Hotel Review: Kimpton Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong, is a Stunning Love Letter to the City

Jianne Soriano
1 hour ago
6 min read

HONG KONG

CSP Times checks into Kimpton Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong, the largest global property in the Kimpton portfolio. The brand’s first hotel in the city is strategically located in the vibrant Tsim Sha Tsui neighbourhood, close enough to catch a view of the iconic Victoria Harbour.

All images are courtesy of Kimpton Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong

I used to visit Tsim Sha Tsui a lot growing up. I still remember how it looked back in the day, with some of my earliest memories thinking why the Hong Kong Space Museum is shaped like a dinosaur’s egg. Today, I still like to recall the Tsim Sha Tsui from my past, but at the same time, I enjoy seeing its new side. That’s how I felt when I first saw Kimpton Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong, in person. After all, I used to visit the former iconic blue and white building here — home of the Mariners’ club — as a kid on most Sundays. Now, it’s a sleek 50-storey building home to both the club and a hotel.

In Awe of the Location and the Design

You’d think that in a bustling neighbourhood like Tsim Sha Tsui, it would be difficult to find a quiet corner. But Kimpton managed to. Its location is tucked in a peaceful intersection of Middle Road, just outside the East Tsim Sha Tsui Station. Yet, shopping malls, restaurants, and cultural landmarks are all still within walking distance. Plus, the waterfront promenade teases with the perfect backdrop for exploring Hong Kong. This is where the hotel’s love letter to the city starts; after all, it's the former location of the Mariners’ club, home for overseas seafarers seeking respite on dry land.

The love letter extends to the design, a nod to Hong Kong’s rich heritage, particularly a homage to the city’s maritime history. Upon arrival, I’m greeted by a feature wall that is inspired by Hong Kong’s typhoon signals. The ground floor lobby features a glowing red brick facade that is a nod to the Signal Tower of the neighbouring Signal Hill Garden. Staff members were ushering me in as soon as I crossed the road and smoothly guided me to the elevator. The starlit mirror in the lift evokes the night skies, reflecting the view that seafarers once navigated.

The subtle nods to Hong Kong’s maritime history also extend to the hammered steel ceilings in the guest room lift lobbies, meant to resemble ripples of the harbour. More importantly, the hotel’s V-shaped architecture allows sweeping views of Victoria Harbour in each room — yes, 495 of them. I was also impressed with Kimpton’s reception and waiting area. I’ve been to hotels where the waiting area only consisted of a sofa or a few chairs. But Kimpton? They have an entire Living Room (as it’s called) for it, complete with tables, plush sofas, charging ports, and, of course, a view of the city. Waiting wasn’t boring at all.

The Accommodation Leaves You Spoiled

At Kimpton, you don’t have to request a room with a view because all 495 rooms have them. The only thing you need to decide is whether you want a view of the sunset or sunrise (so East- or West-facing). Design takes centre stage in the rooms, whether it’s the intimate Essential Rooms or the opulent Kimpton Harbour Suite with Balcony. I stayed in the Premium Victoria Harbour View room, which features Japanese Lemnos clocks and Tivoli Bluetooth speakers, blending minimalism with retro-inspired design. Carpets aren’t a thing here; instead, polished marble furnishings surround the floor and parts of the wall, topped with rattan furnishings. The lights are dim, creating an intimate ambience. And because of that, you rely on natural sunlight to light up the room.

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The highlight here, besides the front-row view of Victoria Harbour, is the window-side marble-framed plunge bath. It’s lavishness to a whole new level. You can’t enjoy Hong Kong without a view of its iconic harbour — like a true love letter to the city. Other amenities include Loveramics’ cute porcelain cups, custom Elephant Grounds Nespresso pods, and bath amenities from Korean lifestyle brand Non Fiction. The fragrance lasts long enough that my hair still smelled great even during Hong Kong’s brutal summer.

