iclub Sheung Wan Hotel

One of four iclub properties in Hong Kong (as of mid-2018), the Sheung Wan outpost is an attractive mid-range option that offers just enough for a comfortable city stay in one of Hong Kong Island's coolest neighborhoods. The hotel has a big, bright, and fresh vibe that starts right off the bat, upon stepping into its reception area, which opens into a spacious lounge. There's plenty of place to sit back with a free coffee, tea, or water, and in the morning the area buzzes with guests grabbing breakfast snacks. The outdoor terrace also makes a fine place to unwind away from the wild bustle of the streets just outside the hotel. It's a solid value for the money, and the hotel's modern style makes it more appealing than some of the city's other budget and mid-range options. You'll see a range of wallet-conscious travelers here, from families to businesspeople and solo travelers. 

While there are iclub properties across Hong Kong Island and, increasingly, in Kowloon, the Sheung Wan outpost is our favorite location. That's because the neighborhood is packed with an equal amount of traditional and trendy destinations. There are numerous cutting-edge art galleries in Sheung Wan, as well as old school teahouses and dim sum spots. Those sit alongside buzzing cafes and high-end foodie joints that line nearly every street, even though the nightlife in the area is tame compared to that found in Central. Up the hill a bit is Man Mo Temple, one of the city's most iconic -- it's a five-minute walk away. PMQ and Soho are within a 10-minute walk, while Lan Kwai Fong -- the city's nightlife hub -- is 15 minutes away on foot in Central. You'll only need to walk seven minutes to reach the Sheung Wan MTR station, making it easy to move across Hong Kong Island. A trip to Tsim Sha Tsui (on Kowloon Island) by MTR will take 25 minutes, while Causeway Bay's shopping buzz (on Hong Kong Island) is a 20-minute MTR ride from the hotel. The airport is best accessed by Airport Express train, which is at Hong Kong Station (connected to Central MTR station by transfer). The trip will take about 45 minutes all in. Otherwise, it's an expensive 30- to 45-minute taxi ride.

The rooms here are a touch larger than you'll find at the other iclub hotels in Hong Kong, and the array of configurations is a bit more varied. Still, entry-level iSelect Rooms will be compact, though you'll get a nice amount of space in units like the iResidence, iSuite, and iBusiness Premier. These more expensive options come on higher floors, meaning that cityscape views are astounding -- it's worth the extra money for the upgrade. Suites and the iResidence also feature separate living and sleeping areas, as well as trundle beds of pullout couches for families (fitting up to four). Otherwise, standard features in all rooms include electric kettles, air-conditioning, multimedia flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi, desks, and mini-fridges. Pocket Wi-Fi is available for connectivity when you're out and about, and is free with direct bookings. Bathrooms are compact and clean, with space-saving design features and doors that serve as the bathroom door and shower door simultaneously (it's a design feature meant to maximize space). Rainfall showers come standard. The glass-walled units are frosted for privacy, though some guests traveling together in entry-level rooms might still find them a bit less than private. In the end, though, the rooms are perfectly sufficient for a few days in one of the city's best neighborhoods at reasonable rates. 

Features here aren't too numerous, though they're in line with the brand's standard offerings. Most of the perks are found in the iLounge, which occupies the entire second floor of the hotel. There are numerous tables indoors, as well as a lovely terrace with plenty of spots for guests to unwind outdoors. Free coffee, tea, and water are available around the clock, as well as light pastries and bites at breakfast time. A full breakfast isn't offered, but everything that's laid out in the pantry area is free for guests. Two computer terminals are available, as is a simple fitness center with a small selection of free weights and modern cardio machines. Wi-Fi is free throughout the property and pocket Wi-Fi is free with direct bookings.