Where to stay in Hong Kong: L’hotel Elan
This 4-star hotel is the definition of luxury on a budget.
As much as I love Hong Kong, life there isn’t cheap, especially when it comes to short-term accommodation of a high standard. The city abounds with 4-star hotels but the bulk of them are not particularly easy on the pockets.
Enter L’hotel Elan. I discovered that the newest offering from Hong Kong’s L’hotel chain is the epitome of what I call “luxury-lite” — 4-star quality with a 3-star price. I was invited to spend one night here during my last trip to Hong Kong and was duly impressed.
Why? Firstly, upon my speedy check-in I realized that the structure is basically brand new, the decor fresh and slick. The room (and in particular, the bathroom) is spotless. The breakfast is ample. The minibar, stocked with soft drinks, is free, as is the wifi. None of the skimping on beverages and internet that you often find in North American or European hotels here. I like.
Secondly, the room comes with an iPad. I’ve never seen this before in a hotel. Though I have come with my own laptop, this is an exciting discovery.
Thirdly, the premises are gorgeous. The general manager charged with taking me on a tour brings me to the rooftop so I can see the pool and the gym. Though both are small (the gym consists of only a few treadmills/crosstrainers), their physical situation, 35 stories above the city, make my eyes widen.
How’s this for a view while you sweat or swim?
However, for all the positives there is one big disadvantage for me: the location. Hong Kong is small enough, but the 35-minute commute on the metro to HK’s Central station feels very long, especially when it involves a line change and a 5-minute walk from the nearest metro stop (Kwun Tong) to the hotel. The location makes it difficult to dip into your room for short breaks between sightseeing — and if you’re planning on going out until late in Soho or partying it up in Lan Kwai Fong, know that getting yourself back here will cost you a pretty penny in cab fare. That said, the location could be a plus for some: if you’re looking to stay far from the tourist traps and stay in a more “local”, “authentic” area, this is definitely a place for you.
