On the heels of Hong Kong’s long-awaited reopening to non-residents, Marriott Bonvoy recently releases a video to explore Hong Kong’s iconic landmarks, highlighting destinations from the historic fishing village of Tai O, the artistic neighborhood ArtLane, to the spectacular day and night-time views of Victoria Harbour.
Matching this incredible array of destinations, Marriott Bonvoy provides a selection of hotels and limited-time packages to fulfill to needs and wants of every visitor. Combined with Hong Kong’s efficient yet affordable public transport system, visitors are welcome to experience the right mix of off-the-beaten-path adventure with pure luxury and downtime, a unique experience that fits the diverse, fast-paced nature of Hong Kong that guarantees not a dull day.
1. Embark on a day trip to the diverse landscape of Lantau Island.
Why Go:
Situated on the western side of the Hong Kong peninsula, Lantau Island boasts endless ocean views, sprawling hiking trails, and scenic villages, including the renowned Big Buddha, or Tian Tian Buddha, and the picturesque overwater village of Tai O. To reach Big Buddha, visitors can take the Ngong Ping Cable Car from Tung Chung MTR Station, which gives a stunning 360-degree panoramic views over 5.7 kilometres stretch of the island’s green outdoors. Afterwards, visitors can take a direct bus to reach Tai O, experiencing a glimpse of what life was like among stilt house settlements.
Where to Stay:
Conveniently located in Lantau Island, Sheraton Hong Kong Tung Chung Hoteland Four Points by Sheraton Hong Kong, Tung Chung serve as the perfect bases for guests to relax and unwind after a day filled with adventure. Visitors interested in ecotourism will be delighted by the “Family Farmcation” experience at Sheraton Hong Kong Tung Chung Hotel, where they can expand their Lantau itinerary by joining a guided tour to a local organic farm at Mui Wo and end the day by enjoying a low carbon five-course meal dinner at the signature Yue. For thrill-seekers, head over to Four Points by Sheraton Hong Kong, Tung Chung for the “Be an Adventurer” experience, where visitors are provided with an Exclusive Hunt and Fun app, where they can explore suggested routes and redeem prizes provided by the hotel.
2. Discover the bustling community around Yau Ma Tei Tin Hau Temple.
Why Go:
Visiting the center of urban Yau Ma Tei will bring one to the impressive Tin Hau Temple, which enshrines the Goddess of the Sea, Tin Hau. Founded by boat people and land dwellers, the Temple serves as a crucial place for the community to worship and is part of Hong Konger’s collective memory. A few steps away lies the bustling Temple Street, which many cinephiles would recognize from old Hong Kong films such as C’est la ve, mon chéri and The God of Cookery. Known as the liveliest market in the region, visitors can witness the scene rattling into life at night-time, with crowds flocking to the open-air food stalls, Canton singing houses and fortune-tellers at once.
Where to Stay:
Having recently undergone renovation works, Sheraton Hong Kong Hotel & Towers holds a prominent position at the heart of Tsim Sha Tsui, located just minutes away from the nearest MTR exit and a street crossing away from the Victoria Harbour. Perfect for culinary travelers looking for a fine selection of Cantonese dishes, the hotel offers “The Crowning Black Pearl Taste-cation” package. Guests are invited to a 6-course Set Dinner at Celestial Court Chinese Restaurant – which was awarded by The Black Pearl Restaurant Guide for the fifth consecutive year – and unwind at spacious guest rooms overlooking the spectacular harbour view.
3. Be inspired at the vibrant cultural quarter of West Kowloon.
Why Go:
Celebrating the vibrant intersection of people, ideas, and cultures, West Kowloon Cultural District has rapidly developed into Hong Kong’s newest cultural landmark since 2020. Located at the southernmost edge of Kowloon, the District sees the openings of M+ Museum and Hong Kong Palace Museum in 2021 and 2022 respectively. M+, Asia’s first global museum of contemporary visual culture, allows visitors to experience a one-of-a-kind dynamic experience with its visual artworks, moving image works, design objects, and architectural projects. Visitors can also head over to Hong Kong Palace Museum to learn in depth about Chinese art and culture, as well as how traditional Chinese architecture collides with contemporary aesthetics.
Where to Stay:
Located a stone’s throw away from the Cultural District, The Ritz-Carlton, Hong Kong and W Hong Kong provide unparalleled luxury for visitors to delight in. The Ritz-Carlton, Hong Kong offers elevated Club experiences ranging from indulgent Club Lounge Dining Experiences, where guests can enjoy Hong Kong-inspired cocktail ritual, to bespoke gestures such as a personalized luggage tag engraved with the guest’s name. Over at W Hong Kong, the hotel strategically partners with M+ Museum to include two free tickets in their W Hong Kong Insider – West Kowloon package, where guests can also unwind at the signature bliss®️ Spa after a day of artistic exploration.
