At a glance:

• Prime location in Tsim Sha Tsui 
• 495 rooms, all with views of Victoria Harbour
• 50th-floor rooftop pool 
• Minibar stacked with local products, including Conspiracy Chocolate, and coffee by local roasters Elephant Grounds
• 200 square metre Hyrox-affiliated gym open 24 hours a day

Kimpton? What’s the brand anatomy? 

Kimpton is IHG’s luxury lifestyle arm: design‑led, pet‑friendly and built around sociable spots. The new Kimpton Tsim Sha Tsui Hong Kong brings that playbook to Kowloon with about 495 rooms in a V‑shaped tower and a happening rooftop – a well‑designed, friendly base for city stays. It threw an epic party to mark its Hong Kong debut back in March. Guests could even get a tattoo at the event: hopefully nothing they regretted the next morning.

And what’s the crowd like? 

You’ll find a mix of business travellers from all over (I overheard at least three languages on a quick visit), locals popping in for meetings or drinks, and leisure guests who appreciate the brand’s lifestyle touches, savvy design and upbeat service.

At the same time, families and pets are welcome – there’s a whole pet-friendly floor stacked with amenities for cats and dogs. 

[See more: ‘How was it?’ The Shanghai EDITION]

Good news for pawrents. What’s the room like?

You get some of the best views in Tsim Sha Tsui, with Victoria Harbour emerging gloriously through your window. We could even see the helicopter pad at the top of the nearby Peninsula from our room window on the 40th floor – a sight best enjoyed from the sunken tub right next to the bedroom window. 

We stayed in the King Premium with Plunge Bath, a comfy, modern harbour‑side retreat. Rattan panelling and bird‑and‑blossom cushions add cosy charm, while brushed‑brass accents give the room a contemporary gleam. Touch‑button panels for lighting and blinds are a welcome convenience, and vintage‑style Tivoli speakers underline that design was a priority here – use them before you slip into the bath and watch the city lights come alive. 

The semi‑open bathroom layout (a counter separates the sleeping area from the wash zone) is stylish, but worth noting that if you prize privacy, consider booking two rooms.

There are accessible rooms too.

What’s there to eat and drink? (Assuming you ever left that window side plunge bath)

We enjoyed breakfast a la-carte at Birdsong, which is a great option to have if you don’t have the time to fully enjoy the buffet served at Hillside. Barista coffee made with beans by Hong Kong roasters Elephant Grounds along with a crepe made to order right was a solid start to the day. Also at Birdsong is Kimpton’s “social hour,” where you can enjoy complimentary beer, wine and sweet and savoury canapés. 

You could try Jija, a restaurant with the signature of two-Michelin star chef Vicky Lau – a popular name in Hong Kong’s dining scene –for Southwestern Chinese and Yunnanese flavours. But if you could only have one meal at the hotel, go to Swim Club – the whole concept captures Kimpton’s social, design‑led vibe.

Swim Club? You mean the pool deck?

Not just the pool: perched on the 50th floor, it’s the hotel’s rooftop playground, a pool‑and‑bar combo heavy on retro Palm Springs vibes. Every corner is photogenic, from the cactus to the mid‑century furnishings and terracotta tiles. The playlist is upbeat, the cocktail menu features multiple signature drinks (all named after diving poses), and the food selection is smart, designed for convivial evenings with friends. 

The adjoining 30‑metre pool keeps the SoCal aesthetic, perfect for sunset swims and sundowner photos. 

Sounds like this is the kind of place you go to work and play. Anything on the wellness front? 

Possibly one of the best hotel gyms we’ve stepped foot on. It spans 200 square metres and has a partnership with Hyrox. It’s the first hotel space of its kind in Hong Kong. You’ll find everything you need to complete Hyrox’s eight standardised functional workouts. It’s also open 24 hours a day, so nothing stops you from breaking a sweat. 

The spa is by Thai wellness brand Angsana, so you can definitely count on the Thai therapists to help you fully reset. 

Your parting plug?

Kimpton Tsim Sha Tsui Hong Kong is a clever lifestyle pick – big on harbour views, rooftop socialising and local touches. Great for work trips, weekend getaways – or anyone who likes their hotels a bit on trend (as well as comfortable).

Address: 11 Middle Road, Hong Kong, Kowloon
Phone number: (852) 3919 6888

Kimpton Tsim Sha Tsui hosted The Bay’s stay and meals, for the purpose of this review. The hotel was given the opportunity to verify factual claims prior to publication but had no editorial input or sign-off on the final article.