as you're above floor seven, you'll have a good view as well.Amazing vantages aside, style here is contemporary, with attractive neutral tones, dark wood-veneer furniture, and sparingly used abstract line art on the walls. High-end perks abound, like goose-down duvets, Frette linens, Handy phones, Nespresso machines, MP3 docks, and large flat-screen TVs with DVD players. Windowside seating doubles as workspace or a place to sip your coffee alongside those city views. Pantries include electric kettles, sinks, and glassware as well. Closet space is far in excess of many Hong Kong properties. Bathrooms are sleek and compact, with sinks outside of the shower rooms. Premium bath products -- L'Occitaine at the time of our 2018 visit -- and hairdryers are provided. Units come with a mix of either rainfall showers or shower/tub combos. 

Like the other properties in the National Hotels portfolio, the set of extras here is limited and make 99 Bonham best for travelers who don't need lots of on-site perks outside of what's found in their rooms. There's a simple fitness room where you'll find enough equipment to get a complete, if basic, workout. A laundry room is open around the clock and is free to use. Soap is provided. Wi-Fi is free throughout the property. The front desk is staffed around the clock and can help with any concierge services, though the hotel curates a map that's updated every month as well, with local tips and new spots to check out.