4. Witness Hong Kong’s magnificent skyline from Victoria Harbour.
Why Go:
Hong Kong’s skyline has served as an iconic attraction to global visitors and local dwellers, acting as the city’s throbbing heart that represents its rhythm and vitality. The most classic view of the harbour is from the Tsim Sha Tsui waterfront, which at night will give visitors a front-row seat of ‘A Symphony of Lights’, where iconic buildings from both sides of the harbour unite to form a harmonious canvas for an audio-visual feast. The Star Ferry is also an experience not to be missed – one of the oldest forms of transportation in Hong Kong, boarding the ferry provides visitors with a scenic way to cross the harbour.
Where to Stay:
A 9-minute ferry ride away from the Tsim Sha Tsui waterfront is Renaissance Harbour View Hotel Hong Kong, which has both Hong Kong and Kowloon at its fingertips through close proximity with the Wan Cahi Pier and the newly open Exhibition Centre MTR station. In celebration of Hong Kong’s reopening, the hotel offers Ren Back to Hong Kong package, which includes a HK $300 hotel dining credits per room night, giving guests free rein to savour delicacies at Café Renaissance, photogenic Mirage Bar & Restaurant, and award-winning Dynasty. A few steps away lies The St. Regis Hong Kong – staying true to their commitment of delivering experiences of modern glamour and sophistication for guests, the hotel now offers Stay & Dine package, where guests can enjoy a three-course set dinner at The Drawing Room, or an in-room bespoke afternoon tea for two. Guests looking for the finest culinary option can dine at Rùn for signature Cantonese dishes, which received their second Michelin star this year, as well as to experience exquisite French fine dining at two Michelin stars awarded L’Envol.
5. Pay a visit to the most accessible art spot in town.
Why Go:
Right outside of Sai Ying Pun MTR station exit B3, old buildings, walls, and alleyways across Ki Ling Lane and Chung Ching Steet have been covered with colourful 26 large-scale murals by local and international artists, forming a visual journey that is a feast for the eyes, as well as making a perfect canvas for the ‘gram.
Where to Stay:
A 5-minute walk from ArtLane will bring visitors to Courtyard by Marriott Hong Kong, perfect for both business and leisure travellers to unwind with style and comfort. Their newly curated Snap & Stay package allows guests to make the most out of their time in Hong Kong, as the hotel will provide a customized map of Central Western District along with a disposable camera with films installed, which guests can utilize to discover, capture, and create unforgettable moments and lasting memories.
6. Eat, drink, and shop at the transformed Central Market.
Why Go:
Dating back to 1842 as Hong Kong’s first wet market, Central Market has since undergone multiple renovation works and reopened its doors in 2021, featuring 11,330-square-metre landmark where people can dine, shop, and work with a curated heritage experience at its eclectic mix of shops, food stalls, specialty restaurants, and event spaces. At the heart of Central Market is a 100-seat piazza, perfect for street performances and large-scale events, with 500 mini lampshades – a symbol of classic wet market – hanging above the ground floor entrance, showing the meeting of the old and the new.
Where to Stay:
A bold suggestion for visitors looking to get acquainted with the hustle and bustle of Hong Kong – staying at a hotel away from the city makes for a perfect complementary experience. There is arguably no other hotel that does it better than Le Méridien Hong Kong, Cyberport, which provides a 20-minute shuttle bus ride that transports guests directly between the property and Hong Kong MTR Station. After a full renovation in 2022, the hotel welcomes guests to its chic and modern 170 rooms and suites, four distinctive dining options including Al Fresco, and a stunning outdoor swimming pool. The hotel also curate thoughtful guides for visitors travelling with various companions: Friends, family, partners, and pets – including activities that truly unlock the destination such as a visit to the Aberdeen Fishing Village, picnic at Cyberport Waterfront Park, and a tasting session of creative dim sum at Nam Fong, the hotel’s contemporary Cantonese restaurant.
7. Experience the quintessential Hong Kong Peak Tram.
Why Go:
Originally built in 1888 with the most recent renovation in 2022, the Peak Tram has largely kept its authentic form through its new tramcars and enhanced capacity, serving as one of the oldest funicular railways in the world and transporting travellers across the globe to The Peak, which is often dubbed Hong Kong’ most spectacular destination. Lasting approximately 8-10 minutes between the Peak Tram Lower Terminus in Central to the Peak Tram Upper Terminus at The Peak, the journey is as spellbinding as the view from the top, as travellers can sit back while skyscrapers glide by at a seemingly impossible angle during the tram’s ascent.
Where to Stay:
Perfectly situated above Pacific Place in the lively Admiralty district of downtown Hong Kong, JW Marriott Hotel Hong Kong offers a sanctuary for travellers to revitalize body, mind, and spirit through its warm designs and dynamic views over Victoria Harbour, the mountains, or the glittering downtown of Hong Kong. Celebrating the influx of inbound travellers to Hong Kong, the hotel now offers “Rediscover Hong Kong with JW” package, where guests will receive a signature welcome drink, limited-edition souvenir, Octopus card with HK $300 credit, as well as a complimentary buffet breakfast serving Hong Kong delicacies. (Marriott Bonvoy | Press Release)
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