Holiday Inn Golden Mile Hong Kong

In many ways, the Holiday inn Golden Mile Hong Kong feels like a member of this chain property in name only. The truth is: This is a big hotel with a lot to offer, and it buzzes with activity and personality day and night. Even better are the rates that are often a steal for the area. Interiors here are almost entirely contemporary as of our 2018 visit, with public spaces that are sparingly accented by striking pieces of art alongside bright marble, dark wood Asian screen motifs, and subtle touches of Holiday Inn's signature green hues. Expect to see guests of the hotel, tourists staying elsewhere in Tsim Sha Tsui, and Hong Kong locals all making their way in and out of the hotel's lower floors, which hold its restaurants and bars. It's a bustling property, with business men and women tapping away at laptops and holding casual meetings in the hotel's impressive Executive Club Lounge. While the immediate area and hotel's common spaces are hubs of activity, the guest room floors are calm and quiet, and rooms themselves generally stay peaceful. Expect to see travelers of all stripes here, from IHG loyalists using the private check-in to Chinese tour groups, Western guests, and businesspeople from around the world.

Kowloon Island is the more traditionally Cantonese of Hong Kong's two major islands, and the Holiday Inn Golden Mile is smack in the middle of one of its busiest neighborhoods. In every direction, you'll find shops, restaurants, bars, and anything else your heart could desire. It all buzzes from early in the morning until late at night, and there are malls on seemingly every corner. The property is located on one of the city's main drags, Nathan Road, putting it in the heart of the action. The K11 Art Mall is essentially across the street; the iconic Peninsula Hong Kong is a block or two away; and the waterfront Salisbury Gardens and Avenue of the Stars are within a five-minute walk for amazing harbor views. It's also easy to get around from here, as the hotel sits next to an entrance to the Tsim Sha Tsui MTR station, which connects with Hong Kong Island in one stop. Mong Kok, for bargain shopping, is three stops in the opposite direction. Getting to the airport is also simple enough by using the hotel's free shuttle to Kowloon Station and catching the Airport Express. The trip should take 45 minutes altogether. Otherwise, it's a 30- to 45-minute taxi ride.

As of our 2018 visit, the hotel was wrapping up renovations on its rooms, meaning that the majority of units on offer now have a fresh and modern look. They also happen to be quite spacious by Hong Kong standards, with many rooms offering windowside seating and desk areas. That sense of space is complemented by the bedding options here, as all rooms either feature two queens or a king bed -- there are no twin or full mattresses to be found anywhere, thankfully. Details like these help make this Holiday Inn a popular choice for families. Color schemes are neutral and pleasant, with light furniture, soft greens, purples, and tan hues. However, the edgy Hong Kong full-color photography on the walls helps to add that hyper-urban appeal that makes Hong Kong so noteworthy. Even better, the big windows often open onto views that -- while not inspiring in the traditional sense -- still provide mega-city vantages. 

The hotel offers a range of configurations, including rooms with up to three beds and suites with separate living areas. Standard features include the basics: electric kettles, free Wi-Fi, large flat-screen TVs, air-conditioning, mini-fridges, closet space, and irons. Free Handy Phones allow for calls to up to 10 countries, and serve as data hotspots while you're out in the city. Bathrooms are compact. Most have glass walls, which is a trend we don't love, but privacy curtains are available. Rooms are generally well-insulated against the constant noise of the city outside, for a good night's sleep. However, construction noise as of 2018 can be an issue, so check ahead on the progress of renovations.

This Holiday Inn packs in features that go far beyond what most travelers may expect from the brand. That starts with the hotel's drinking and dining scene. Three outposts shine, including the hotel's wildly popular buffet restaurant, Bistro on the Mile (which overlooks Nathan Road), plus Osteria for handmade Italian pasta, and Cantonese dim sum at Loon Yuen. All three are busy and reservations may be advisable. There's also a pub-like bar on-site for happy hour drinks and live music -- it tends to get busy as well. 

Traveler's looking for something more exclusive within the hotel might opt for Club-level upgrades. The hotel's Club Lounge is one of the best in the city -- it's massive, tranquil, staffed by numerous attendants, and offers an excellent array of snacks and drinks for most of the day. The breakfast spread in the Club Lounge is included in Club-level rates, and is extensive. There are also numerous snack offerings during the evening cocktail and canape receptions. Private business areas are also available in the Club Lounge.

The hotel has a pleasant outdoor pool (though views aren't as nice as at the Hyatt Regency across the street, and it's a bit smaller). The fitness center has enough modern equipment for a complete cardio and resistance workout, and there's spa that includes a sauna, steam room, and massages.

Several retail outlets selling everything from watches and jewelry to premium luggage are found on the ground floor of the hotel. Free shuttles run to Kowloon Station for access to the Airport Express trains. Wi-Fi is free throughout the property.