Mini Hotel Central Hong Kong

Mini Hotel Central is set in a glass high-rise building wedged between other high-rises in a busy business district. The spacious and pleasant lobby area has large windows that illuminate it with lots of natural light. Done up in a chic vintage style, the space is furnished with several comfy chesterfield sofas, leather armchairs, and communal tables that provide comfortable places to relax or get some work done. A decor highlight is the painted Chinese cabinet, while a piano adds an elegant touch -- as do the framed black-and-white photographs adorning the walls. This hotel is popular with leisure and business travelers alike -- as well as attracting backpackers -- but it may not be ideal for guests with mobility issues because of the staircase leading to the entrance and the steep incline of the street. 

Mini Hotel Central is located right in the heart of Hong Kong's central financial district. Lan Kwai Fong and its many shops, bars, restaurants, and night spots is just a few minutes away on foot. The property is also a five-minute walk to the Central MTR subway station, making any part of the city easily accessible from here. Guests should note that the street the hotel is situated on is on a steep incline and can be a challenge to negotiate with luggage because of the many steps.

• Three-minute walk to Lan Kwai Fong nightlife district
• Nine-minute walk to Soho restaurant and entertainment district
• 18-minute walk to Hong Kong Macau Ferry Terminal (or six-minute drive)
• 15-minute drive to The Peak  
• 23 minutes to Victoria Park by public transit 
• 26 minutes to Jade Market by public transit
• 28 minutes to Happy Valley Racecourse by public transit
• 28 minutes to Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Center by public transit
• 30-minute drive to Hong Kong Disneyland (or about an hour by public transit)
• 30- to 40-minute drive to Hong Kong International Airport (or an hour by public transit)
• One-hour drive to Tian Tan Buddha

Guest rooms at Mini Hotel Central are certainly “mini” -- not much bigger than the size of the bed -- and even closet-like. But decor works to camouflage their limited size: The walls, ceiling, and bed sheets are stark white, with a colorful pillow or two adding a pop of contrast, as well as wooden floors to break the monotony. Coat hooks on the wall replace wardrobes, and there are no tables, work desks, or mini-fridges. The wall directly behind the bed is made of a glass partition that separates the sleeping area from the bathroom. Not surprisingly, the white marble bathrooms are tiny as well, and are fitted with vessel sinks and walk-in showers with wall-mounted shower gel dispensers. All rooms also have air-conditioning, flat-screen TVs, electric kettles, hairdryers, safes, and free drinking water. Wi-Fi is also free, but the connection can be hit-or-miss.

The lower-category rooms are windowless, so it's worth upgrading to the Smart Rooms, which have windows and thus natural light. Some rooms offer views of the Hong Kong skyline, but others overlook less inspiring concrete walls. A perk in the Smarter Plus Rooms is the furnished balcony with city views, though it's located right next to the toilet in the bathroom in some of the spaces. Note that common guest complaints include noisy air-conditioning, poor soundproofing between rooms, dampness, and cleanliness issues.

This budget hotel offers almost no on-site features or services. The most glaring is the absence of a breakfast service, but guests have many eateries and cafes to choose from in the neighborhood. The lounge, located in a communal area just off the lobby, has two PCs available for guest use, and several comfy sofas and armchairs where guests can relax, meet, or get some work done. A rooftop terrace offers views of the city skyline and nearby mountains, but it's not furnished. A few vending machines in the lobby area provide drinks and snacks. Wi-Fi is free and available in all areas of the hotel.