Harbour Plaza 8 Degrees

For what is otherwise a fairly straightforward, classy, four-pearl hotel, this hotel has one major quirk: The public interiors and some exteriors are designed at an eight-degree angle that creates the illusion that the entire building is crooked. Through the floor-to-ceiling glass entryway, everything in the lobby, from the shiny rectangular columns to the wood slat-paneled walls, appears to be sharply tilted. The ruse continues throughout the hotel's decor, and even includes the glassware in Cafe 8 Degrees, one of the on-site dining options. Otherwise, these are sharp, modern, but fairly traditional interiors with fun accents like contemporary light fixtures alongside a mostly neutral palette throughout. Guests here run the gamut, from couples and families to business travelers.

Adjacent to the city's former airport, the hotel is in a gritty area that holds little of interest for tourists, but it's still close to some of Hong Kong's big shopping complexes -- Festival Walk and Megabox are both about a 10-minute drive in opposite directions, and it's a seven-minute drive to the Kowloonbay International Trade and Exhibition Center. The Kai Tak Cruise Terminal is a 15-minute drive from the hotel. There's a bus stop down the street from the hotel, but there are no MTR stations within walking distance; the hotel operates a free shuttle service to Hungham and Tsimshatsui stations, and to the Telford Plaza/MegaBox shopping mall, the Canton Road shopping area, Kowloon Bay, and Axa Tower. The hotel is about a 20- to 30-minute trip by public transportation to central Kowloon. Hong Kong International Airport is about a 30-minute drive west from the hotel. 

Rooms eschew the tilted design scheme in the hotel's public areas for a straightforward and simple, though contemporary, design scheme. The earth-toned decor consists of dark wood furnishings, textured carpets, and desks with white glass tops. There are green bed runners atop white duvets and frosted glass panels with decorative designs sit above dark headboards. Standard Rooms come with 32-inch flat-screen TVs, minibars, electric tea kettles, laptop safes, and Wi-Fi (for a fee). The large Suites add modern kitchenettes with microwaves and dining rooms, and require minimum stays. Some also have balconies overlooking the pool. Bathrooms have shower/tub combos with adjustable handheld showerheads. Toiletries are provided. Many of the hotel's rooms have underwhelming city views while others have views of the pleasant interior courtyard and pool. 

The seasonal outdoor pool is set in a stone sundeck with a kids' pool and hot tub. There's also a waterfall feature all along one of the courtyard's walls, behind wicker-style lounge chairs. The fitness center is on the small side, but it includes a sauna, cardio equipment, and a weight-training area on an outdoor patio. Other facilities include a 24-hour business center with computer stations, nine flexible meeting rooms, and a banquet hall with a gorgeous chandelier, which often hosts wedding parties. For dining, Cafe 8 Degrees is an international buffet restaurant, while the Garden Terrace provides a casual outdoor atmosphere for snacks and light meals. There's also a small lobby deli and cafe, as well as the misleadingly named Pool Bar, an indoor watering hole adjacent to the courtyard that serves pizza and burgers. Breakfast isn't included with room rates. Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel's common areas. The hotel runs a free area shuttle, though airport transportation will cost extra. Car services can also be arranged.