Minimal Hotel Urban

Open since 2008, this 23-story hotel is quite prototypically Hong Kong -- it's modern and compact and sits amid the bustling Causeway Bay area. There's not much to see or do here beyond getting a decent night's sleep, but everything has a fresh look. The lobby is all black, from the floors to the walls and ceiling, and the furniture and front desk are black, too. Eye-catching crystal chandeliers hang overhead, and the lighting is dim and moody. Overall, the lobby serves as a merely functional space to ferry guests to their rooms and aside from a combination computer lounge/breakfast area, there's nowhere else for guests to socialize. This hotel attracts all sorts of travelers who don't mind tiny rooms and few features in exchange for low rates. 

The hotel is located in a busy area of Hong Kong between the Wan Chai neighborhood and the Causeway Bay area. In addition to Pacific Coffee at the hotel's entrance, convenience stores and restaurants abound near the hotel, and the Times Square Shopping Mall can be reached in about seven minutes on foot. The Hong Kong Convention & Exhibition Center is a 15-minute walk or five-minute drive from the hotel. Traffic can be a problem in this busy area, so walking and public transportation are the best ways to get around. The Causeway Bay MTR station is a five- to 10-minute walk from the hotel for those who want to explore the rest of the city. Expect a 40-minute drive to the airport, or a 70-minute train ride. Another way to take in the sights is to ride the Star Ferry across Victoria Harbor, one of the world's busiest harbors. On the other side of Victoria Harbor is the Avenue of the Stars -- Hong Kong's version of Hollywood's Walk of Fame. Avenue of the Stars is accompanied by the Symphony of the Stars, a sound-and-light show that pays tribute to the city's film industry. Alternatively, the Peak Tram -- rising 1,300 feet above sea level to provide outrageous views of the city -- climbs Victoria Peak, which is home to shopping, dining, and The Sky Gallery displaying artwork by local Hong Kong artists. It's a 25-minute journey to the tram by metro. 

All rooms at the hotel are small, especially the Business Rooms, but the look is modern, with clean-lined wood furniture, patterned carpeting, neutral color schemes, and white linens on the beds. Some feature sleek photo murals over the beds that add a bit of big-city flavor to the decor. All come with air-conditioning, electric kettles, minibars with water and soft drinks, flat-screen TVs, work desks, and safes. Wi-Fi is generally only available for a fee, unless the room is booked directly with the hotel. Premium Rooms are located on the corners of each floor, but are still small. Deluxe Premium rooms are a bit larger and have big windows looking out on the city. Executive Rooms on the fifth and 25th floors also have large windows with views. Bathrooms in all categories are predictably small and are separated from the sleeping area with sliding frosted glass doors. They include mosaic-tiled showers, toiletries, hairdryers, and robes and slippers. We spotted mildew in some showers that we saw during our visit. Because of the compactness of the rooms, claustrophobic and large-sized travelers would probably not do well at this hotel, and it's worth noting that some street-facing rooms are prone to traffic noise. 

There are few features at this hotel, but a free breakfast is served daily to guests who book directly through the hotel website. The Rhombus Lounge on the third floor provides two computers that guests can use, as well as a big-screen TV. Like the rest of the hotel, it's a compact space. The hotel provides guests with a smartphone that allows free local and international calls, plus internet access. The service is free, but a deposit is required. Hefty deposits are also charged against the rooms upon checking in -- some as high as two nights. Dogs and cats weighing 25 pounds or less are allowed with a certificate of health. Wi-Fi is free for guests who book directly through the hotel website as well.