I love the striking green walls of the shower and bathroom, as it directly contrasts with the marbled long table that serves as both the dining and sink area. Once you’re in the shower, it feels as if you've entered a different world. The digital shower controls are also top-notch, which allows temperature adjustment and even shows the duration of your bath.

A Culinary Journey

Food is important in shaping travel experiences, and Kimpton has no shortage of options. Mornings start at Birdson, the 70-seater barista-driven coffee lounge. Here, the coffee blend is crafted in collaboration with homegrown brand Elephant Grounds. Pair that up with a selection of bites from Birdsong’s in-house pastry, bakery, and fermentation program. I confess, I don’t drink coffee, but I ordered the Hojicha Latte (with soy milk), and it’s one of the best I’ve had. The flavour is just right, not too strong but also not swimming in milk that may hurt my stomach later.

I head to Hillside for dinner, the hotel’s 180-seater dining space. The restaurant also serves breakfast in buffet style, but I wanted a quieter evening to try their local classics as well as a curated selection of Southeast Asian specialities. The menu surprised me, especially how the culinary team blends flavours from different cuisines to create bold reinterpretations. For instance, the wonton in tom yum soup is an unlikely combination, yet it pairs quite well.

Before calling it a night, I dropped by the Swim Club, a 54-seater rooftop bar described as the “true rock star” of the hotel. First thing I noticed is the eye-catching design, a nod to vintage pool clubs, so think retro colours and textured materials. But the vibe is more akin to a laid-back pool or backyard party. Drinks here are made with fresh, seasonal, and local ingredients, and I loved how the menu has drink recommendations based on well… swimming. Opt for a seat outside if you want the Hong Kong skyline as your backdrop.

The Facilities, on Another Scale

Kimpton takes wellness seriously. Fitness enthusiasts can access the HYROX-affiliated fitness centre, which is the first and only hotel facility of its kind in Hong Kong. The equipment is designed to elevate workouts to a professional level and is tailored for HYROX’s recognised eight standardised functional workouts. While it’s great for HYROX fans, those who want to test themselves pre-HYROX can also have a go. The 24-hour gym is one of the largest that I’ve seen in any Hong Kong hotel. The scale is on another level, and Kimpton really brought their A-game on this one.

Over at the rooftop sits the hotel’s 30-metre heated pool, complete with a 270-degree view of Victoria Harbour. What’s more, guests can watch the sunrise or sunset (or both) should the weather allow. I didn’t get to swim during my stay, but I was tempted to lounge by the chairs and just enjoy the view. The moody weather didn’t feel right for it, though.

The hotel is also home to Angsana Spa, an award-winning spa brand. A curated menu of body massages, facials, and revitalising rituals is available. After each treatment, there is a dedicated 30-minute “Calm Time” for refreshments and quiet reflection. For guests like me who prefer relaxation in their own time, each room also has a Lululemon yoga mat for peaceful in-room practice. Or just open the packet of bath salts and soak in the windowside tub… from the comfort of your room.

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The Verdict: Kimpton Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong

I’ve stayed in a dozen hotels in Hong Kong, but Kimpton still surprised me. In some ways, I felt a connection to it because of its storied past, particularly the location it now occupies and the neighbourhood it’s in. But I was left in awe of the design, especially in the interiors. I have a weakness for rooms with great views. And one of Hong Kong? Even more so.

But Kimpton doesn’t just offer a stunning view of the city; it’s obvious they paid attention to even the tiniest details. For instance, the way they maximised space in the sink area — mirror on one side, sink on one, dining area on another. No unnecessary steps needed just to use one or the other. Maybe it’s nostalgic, but there’s something that tugs at your heartstrings with the way they packaged everything, from food to service to furnishings, and even the coffee.

Kimpton Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong, is a great choice for travellers looking for a central location with everything under one roof: dining, wellness, culture, and tradition, and of course, a view of Hong Kong.

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Disclaimer: The writer was invited by Kimpton Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong, to experience the property. All observations, assessments, and opinions expressed are based on the writer’s independent experience and professional judgement.