Xi Hotel

Unlike its massive neighbors in Tsim Sha Tsui -- including the Holiday Inn Golden Mile and Hyatt Regency -- the Xi Hotel is a small and simple property, with just 64 rooms. As of 2018, the hotel has undergone a modernizing overhaul, and at first glance things look sharp. However, looking closer, there is a bit of wear throughout, and the decor choices -- gray wood-veneer and plum colors -- do keep make it feel dark and cramped. In any case, you won't find much in this immediate part of Tsim Sha Tsui for similar rates -- a fact that makes this a popular pick for travelers who aren't fussy and need few frills. The Xi is best used as a place to recharge at night after a day spent wandering the frenetic streets of Kowloon. To that end, features are few, and limited to a breakfast room that becomes a wine bar at night. There's also a handsome Drawing Room. Don't expect a destination-dining scene at this hotel like you'd find at so many other Hong Kong hotels. You're likely to spot guests coming and going throughout the day, though very few tend to linger on-site throughout the day. Families from mainland China and international couples or solo travelers are the most common guests here.

The Xi's location is easily its strongest selling point. It sits on a relatively quiet street in one of the most buzzing parts of Tsim Sha Tsui. The K11 Art Mall -- packed with a mix of luxury and on-trend boutiques as well as dining options -- is just around the corner. For even more shopping and dining options, Nathan Road is two blocks away -- about a five-minute walk. There, malls sit alongside local eateries, including a branch of the famous Hong Kong milk-tea shop, Lan Fong Yuen. Salisbury Garden, near the Avenue of the Stars, is a 10-minute walk from the property and makes for a prime viewing spot across Victoria Harbor to the nightly skyline light show. For another dash of green space, Kowloon Park -- great for morning strolls while locals practice tai chi -- is a 10-minute walk away. The Tsim Sha Tsui MTR station is only two minutes away on foot, and it's only one stop to Hong Kong Island. You can reach the airport in about 45 minutes by using the MTR and Airport Express. Otherwise, it's a 30-minute taxi ride.

The rooms here have been given a recent overhaul that, as of our 2018 visit, means an abundance of gray and dark plum tones. At first glance, it's all pleasant enough, and certainly more attractive than the hotel's formerly dated incarnation. However, you're likely to see a decent amount of wear and tear on the furniture, and entry-level floor plans are compact. Larger upgraded units are ideal for families, and include Deluxe Triple Rooms and Deluxe Family Rooms. Sofabeds make all units attractive options for families and many rooms can fit up to four people. The decor does keep everything quite dark, even when all of the lights are on, though the location does keep rooms almost silent at night. A fully accessible room is available as well. Standard features in all rooms include free Wi-Fi and Handy Phones, flat-screen TVs, minibars, powerful air-conditioning, and desk space. Open hanging racks are provided instead of closets. Bathrooms are sleek and modern, though we did notice some funny drain smells in a few units. Expect glass-wall stall showers, a decent toiletries, hairdryers, and just a bit of counter space. Some bathroom sinks will be located outside of the bathroom, in the sleeping area. Smoking rooms are also available.

There aren't too many features on offer at this small, mid-range property. The hotel's breakfast room provides a free basic continental spread, but no other meals. At night, the space doubles as the hotel's wine bar and there's a terrace for outdoor seating. Unlike many Hong Kong hotels, don't expect an influx of locals here for meals. The Drawing Room is one of the Xi's most attractive features, with a handsome gentlemen's club style that makes it a fine place to get away from the sometimes cramped guest rooms, or for meetings and events. Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel, but that's it as far as features are concerned.