When I mention to a few Hong Kongers that I’m staying at Lanson Place Causeway Bay, the response is almost always the same: a polite pause, followed by ‘Oh, I don’t think I’ve heard of it.’ Which was surprising to me, given the hotel has been open since 2005.
But the reaction makes sense. Lanson Place is tucked discreetly along Leighton Road and easy to miss if you’re not looking for it. There’s no towering façade or flashy driveway announcing its presence.
Overlooking it would be a genuine mistake. Especially since the hotel reopened in March 2024 after an extensive, top-to-bottom refurbishment, and following a sixteen-month transformation led by French interior design heavyweight Pierre-Yves Rochon, it has re-emerged as one of my favourite places to stay in Hong Kong – a refined, residential-feeling retreat right in the thick of the city.
Why stay at Lanson Place Causeway Bay?
This is a hotel that understands the value of understatement. Lanson Place leans into a sense of calm, discretion and comfort that feels increasingly rare in Hong Kong. The design draws on French residential elegance – soft colours, tactile materials and carefully considered lighting. Public spaces like L’Orangerie and Salon Lanson retain a sense of grand-hotel polish, while the rooms feel deliberately domestic, like a very well-appointed home.
First impressions set the tone. A bellhop takes my bags before I even think about it, and there’s no stiff wait at a reception desk. Instead, I’m guided to a sofa in L’Orangerie – a space inspired by a French greenhouse – while check-in is handled seamlessly in the background.
What are the rooms like at Lanson Place Causeway Bay?
Lanson Place offers 188 rooms and serviced apartments, including six penthouses, designed to work equally well for short city breaks and longer stays. I stayed in a Grand Deluxe one-bedroom suite (48 sq m), which strikes a near-perfect balance between hotel luxury and apartment-style living. There’s a separate lounge area with a generous sofa, a pantry space, and a bedroom that feels properly private – a real luxury in space-starved Hong Kong.
The bathroom is a highlight: pale green marble tiles, a full-sized mirror and a generously sized walk-in shower that looks beautiful, even if the rainfall setting is more gentle drizzle than tropical downpour. The detachable shower head more than makes up for it in terms of pressure. There’s no bathtub or bidet here, which some travellers may miss, but the overall finish is sleek and thoughtfully executed.
Rooms across the hotel are themed in soft greens, blues or yellows, with subtle accent colours and drapery creating different moods. Floor-to-ceiling windows bring in plenty of natural light and frame views of the surrounding neighbourhood. Fifty-three rooms come with kitchenettes, and there are twenty-five Prestige Suites aimed at longer-term residents – making this one of the more liveable luxury hotels in the city.
The only real gripe I had was that my room was located near the lifts. While noise was never disruptive enough to wake me, I could hear corridor conversations when settling in for the night. It’s a small flaw in an otherwise exceptionally comfortable stay.
What's the restaurant and bar like at Lanson Place Causeway Bay?
Salon Lanson, located on the first floor, is the hotel’s social heart. The room feels open and relaxed, with generous spacing between tables that prevents it from ever feeling cramped, even during busy periods. Breakfast is served semi-buffet style, with peak hours around 9am, so arrive earlier if you want to avoid a short wait.
In the evenings, Salon Lanson comes into its own. A series of signature cocktails pays tribute to nearby Hong Kong neighbourhoods, each served with a postcard illustrating a local street scene, from Causeway Bay to Tai Hang and Tin Hau. There’s also the ‘Leighton 133’ cocktail, named after the hotel’s address – a smart, story-driven drink that reflects the hotel’s sense of place without tipping into gimmickry.
Guests with Club Lanson privileges can drop by between 5.30pm and 7.30pm for complimentary cocktails and canapés inspired by the surrounding area, making it an easy, low-effort way to unwind before heading out for dinner.
What is the service like at Lanson Place Causeway Bay?
Service is one of Lanson Place’s biggest strengths. Staff strike that elusive balance between attentive and unobtrusive, with small gestures that genuinely stand out. Bellhops not only helped with luggage but waited with me for my Uber, offering to speak directly to the driver to avoid any confusion – a small thing, but deeply appreciated in a city where pick-ups can be chaotic.
What are the gym and other facilities like at Lanson Place Causeway Bay?
The fifth-floor fitness centre is modern and well-equipped, with floor-to-ceiling windows that keep the space feeling open rather than enclosed. There’s enough room for both cardio and strength training, plus stretching areas for post-workout recovery.
For longer stays, the hotel also offers a fully equipped laundry room with everything you need, reinforcing Lanson Place’s appeal as a hybrid between luxury hotel and serviced residence.
What’s the area like around Lanson Place Causeway Bay?
You’re firmly in the heart of Causeway Bay, but slightly removed from its most frenetic streets. The Island Line is a short walk away, making it easy to get anywhere on Hong Kong Island. On your doorstep are endless shopping options, from Times Square to Fashion Walk, as well as a deep bench of food choices – classic cha chaan tengs, late-night dessert spots, casual noodle joints and polished neighbourhood restaurants in nearby Tin Hau and Tai Hang.
Why should you book a stay at Lanson Place Causeway Bay?
If you value space, comfort, thoughtful design and service that genuinely makes life easier, Lanson Place Causeway Bay is hard to beat. It feels grown-up, grounded and quietly luxurious – the kind of place you’d happily return to, whether for a weekend or a few months.
Address: 133 Leighton Rd, Causeway Bay, Hong Kong
Price: Rooms start from around HK$2,000 per night
Closest transport: Causeway Bay MTR (Island Line)
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