In review: East Hotel

Nearest MRT station: Taikoo Shing
Distance to MRT station: They're next to each other

Nearby attraction:
- Cityplaza shopping mall
Time to Central Hong Kong: 17 minutes (1 train from Taikoo Shing)

Getting there from the airport:
- Take the Airport Express Train to Hong Kong station
- Switch to the Island line and take the train to Taikoo Shing station.
- Approximate travel time: 45 minutes

Address 29 Taikoo Shing Road
Tel +852 3968 3968
Web http://www.east-hongkong.com

For a tourist, there's very little reason to visit suburban Taikoo Shing. By day, it's office workers throng the streets, but come nightfall, it turns into a quiet, residential nook populated (like the rest of Hong Kong) with tower upon tower of condominium blocks.

Connected to Cityplaza shopping centre - arguably the biggest attraction in Taikoo Shing - shopping is literally right at your doorstep. It's here that you'll find one of the biggest Muji stores in Hong Kong, one of very few Pedder Red shoe stores in the city as well as other big name brands like MANGO, Uniqlo and Japanese department store, Apita.

Hop on an MTR from the station that's under the mall and in less than 20 minutes, you're in the heart of Hong Kong. In 10 minutes, you can even be at the famed Causeway Bay shopping district.

If you're up for a bit of adventure, a short five-minute walk will take you into Quarry Bay, where you can catch a tram into Central Hong Kong.

The hotel prides itself for being "a business hotel with a life" and it's evident that a lot of thought has gone into even the smallest details.

For a start, their male staffs are, as you would expect, dressed in a smart jacket and trousers. But continue looking downward and you'll realise their footwear is the rather unexpected Converse-type canvas shoes! The unofficial word from a staff member when asked, was that they wanted to look professional, yet at the same time, not seem too uptight.

Big on the Green stuff, they've done away with paper check-in forms and transferred everything online to fancy touch screen table tops at the reception. All art in the hotel also continue this nature theme with butterflies and leaping fish art installations specially commissioned for the hotel.

Floor-to-ceiling windows in all rooms means there's never a shortage of light in your room and the clever use of glass and an open concept room ensure you'll never feel claustrophobic.

The room also has an almost James Bond feel with purposeful little additions, like the safe hidden in a drawer or an art piece of the Star Ferry that flips over to reveal your flat screen TV. Obviously space-saving measures but oh-so intriguing.

An in-room iPod touch was loaded with tourist maps, including jogging routes, and could even be used to order room service!

A word to the wise, however: share this room only with someone you're close and comfortable with. The open concept and use of glass means the toilet isn't as discreet as it should be and the shower is completely visible from the bedroom.

Outdoor heated pool Just in case you have a burning need to churn out a few laps in the dead of winter.

24-hour gym If walking around Hong Kong wasn't enough of a workout, you can continue back at the hotel any time you like.

Dining Breakfast is gorgeous spread of either local or Western options. The restaurant also serves lunch, but it can get quite crowded with the office crowd so a booking would be wise.

Drink 'Sugar' bar, located on the 32nd floor is a great place to unwind after a day at the office.


Follow us on Facebook and Twitter for more travel updates!