InterContinental Grand Stanford

Is the InterContinental Grand Stanford the most luxurious or style-savvy hotel in Hong Kong? No. But if you're looking for a safe upscale bet that has enough of a social vibe to keep things upbeat, it's a solid choice. A wide swath of international tourists and corporate travelers are constantly passing through the hotel's front doors. It's a service-heavy property, and you'll be hard-pressed to find yourself wanting for attention from the staff. That starts with the doormen greeting you upon entering to the lobby lounge waiters attending to you almost from the moment you sit down for a light bite or drink. You're just as likely to spot families and couples here as business guests, and all seem to make the most of the hotel's restaurants and bars, which are all quite lively during their respective opening hours. Live music on select lights only adds to the buzz. 

While the InterContinental Grand Stanford isn't along wildly busy Nathan Road, the immediate area around the hotel is no less touristy. In fact, nearly all of the hotel's neighbors are other international chain hotels, plus the requisite clutch of jewelry shops, trinket shops, buffet restaurants, and low-end malls. It's not the most charismatic part of the neighborhood, though getting to the cooler streets only takes five to 15 minutes on foot. The area around the K-11 Art Mall is a 10-minute walk from the hotel and the mega-malls of Nathan Road are only a couple minutes farther. The light show across Victoria Harbour is visible from Salisbury Gardens, less than 15 minutes from the hotel on foot. If you want to get farther afield, and entrance to the Tsim Sha Tsui East MTR station, which connects to Tsim Sha Tsui station, is just a little more than a five-minute walk from the hotel. The airport takes 30 to 45 minutes to reach by taxi, or 50 minutes by Airport Express train and the MTR.

The rooms here certainly have space on their side, which is a blessing in a city like Hong Kong, where compact and cramped is the norm. The style is pleasant and modern, though quite straightforward. Expect lots of neutral tones like tan and gray, with pops of sober maroon and deep purple, plus handsome photographs of flowers on the walls. Light wood veneer accents and furniture keep things bright, a feat that's further assisted by the massive windows and great natural light. If you're on one of the higher floors, those windows will likely open to astounding views of either the Tsim Sha Tsui skyline, or out to Victoria Harbour and across to Hong Kong Island (the latter rooms will be on the south side of the building). There are no buildings blocking the way like other high-end Tsim Sha Tsui properties, so views are exceptional. However, on lower floors you're more likely to look right down onto the neighboring elevated highway.Extensive minibars, air-conditioning, large flat-screen TVs, electric kettles or Nespresso machines (in higher category rooms), plenty of work space, and free Wi-Fi all come standard. Suites and higher-category rooms have separate seating areas. Bathrooms are clad in handsome tan marble and include walk-in showers or separate showers and tubs. Despite its central location, the rooms stay essentially silent at night.

The star of the show at this hotel is its dining and drinking scene, which buzzes essentially all day and night. There are several outlets on-site, though the lobby lounge and cafe is the hub, where light bites and drinks are served alongside live music in the evening. Aside from that, the hotel's whiskey bar has one of the largest menus of single-malt whiskeys in Hong Kong. There's also a trendy Italian restaurant and a popular dim sum restaurant, both of which draw a mix of tourists and locals for lunch and dinner. Cafe M is the hotel's international buffet restaurant that also pulls in large crowds. If you'd like something a bit calmer, guests in Club-level rooms and higher category suites have access to the swanky Club Lounge, which is one of the nicest we saw in Hong Kong in 2018. Perks include free breakfast, snacks and drinks all day, evening cocktail receptions, and the like. Unfortunately, the views are a bit marred by the neighboring highway, which sits between the hotel and the harbor. While the rooftop pool doesn't exactly capitalize on its harborside views either, it is fine for cooling off. The fitness center has an array of weight and cardio equipment that provide enough options for a full-body workout. There's also a spa. Meeting space is available, and free Wi-Fi is offered throughout the property.