"Rating: 4/5 — ”A no-nonsense workhorse of a hotel with a stellar location and a squeaky personality”
To be completely honest, I chose this hotel purely out of cold calculation. I was attending a concert at the Hong Kong Coliseum, and the idea of ”walking to the arena in three minutes without even stepping outside” sounded like a dream. And you know what? Harbour Plaza Metropolis didn't disappoint on that front. Everything else, though, is a roll of the dice.
Location is its superpower. You step out of Hung Hom MTR station, walk across the covered pedestrian bridge, and a couple of minutes later you're in the lobby. No rain, no scorching sun, no need for a taxi. The hotel is connected to Metropolis Mall—there's a supermarket, pharmacy, and cafes right downstairs. After the concert, when all of Kowloon was gridlocked in traffic jams, I simply strolled across the bridge and was back in my room. That feeling of ”I'm already home while everyone else is scrambling for a taxi” makes it easy to forgive a lot.
And you will have to forgive a lot. The hotel is old, and it doesn't try to hide it. The hallway carpet probably dates back to the handover of Hong Kong; the room air conditioner hums like it's trying to achieve lift-off; and the check-in queue at the front desk takes about forty minutes. The staff are polite, but seem almost hypnotized—smiling and nodding while their eyes scream ”next!” On the bright side, the housekeeper was the sweetest person on earth and even left me a handwritten note wishing me a good day. It's a small touch, but it really brightened my mood.
A special mention goes to the ”eco-policy.” There is no toothbrush, no slippers, and not even a complimentary bottle of water in the room. You can buy all of these on the ground floor. Formally, it's about environmental care. Practically, it feels like a test of endurance. Pro tip: stop by the supermarket in the mall before you check in to save your nerves.
What came as a pleasant surprise was the swimming pool. Located on the 9th floor, it's open-air, has clean water, and lifeguards are on duty. After a muggy day in the city, it's an absolute lifesaver. The rooftop view of Hung Hom from above is surprisingly atmospheric.
The verdict. This isn't a romantic getaway, nor is it a place that will roll out the red carpet for you. It's a reliable workhorse of a hotel: it'll get you to your concert, let you get some sleep (if you're lucky with the neighbors and the AC), and feed you breakfast. For the price, it's a fair deal. But if you're expecting flawless service and pristine modern furnishings, you're better off paying extra and looking elsewhere. I'd stay here again—but only if I'm going to another concert."