The Salisbury-YMCA of Hong Kong

The upscale Salisbury - YMCA of Hong Kong is situated in a broad, white corner building with a large outdoor terrace flanked by two tall towers. Run by the Christian organization the YMCA of Hong Kong, the hotel is committed to community service programs and sports training, as evidenced by unique hotel features including a rock-climbing wall, squash courts, and the hotel's seven dormitory-style rooms. The property is clean and stylish with a chic, nature-inspired lobby situated in a three-story atrium with rustic wood and stone walls and pillars, large stone planters, tree-trunk coffee tables, and brown tufted leather couches. Renovated in 2014, this property has a polished feel, but it's not overly opulent or luxurious. This hotel does offer YMCA-related extras not often found at other hotels and is an exceptional price for the location. Leisure travelers, particularly families with children, are drawn to this property for its range of facilities. 

In the bustling tourist and shopping district of Tsim Sha Tsui on the south end of Kowloon Peninsula, The Salisbury is located in close proximity to a variety of shops, restaurants, and attractions. Several sights are within a five-minute walking radius including the Clock Tower, the Hong Kong Space Museum, the Hong Kong Museum of Art, Nathan Road, the Avenue of the Stars, Harbour City (an expansive complex full of high-end shops), and the waterfront. The hotel is a five-minute walk from The Star Ferry and is in walking distance to the Tsimshatsui MTR Station. Guests can get to the airport via airport taxi or a shuttle service that stops directly at the hotel; each takes about a half hour.

The Salisbury is unique in that it offers a range of accommodation types from luxury suites with astounding harbor views to hostel-style shared rooms. The hotel's primary rooms include Single, Standard, Family Rooms, and Suites, which are well-sized for a central Hong Kong hotel. Thanks to a 2014 renovation, the decor feels fresh, though somewhat generic and subdued with a beige-and-white color palette that extends from the wall-to-wall carpeting, to the blond wood furniture, to the upholstery and the walls. All rooms (other than dormitory rooms) include desks, sitting areas, flat-screen TVs with cable and satellite channels, and wardrobes with electronic safes. Rooms have free Wi-Fi and individually controlled air-conditioning. Free distilled water, electric kettles, fresh fruit, and minibars are on hand for snacking. Bathrooms are small but functional, fully tiled in beige with walk-in showers, vanity sinks, hairdryers, and individual toiletries. One top feature of the rooms are the spectacular views of the harbor -- these rooms tend to be pricier, but many guests say they're worth the cost, especially to watch the light show.The hotel's seven dormitory rooms feature four bunk beds and a bathroom each, and while they're sparsely decorated, they are clean and include wardrobes with safes, air-conditioning, individual reading lights, and daily housekeeping.

This hotel has impressive leisure facilities including an indoor pool area with a six-lane pool, leisure pool, children's pool, and hot tub. Other fitness facilities include a workout area, squash courts, a dance studio, indoor rock-climbing walls, and a sauna, which are also open to YMCA members. The hotel also has a hair salon, small chapel, small outdoor children's play area, and the Y Shop, which sells mostly books (including Christian books and books about Hong Kong), children's toys, and some souvenirs. The hotel has two on-site restaurants, including the Salisbury Dining Room with international buffets and a la carte options coupled with great views of the harbor, and the Mall Cafe, which offers American and Chinese breakfast, tea, lunch, and dinner. A breakfast buffet is available, but costs an extra fee. Room service is available during limited hours.The Salisbury has a range of event spaces, including a outdoor covered garden ideal for weddings and parties, small meeting rooms, and larger function and assembly rooms that can accommodate up to 420 people.Coin-operated washers and dryers are available in the basement. The front desk is open 24 hours. Wi-Fi is free.