The Harbourview Hong Kong

Without a doubt the biggest advantage of this hotel is its location in the bustling Wan Chai neighborhood. And, even upon stepping inside, things look promising from a style perspective: a high-ceilinged lobby has a nice bit of contemporary appeal, with circular hanging lights, a contoured beige wall, and long curvilinear sofa. Soft, dark hues give everything an up-to-date look. The main restaurant, with a similar color palette of beige and brown, features dark woods and glass paneling, though there's a more casual space for drinks and snacks as well. The hotel's outdoor terrace --painted bright green and unfurnished -- and most of the rooms offer good views of Victoria Harbor. But the Harbourview's rooms have a bland and dated look, a decade or two past their prime. As such, it's not exactly the kind of hotel that inspires whiling away the time in guest rooms -- and that makes sense. Located less than a five-minute walk to the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition, the hotel draws a good share of business travelers on the go, but its Wan Chai setting attracts a good many tourists as well, mainly couples and families. 

The Harbourview Hong Kong is in Wan Chai, a bustling harborside neighborhood packed with all manner of commerce. The hotel is surrounded by skyscrapers in an area of office buildings, shops, restaurants, street-food stalls, and bars. The Hong Kong Arts Center is next door, the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Center is about a five-minute walk away, and Golden Bauhinia Square, with its famous golden flower sculpture, is a 15-minute walk from the hotel. Shui on Center bus stop is adjacent to the hotel, and the Wan Chai MTR Station is a 10-minute walk away. Lockhart Road nightlife is about a five-minute walk from the hotel, Pacific Place mall is a 10-minute walk, and Tai Yuen Street Market is about a 15-minute walk from the Harbourview. The hotel is a five-minute drive or about a 20-minute walk from the area that includes the Hong Kong Observation Wheel, Hong Kong Maritime Museum, and Central Ferry Pier. It's a two-minute drive or 15-minute walk to the Wan Chai Pier and the Star Ferry to Kowloon and Tsim Sha Tsui. Crossing Victoria Harbor to reach Tsim Sha Tsui, with attractions that include the Avenue of Stars, Hong Kong Cultural Center, Kowloon Park, and the Hong Kong Science Museum, takes about 10 minutes. Hong Kong International Airport is about a 30-minute drive from the hotel or about a 60-trip on public transportation from Wan Chai MTR station. 

Spread over 16 floors, the Harbourview's 206 rooms are the most underwhelming aspect of the hotel, with mostly bare walls, light-wood furnishings, and all-white bedding with patterned, upholstered headboards. The color palette is a neutral white, beige, and brown, and some rooms have violet-gold-black striped carpets. The patterns and old-school landscape paintings on the wall all come together to create a look that's dated. Add to that complaints about hard beds (which are frequently two smaller beds pushed together to make a larger one), and things here are tolerable, but not always pleasant. Rooms are quiet, though, and the large windows provide plenty of natural light. Most offer views of Victoria Harbour, but some look out on the sides of neighboring buildings. 

Rooms range from 200 square feet (about 19 square meters) to 250 square feet (23 square meters) in size, so some are a bit small, but typical for Hong Kong. All rooms come with safes, mini-fridges, free bottled water, electric kettles for instant coffee and tea, and flat-screen TVs, and free Wi-Fi. Upgraded rooms add iPod docks and minibars. Irons can be requested from the front desk. Bathrooms are well lighted, but some are small, with limited counter space around the sinks. All have magnifying mirrors, and provide hairdryers and basic toiletries; upgraded rooms offer bathrobes. Smoking and non-smoking rooms are available.

Although the Harbourview doesn't have a swimming pool, it offers a standard range of features for the category, including a bright, modern fitness center with a variety of cardio equipment and a few free weights. The hotel also serves a good breakfast buffet (for a fee) with cooked-to-order eggs, Chinese fare, cereals, breads, fruit, coffee, tea, and juice. The hotel's restaurant serves an international buffet and a la carte items all day, and while another space operates primarily as a bar, though it also serves snacks and light fare in a more casual environment. The hotel also offers a large meeting room with terrace, concierge service, a 24-hour front desk, limo service (for a fee), and an internet corner. Nearby public parking is available for a fee. Wi-Fi is free throughout.