Fodor's Expert Review Crowne Plaza Hong Kong

Taking up a towering block in Causeway Bay mere steps from the Happy Valley Racetrack, the Crowne Plaza Causeway Bay is a classy hotel whose understated grandeur makes it a great option. A business hotel (albeit with plenty of concessions to leisure travellers with its bars, restaurants and rooftop pool) in the heart of the city’s busiest shopping district, the property offers an alternative for corporate guests who would rather be a step removed from the harbour front and Convention Center in a bustling Hong Kong neighborhood.

Evening races at Happy Valley take place on most Wednesdays throughout the season and rooms facing the track offer impeccable views of the action.

room

While harbor views receive the most noise in this town, the stretching city blocks and the levitating tropical greenery of the steep hills is the thinkers’ view, which makes the rooms at the Crowne Plaza Causeway Bay the perfect place to ponder. Floor to ceiling windows frame the dramatic vistas and while the décor is all neutral colors and ubiquitous patterned hotel carpet, rooms are supremely comfortable with beds to die for.

Rooms come with handy devices that you can take out with you when for connected exploring.

bathroom

Mellow, sandy colored bathrooms are elegant, while those attached to corner rooms offer a grand experience with floor to ceiling windows that offer the option to the shower or bath while admiring the skyline. Oh, and they’re big enough to hang out in.

lobby

While the hotel is tall, its footprint is modest, which results in a tight, busy lobby that can feel cramped at times. Not the best place to hang out and wait, its best to make for your room, restaurant or bar quick sharp.

pool

The outdoor rooftop pool is open seasonally and if you don’t mind the eyes of patrons at [email protected] on you as you swim then feel free to do laps. Otherwise, this is more of a hangout pool—a great Instagram spot with its dramatic edge that falls off the side of the building.

YOU SHOULD KNOW Weddings and private events mean that the pool has to sometimes be shared with large groups of non-guests congregated around it, which can be hugely annoying.

gym

Should you need motivating to work out while you’re traveling then take note of the intense activity going on across the fields of the sports complex and cricket club overlooked by the hotel’s fitness center. A basic set up of treadmills, exercise bikes and free weights is enough for a decent workout.

dining

Three restaurants serve the hotel, plus in-room dining is an option. There’s Kappo for Japanese fine dining, Imperial Treasure for high-end Chinese cuisine and Kudos, the most accessible option for all-day dining and buffet fun.

drinking

[email protected] represents the hotel’s shot at the classic rooftop pool bar and we would highly recommend it. Think the burning neon of Causeway Bay, the city block lights shimmering on the pool and a cocktail in hand and you’ve just imagined [email protected]