If you’re searching for an affordable yet memorable hotel stay in Hong Kong, the Holiday Inn Express Causeway Bay stands out as a top choice. My recent visit marked my third time at this hotel, and I’d do it again in a heartbeat. Why? This place is the perfect home base for city escapades and continues to impress me. The unbeatable location, attentive service, and overall comfort make it ideal for both first-time and returning visitors.
First Impressions of Holiday Inn Express Causeway Bay
Getting to the hotel was a breeze. After landing at Hong Kong International Airport, I jumped on the efficient airport train to Hong Kong Station and transferred seamlessly to the Island Line. Next thing I knew, I was on the hotel’s doorstep. I raced my photographer, who took a taxi; my train journey was faster than the taxi journey (though mine involved dragging a suitcase through the huge Causeway Bay Station). If, like me, you travel with a big suitcase, head for Exit A at Causeway Bay MTR Station. There are escalators and elevators clearly marked by bilingual signs, making it pretty easy to avoid stairs. Just look out for the overhead directional boards, and you’ll find the way to street level without breaking a sweat. The hotel’s proximity to Causeway Bay MTR station made my arrival stress-free and convenient, setting a positive tone for my stay.
Upon arrival, I was immediately impressed by the hotel’s welcoming atmosphere. The lobby was elegant and spotlessly clean, and the staff greeted me warmly, making check-in a breeze. I rocked up way before check-in time, looking like a travel-weary dinosaur, but they still let me into my room early.
Location
The location is the main reason I chose the hotel. This is Causeway Bay, where neon lights, bubble tea, and shopping sprees collide. Times Square mall is next door (dangerous for my wallet), and the MTR entrance is even closer. The iconic Ding Ding tram rumbles by if you want to explore old-school style.
You’re surrounded by food, fun, and the kind of energy that keeps you up late plotting your next meal. I love Din Tai Fung, a legendary spot for xiao long bao, located on the basement level of Times Square, and Via Tokyo for their matcha soft serve. For local bites, try Kam Kee Cafe for classic Hong Kong French toast and milk tea, or grab takoyaki from the street stalls steps from the entrance. For a bit of culture, the tranquil Tin Hau Temple is a short walk away—perfect for a quiet moment away from crowds. Everywhere you turn, there’s something interesting or fun to discover.
Room & Amenities
My room was spacious, modern, and equipped with all the comforts I could ask for. Compared with many city hotels I have stayed in, I found the room at the Holiday Inn to be larger than most. From a plush bed to high-speed Wi-Fi and a sofa to relax on after a day of exploring, everything felt thoughtfully designed. I appreciated having a mini fridge to keep drinks cold, a kettle for making tea or coffee, an in-room safe for valuables, and convenient USB outlets for charging all my devices. These small touches made a big difference to my stay. Hong Kong has so many places to explore, but the comfortable bed and quiet room made me question my choices. Each night, I slept soundly, despite the room overlooking a busy street; the noise was minimal. Some work was being carried out on the hotel during my stay, but the staff kindly left a note to inform me. The housekeeping staff maintained the room impeccably throughout my stay.
There was no balcony, but honestly, I didn’t miss it. With a giant window framing the city’s neon skyline, I had my own private front-row seat to Hong Kong’s nightly light show. Who needs a balcony when you can sprawl out on the windowsill with a snack and watch the trams, people, and city lights buzz by below? It’s the ultimate urban perch—no extra square footage required.
The hotel was super accessible, even for those with suitcases, strollers, or walking aids. Elevators were fast and roomy (no sardine can vibes here), and ramps made getting around a breeze. Furthermore, the lifts to the guest bedrooms were opposite the reception, and the restaurants are accessible by alternate lifts, which do not service the rooms.
The bathroom was quite spacious and featured a large shower, which was powerful and had plenty of hot water. I absolutely loved the smell of the Tresseme toiletries; they were orange scented and almost smelled good enough to eat.
Dinosaur advice: request a room on a non-smoking floor; the hotel has designated floors that allow smoking indoors.
Dining experience
The hotel offered a variety of dining options. I found the breakfast in the hotel’s 2nd-floor restaurant to be small and limited. It was the first time I had ever stayed in a hotel with a breakfast that only had four options. Three were Chinese breakfast staples such as congee, noodles and bao. The fourth was coconut sago and pastries, my favourite of the options. The hotel also brought coffee by the cup to the table. It was a great way to minimise food waste, but I found the options to be a bit lacklustre.
Facilities & Activities
There’s no pool or spa, but the fitness centre is solid for a quick workout (I didn’t visit the gym, no real surprises there). The front desk staff were incredibly knowledgeable about the area, giving you the lowdown on the best eats nearby and pointing you toward alleyways you’d never find on your own. I appreciated the map I received upon arrival because it allowed me to plan my adventures around the city.
Dinosaur tip: Take a name card from the hotel to show taxi drivers because many only speak Cantonese.
Service
What truly sets the Holiday Inn Express Causeway Bay apart is its outstanding location. But what wins me over is the people. Every staff member I met was friendly, helpful, and seemed to always know when I needed directions, advice on the best snacks, or just a smile. Their hospitality makes you want to be a regular, and they went above and beyond to make my stay memorable. Especially the security guard who assisted me in getting a taxi to the airport before my early morning flight home.
Final Thoughts
I highly recommend Holiday Inn Express Causeway Bay to anyone visiting Hong Kong. If you want a hassle-free, comfy spot in the thick of Hong Kong action, it is a great place to stay. I can’t wait to return!
If you enjoyed this post, you might enjoy:
A Slow Traveller’s Guide to Sheung Wan, Hong Kong
Reviewing a great flight with Cathay Pacific Airways
