Harbour Plaza Metropolis

Part of a large complex which includes a shopping center, the Harbour Plaza Metropolis occupies a vast, 21-story building. Well-kept plants and trees front the glassy, zig-zag-patterned facade. Inside, the huge lobby features expansive marble floors and ample light thanks to the many windows. Potted plants and trees add a bit of life to an otherwise minimalist space. Part of the lobby area is taken up by a coffee outlet and a separate seating area of bright purple sofas. Bonzai plants and oriental tables creates a cozy and relaxing corner. The atmosphere here is of a large business hotel, and guests mill about the lobby throughout the day. Despite its corporate vibe, the hotel is popular with leisure travelers.

Harbour Plaza Metropolis is located in the heart of Hong Kong's Kowloon district overlooking Victoria Harbour. The hotel is part of a large complex housing the Fortune Metropolis shopping mall, and is next to the Hong Kong Coliseum, a large indoor arena. The subway is easily accessible as Hung Hom MTR subway station is just a few minutes' walk away, making this a convenient place to stay. 

• Two-minute walk to Hong Kong Coliseum
• Four-minute walk to Hung Hom MTR subway station 
• 15-minute walk to Hung Hom Ferry Pier 
• 20 minutes to Hong Kong Science Museum by public transit
• 22 minutes to Tsim Sha Tsui East shopping district by public transit 
• 24 minutes to Jade Market by public transit
• 30-minute drive to Hong Kong International Airport
• 35 minutes to Lan Kwai Fong nightlife district by public transit
• 39 minutes walk to Soho restaurant and entertainment district by public transit
• 40 minutes to Hong Kong Macau Ferry Terminal by public transit 
• 42 minutes to Victoria Park by public transit 
• 71 minutes to The Peak by public transit 

The guest rooms and suites at Harbour Plaza Metropolis have a classic and understated, but elegant decor. Chestnut-colored furniture and brown bed covers contrast with white walls and cream-colored carpets and curtains. Vibrant abstract art prints decorate the walls, adding an interesting and colorful artistic accent. Large windows let in plenty of sunlight, and reveal scenic views over Victoria Harbour, or the city skyline. The attached bathrooms are equally understated, with beige tiling and black marble sink tops, and are fitted with either shower/tub combos or spacious walk-in showers. Hairdryers, bathrobes, and slippers are provided.

All rooms have the expected amenities of an upscale hotel, like air-conditioning, flat-screen TVs, minibars (or mini-fridges in some), coffee/tea facilities, and safes. Wi-Fi costs extra. Another downside is that some rooms show signs of wear and tear, and have tired furniture that could do with an upgrade. 

The smallest rooms are the Superior Rooms, which can be a little cramped at 269 square feet. Fitted with one queen-size or two single beds, they can accommodate up to two adults and a child in an extra crib or single bed, but leave little extra space for luggage or moving around. The Superior Balcony Rooms offer views of the swimming pool and garden, and have balconies with their own private Japanese-style wooden bathtubs. These rooms also include Japanese-style tea sets and kimonos. There are several themed rooms featuring interior design elements inspired by different destinations around the world, such as Vienna or Kyoto. Guest rooms located on the Harbour Club Floor have access to the exclusive Harbour Club lounge for free breakfast, afternoon tea, evening cocktails, and free Wi-Fi.

All of the Suites include separate living rooms with sofa beds, kitchenettes with two-burner stovetops, microwaves, coffee/tea facilities, minibars, and utensils. The largest suite is the top-floor Presidential Suite, accommodating a maximum of two adults and two children. Highlights include a a 270-degree view of Victoria Harbour and the city skyline. There's a 3,700-square-foot private garden balcony with an outdoor hot tub and landscaped waterfall. 

This hotel offers many extra features. The four dining options offer a variety of cuisines. The Promenade Restaurant has an international menu and serves buffet and a la carte meals. A large breakfast buffet, with a wide spread of hot and cold options, is served here each morning for an extra fee. Senzuru serves Japanese cuisine for lunch and dinner, including a vast menu of sushi, sashimi, and teppanyaki dishes. Coffee Corner offers light, healthy lunches, snacks, and drinks throughout the day. The Metropolis Harbour View serves Chinese cuisine, including a selection of dim sum at lunch, and, true to its name, offers stunning nighttime harbor views. The Point features live music every evening.

The Harbour Club is a lounge reserved for guests staying on the Club Floors and caters especially to business travelers with an enticing range of freebies: breakfast, afternoon tea, and evening cocktails. The Wi-Fi connection is also free, as are local telephone calls, and the use of a meeting room for two hours per day (subject to availability). Other perks include free ironing of two pieces of clothing per day, discounts on the laundry and dry-cleaning service, and a discount in the restaurants. 

The ninth floor of the hotel is dedicated to health and wellness. This level features an outdoor swimming pool and a hot tub with Victoria Harbour views. The vast, light-filled fitness center overlooks the pool and is open from early morning to late night, and has lots of fitness machines, weight equipment, and cardiovascular machines. Qualified instructors and trainers are also on hand. Also located on the same floor is the aptly named Spa on 9th, offering a variety of Asian therapies and spa treatments.  

The hotel's business center offers Wi-Fi, a boardroom, and other services for business travelers, like printing and photocopying -- all charged extra. There are also several flexible function rooms accommodating from 10 to 100 people. The hotel also offers a free shuttle bus service for its guests to Tsim Sha Tsui shopping district and Hung Hom MTR Station.