Eaton HK

Renovated in 2013, this '90s hotel had a complete makeover but its atrium lobby and lounge is still the most notable feature. Towering windows rise to a glass ceiling, with a bank of four glass elevators along the opposite wall, each lifting guests through the lounge's ceiling and up along the exterior of the building, for some fantastic views of Kowloon. By contrast, the lobby is rather unremarkable, awash in blonde wood and white marble. Dove-gray upholstered chairs give plenty of seating, but they're a little too upright to invite lounging and lingering. The look is contemporary and buttoned-up, but mirrored square columns provide a little graphic glimmer.

The hotel is in a convenient but bustling location within a five-minute walk of the MTR Jordan Station along Nathan Road, known locally as the Golden Mile for its densely packed shops and restaurants. Temple Street Night Market -- or Men’s Street as it’s also known due to the abundance of men’s fashion for sale -- is also within a five-minute walk. Avenue of the Stars can be reached in 20-minutes on public transportation. Hong Kong International Airport is about a 30-minute drive, or an hour-and-34-minutes by public transportation. 

Most of the hotel's 465 rooms are characteristically small, with barely enough space to walk around the beds to a small desk. The decor was refurbished in 2013 with neutral tones, blonde-wood furnishings and mossy-green accent walls above the headboards. Philippe Starck Ghost Chairs tucked under the desk provide a touch of high style. Larger executive and club rooms have sitting areas and work desks with roller chairs. There are also some Family Rooms with two bedrooms that accommodate up to five guests. All rooms have iPod docks, flat-screen TVs, safes, and electric tea kettles. Some bathrooms have large walk-in showers, and others add a separate soaking tub, but all are outfitted with magnifying mirrors, hairdryers, and toiletries.  

The hotel's dining bridges East and West with multiple options. The striking Metro Lounge located in the lobby has views of the city through soaring three-story windows, and glass elevators zip up and down its interior wall. Another lounge and bar on the lobby floor has outdoor seating on a beautiful terrace. Yagura does Japanese standards like sushi and tempura, along with a more intoxicating izakaya-style cuisine where food is primarily served to accompany a main course of alcohol. Coffee, casual Western food, and a breakfast (not included in most room rates) is served in the Main Street Cafe. For fine-dining, the award-winning Yat Tung Heen, dishes out sophisticated, contemporary Cantonese cuisine. All-day room service is available.

On the rooftop, an open-air heated outdoor pool designed like a Greco-Roman bath has a small sundeck with loungers and views of the city. The adjacent 24-hour fitness center with cardio machines, weight machines, and free weights stays sunny with an overhead skylight and big windows overlooking the pool deck. It's attached to a small lounge with chair massagers. A few standing terminals with Mac computers and a printer are available for guests' use. A handful of meeting rooms and event spaces are also available. Guests who reserve Club Rooms have access to the E Club, a lounge and library serving coffee, tea, and cocktails with computers and free newspapers on hand. Off the lobby, there's a small gift shop with snacks and souvenirs. Wi-Fi is free throughout.