The best romantic hotels in Hong Kong

The palatial Peninsula is the oldest and swankiest hotel in Hong Kong, and is the rare combination of lovingly preserved heritage and state-of-the-art technology. It’s played host to some of the biggest celebrities in modern history, is home to Hong Kong’s most famous afternoon tea, and has the most deluxe facilities around (including a helicopter pad and fleet of Rolls-Royces). Between the elegant peach blossom-patterned accommodation, seven world-class restaurants, and 12,000sq ft spa, you and your loved one can enjoy one of the most lavish, romantic stays this city has to offer.

Situated in the heart of Central, this grande dame is the queen of Hong Kong Island and it shows. Traditional Chinese design sensibilities meet Western amenities in the spacious rooms, which overlook either Victoria Harbour or the Central cityscape. Make the most of the stunning views by having breakfast in bed, enjoying handmade dim sum while cocooned in pure linen sheets. Another great way to enjoy the surrounds is over cocktails at the elegant M Bar. Opt for the Weekend Getaway package to get a complimentary room upgrade, free champagne and chocolates, an extra 30 minutes on hour-long spa treatments, as well as late check-out.

Perched on top of a hill at the famed Tai O fishing village, the Tai O Heritage Hotel provides a perfectly picturesque and distraction-free setting for couples looking to escape from the hullabaloo of city life. Eat under the stars (because they’re actually visible here) at the glass-roofed Tai O Lookout, wander through the eponymous fishing village, or spend the entirety of your holiday behind closed doors – we’re not here to judge. For those marking a special occasion, a celebration package that includes complimentary meals, bubbly and cake is available, and you can even splash out on a door-to-door travel package and get chauffeured to the hotel.

Located in the centre of Tsim Sha Tsui, the eco-friendly Hotel ICON is a welcome respite from the sensory overload of the city's busy streets. Step inside and you'll be greeted by the hotel's stylish contemporary surrounds and gorgeous vertical garden that adorns the lobby. We recommend booking one of the many rooms with views of Victoria Harbour, and don’t forget to check out the hotel’s Michelin-recommended Above & Beyond restaurant, which serves up some of the most refined Cantonese food in Hong Kong. Upgrade your trip with the Iconic Celebrations package for free access to the Above & Beyond Club lounge and its many amenities. The package also includes complimentary Tesla airport transfers, a celebratory cake, a one-hour Thai-Swedish massage, cocktails for two, and more.

Pacific Place might literally be surrounded by five-star hotels, but there’s no doubt that The Upper House is the coolest kid on the block. With its ultra-modern, Asian-influenced design, spacious accommodation (claimed to be the largest in Hong Kong), stunning views, and fantastic restaurant, this is an undeniably chic boutique hotel experience. While The Upper House doesn’t have a standalone spa, you can request in-room spa treatments – which are all the more romantic. If you want to enjoy the ultimate hotel-date, we recommend upgrading to the weekend package, which includes late check-out, a free yoga class, free in-room films, and up to $800 to spend on food and drink every day.

Housed in the former Marine Police headquarters, this Tsim Sha Tsui boutique hotel consists of ten beautifully appointed suites, each equipped with private balconies. There’s something for everyone, from the monochromatic South Bay Suite to the Chinese pop art stylings of the Deep Water Bay Suite; from the traditional Chinese Ma Wan Suite, to the opulent white-on-white Silvermine Suite (also known as the Honeymoon Room). The hotel’s just as beautiful from the outside, with its white stucco colonial exterior and perfectly manicured gardens serving as the backdrop to many bridal photoshoots.

Image: Ong Photography

This newly renovated boutique hotel taps into a niche we didn’t even know we were a part of – diehard Star Ferry fans. The mid-century nautical-themed décor pays homage to the city’s beloved ferry with dark wood panelling, circular windows and mirrors, striped upholstery, and bottle-green tiling. If you and your loved one absolutely must take a break from rocking the boat (so to speak), we recommend dining at the hotel’s Black Sheep-run trattoria, Osteria Marzia, which specialises in coastal Italian fare (Lady and the Tramp-style spaghetti sharing optional).

Housed in a 1960s government building designed by Ron Phillips and newly renovated by Norman Foster, the Murray is a treat for architecture buffs who’ll no doubt ooh and aah over the heat-reducing recessed windows, beautiful arches and energy-efficient design. The rooms are kitted out in earth-toned furnishings in natural textiles and stone, as well as modern technological flourishes – we particularly like the glass bathroom door, which becomes frosted at the touch of a button. Additionally, the Murray may be the most conveniently located hotel for couples, being only a stone’s throw from the Peak Tram and the Cotton Tree Drive Marriage Registry.

Conveniently located in the shopping paradise of Causeway Bay, Mira Moon is the funky younger sister to TST’s The Mira hotel. Paying homage to the moon goddess Chang’e and her sole companion, the jade rabbit, the décor of this design-driven hotel is decidedly maximalist, but in a Chinoiserie-meets-Alice-in-Wonderland way that’s charmingly kitschy rather than tacky. The rooms are comfortable and stylish, with intricately carved dark wood furniture, peony-themed soft furnishings and a bathtub that comes with marble holders for champagne glasses (if that’s not sexy, then we don’t know what is).

As the only converted warehouse hotel in Hong Kong, Ovolo Southside is the place for hip young travellers who prefer industrial fittings to old-school opulence. That’s not to say that it compromises on comfort though – the rooms come equipped with feather-topped mattresses, Apple TV, rain showers and X-Boxes on request. Perhaps the most conducive to a little romance is the complimentary mini-bar and happy hour drinks at the hotel bar, but the proximity to Ocean Park can’t hurt.