Bustling, colourful and vibrant Kowloon is a different way to see Hong Kong – a city that melds the best of its attractions with a true local experience.

Meaning ‘nine dragons’, the origin of Kowloon’s name is unknown and often disputed. A late bloomer compared with Hong Kong Island, the area’s early history was in farming and fishing, but today it’s a travel destination in itself.

Wander Kowloon’s main shopping and entertainment district, Tsim Sha Tsui, populated with hotels, malls, restaurants and cultural attractions. Walk the historic old streets and take in the local charm of Yau Ma Tei. Get lost among the buzzing streets and markets of Mongkok. Explore the pretty waterfront of Victoria Harbour and take in the spectacular views of Hong Kong Island across the water.

Why not top off the experience with a stay at one of Kowloon’s 5-star luxury hotels? Here are five of the best.
.........................................................................................................................................................

The Langham, Hong Kong

.........................................................................................................................................................

Dine amongst opulent furnishings at The Langham

 

Established in 1865, The Langham, Hong Kong on Peking Road in the cosmopolitan Tsim Sha Tsui district makes for a sophisticated stay. This elegant luxury hotel has 471 rooms and 27 suites, a rooftop pool, a health and wellness centre and a myriad of fine-dining options.

Among the culinary offerings are two restaurants (one of which is the two-Michelin-starred Cantonese restaurant T’ang Court), a deli, a bar, a lobby lounge (popular for its high teas) and a food gallery. This grand hotel is also close to designer shopping along Canton Road and the popular ‘golden mile’, Nathan Road.
.........................................................................................................................................................

Marco Polo Hongkong Hotel

.........................................................................................................................................................

Don't lose yourself staring out the window at the incredible city views (image: Marco Polo Hongkong Hotel)

 

Location is a big drawcard for staying at the Marco Polo Hongkong Hotel. Overlooking Victoria Harbour, the hotel is on Canton Road, adjacent to Hong Kong’s biggest shopping complex, Harbour City. It's also close to the cruise and ferry terminal, along with some of the city’s best cultural attractions.

Its 665 rooms and suites are all classically styled, many with harbour and skyline views. Marco Polo also houses a pool, spa and beauty salon. Dining venues include popular Italian restaurant Cucina, Cafe Marco and the Lobby Lounge.
.........................................................................................................................................................

The Mira Hong Kong

.........................................................................................................................................................

Kick back with a cocktail under the stars in the outdoor lounge bar Vibes (image: The Mira Hong Kong)

 

Those looking for a modern take on luxury will enjoy the The Mira Hong Kong. Located on Nathan Road and overlooking leafy Kowloon Park, this designer hotel has 492 rooms and suites. Stay in colour-themed rooms of green, red, silver or purple in the Mira Club rooms. Spacious specialty suites offer next-level luxury with chic interiors by US design director Charles Allem.

Those looking for some downtime away from the bustling Tsim Sha Tsui district can enjoy a treatment at MiraSpa, a swim at the hotel’s infinity pool or a session at the fitness centre. The hotel also offers plenty of dining options – try Cantonese and Chinese at Cuisine Cuisine; European dining at Whisk; buffet fare at Yamm; sweet treats at COCO patisserie; and drinks at Vibes or Room One.
.........................................................................................................................................................

Langham Place

.........................................................................................................................................................

The standard guest rooms at the Langham Place will still leave you smiling (image: Langham Place)

 

A modern, 42-storey luxury hotel with 666 rooms and suites, the Langham Place is in the heart of vibrant Mongkok. In this bustling shopping and residential area in western Kowloon, you can find markets, street stalls and malls, including the adjoining Langham Place mall, which houses more than 200 shops.

Relax in stylish rooms with flat-screen televisions and floor-to-ceiling windows that offer views across the city. Take a swim in the 20-metre heated rooftop pool, work out in the 24-hour gym (which includes a steam room, spa and Oriental hot tub) or visit the Chuan Spa. Good food is close at hand with the hotel’s Michelin-starred Cantonese restaurant Ming Court, along with four other venues for drinking and dining.
.........................................................................................................................................................

Harbour Grand Kowloon

.........................................................................................................................................................

Feel like royalty as you step into the Harbour Grand's exquisite lobby

 

Sitting right on the waterfront in Kowloon’s pretty Whampoa Garden district, the Harbour Grand Kowloon’s 555 rooms and suites offer stunning city and harbour views.

This luxury hotel blends the modern and the functional, with facilities including a fitness centre, a spa, an impressive glass-walled rooftop pool and bar, plus its very own private waterfront pier. The hotel also caters to business meetings and events, with spaces accommodating from six to 600 people.

There’s easy access to Hong Kong Island with the Hung Hom ferry pier nearby. And if you’re looking for something to eat beyond the hotel's seven cafes, restaurants and bars, the trendy Tsim Sha Tsui district isn't far away.

.........................................................................................................................................................

Visit your local Flight Centre store or call 131 600 for more advice and the latest deals on travelling to Kowloon.

.........................................................................................................................................................