BACKGROUND Hong Kong-based Marco Polo Hotels operates three properties in Kowloon: Marco Polo Hong Kong Hotel, Prince Hotel and Gateway Hotel (where I stayed). The recently renovated Gateway Hotel underwent refurbishment in 2013 and seems refreshingly new.

WHAT’S IT LIKE I entered from the drop-off point of the free shuttle bus (K2) and a pathway led me to Gateway Hotel. The entrance is connected through Harbour City mall in Kowloon. Its main lobby is striking with metallic colours and a snazzy gold light fixture on the ceiling. An abstract red artwork on the ceiling adds an urban, contemporary look to the hotel. The overall feel is quite trendy and modern. My bag was politely taken care of and since I was booked at the Continental Superior suite, my check-in took place at the floor dedicated to Continental Club rooms and suites on the level 15. This floor also houses the Continental Club Lounge that offers a host of services including afternoon tea with hors d’oeuvres, free cocktails in the evening, free breakfast, 20 per cent off on laundry, pressing and dry cleaning and many other conveniences. A “spectacular new floor” is coming up on level 17, details of which are kept secret.

WHERE IS IT Right next to Harbour City mall at Tsim Tsha Tsui, Kowloon. Marco Polo and Prince Hotel are beside Gateway Hotel and can be accessed through connecting pathways.

ROOM FACILITIES There are several room categories starting at Superior rooms (27 sqm) to the Continental Superior suite (58 sqm) where I stayed. My suite was on the 14th floor, towards the extreme right. Overlooking the main street, it has two large windows with metallic grey curtains. The layout of the open plan suite is smart, with the sink in the middle of the bedroom and living room. There are mirrors across making it look roomy and elegant. The minibar situated in the living room has a nespresso machine and is replenished daily with free beverages. A round table with a sleek geometric print and comfortable beige sofas face an LG LCD television. The bedroom also has a mounted Sony Bravia LCD television. Purple is splashed across in bits and pieces, from cushions to the headrest of the bed — there is an evident effort made to maintain a modish and aesthetic design sense. The desk faces the bed and has a handy phone which can even be taken outside of the hotel. It offers free calling to a number of countries including USA, China and Japan and can be used as a hotspot for your smartphone. Trussardi toiletries along with a dental kit, shaving kit and other wellness amenities are provided.

RESTAURANTS AND BARS The Continental Club Lounge is an intimate space to host colleagues and informal business meets over tea or cocktails. Breakfast is also laid here for guests staying in the Continental Club floor rooms. Spread across 1,867 sqm is Three on Canton, a formal restaurant serving Cantonese cuisine. Be on Canton is the al fresco, casual dining area of the hotel that serves resort-style dining, aperitifs, cocktails and delicious snacks. 

BUSINESS AND MEETING FACILITIES Gateway Hotel has four function rooms that are coded as per colour — Ocher (104 sqm), Noire (60 sqm), Fuchsia (47 sqm) and Turquoise (43 sqm). There is also a special wine room called Jijû for those exclusive occasions that can accommodate 12 delegates.

LEISURE FACILITIES Guests can use the outdoor swimming pool at the nearby Marco Polo Hong Kong Hotel or use the fitness centre at Prince Hotel’s 24-hour gym.

VERDICT Contemporary comfort with convenient business utilities, surrounded by some of the best entertainment options in the bustling city.

PRICE Internet rates for a flexible midweek stay in April started from HK$ 2,080 (₹17,955) for a Superior room.

CONTACT No. 13 Canton Road, Harbour City, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon, Hong Kong; tel +852 2113 0888; marcopolohotels.com