Jordan is a bit of a mess. It’s loud, it’s chaotic, and if you’re walking down Nathan Road during peak hour, you’re basically playing a high-stakes game of human Tetris. But tucked away on Cheong Lok Street is Madera Hotel Hong Kong, a spot that manages to feel like a complete reset button for your brain the second you step inside. It’s weird, honestly. You go from the smell of curry fish balls and the roar of the red minibuses into this space that smells like lemongrass and looks like a boutique gallery in Barcelona.
Most people visiting Hong Kong gravitate toward Central or Tsim Sha Tsui because they think that’s where the action is. They aren't wrong, but they’re often overpaying for a room the size of a shoe box. Madera is different. It’s got this Spanish-inflected soul that feels warmer than your typical corporate glass tower. It’s also one of the few places in Kowloon where the "boutique" label doesn't just mean "we put a funky lamp in a cramped corner."
The "Green" Reality of Madera Hotel Hong Kong
Let's talk about the air. That sounds like a boring place to start, right? It isn't in Hong Kong. This city has a humidity that clings to you like a wet wool sweater. Madera Hotel Hong Kong made a massive deal out of their indoor air quality long before it was a post-pandemic trend. They use RGF air purifiers. It’s the kind of tech that supposedly kills 99% of surface bacteria and viruses. Does it work? I don't have a microscope in my suitcase, but you can actually smell the difference. The air feels crisp. It’s light.
The hotel also leans heavily into the LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification. They snagged a Gold rating, which is actually quite hard to do in an old, dense neighborhood like Jordan. This isn't just about not washing your towels every day. It’s about the heat recovery systems and the LED lighting that doesn't make you feel like you're under interrogation. If you’re a traveler who feels guilty about the massive carbon footprint of a luxury stay, this place eases that specific anxiety.
Room Sizes That Don't Require Acrobatics
The biggest complaint about Hong Kong hotels? Space. Or the total lack of it. You’ll find "luxury" hotels where you can touch both walls if you stretch your arms.
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Madera is a bit of an anomaly here. Their Deluxe rooms start at around 300 square feet. In Jordan, that’s basically a palace. The design is heavy on wood—madera literally means wood in Spanish—and it gives the rooms a grounded, organic vibe. You've got high ceilings, which are a godsend when you're trying to escape the claustrophobia of the city's crowded streets.
- The beds are genuinely plush. Not that "firm as a board" style you find in some local spots.
- Bathrooms often feature large soaking tubs. A rarity in this price bracket.
- There are actual windows. Big ones. You can watch the neon lights of Kowloon flicker to life while you're sitting in a bathrobe.
Why Location Is Everything (and Why Jordan Wins)
Jordan is the soul of Kowloon. It’s sandwiched between the tourist trap of Tsim Sha Tsui and the grit of Mong Kok. If you stay at Madera Hotel Hong Kong, you’re exactly three minutes away from the Jordan MTR station.
You can walk to the Temple Street Night Market in five minutes. Is it touristy? Yeah, kinda. But it’s also where you find the best claypot rice at Hing Kee. You can sit on a plastic stool, drink a Tsingtao, and watch the world go by. That’s the real Hong Kong experience. You aren't going to get that staying at a five-star hotel in Central where the nearest food is a $50 avocado toast.
The hotel sits on a relatively quiet side street. This is crucial. You want to be near the noise, not in it. You can spend your day navigating the wet markets or hunting for vintage toys in Sham Shui Po, and then retreat to Cheong Lok Street. It’s a literal sanctuary.
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The Horizon Rooftop and Other Perks
You have to go to the 29th floor. Horizon is the hotel’s rooftop lounge, and the 270-degree view of the city skyline is arguably one of the best kept secrets in the district.
While everyone else is fighting for a spot at the Ozone bar or some overpriced rooftop in TST, you can sit up here with a coffee or a drink and see the Victoria Harbour glimmering in the distance. It’s peaceful. There’s a gym, too, and a game room with VR stuff, but honestly, the rooftop is the draw.
The Art and the Vibe
The hotel feels curated. There’s a private museum on the first floor—the Madera Cafe and Gallery—that showcases vintage Hong Kong memorabilia. It’s not just filler; it’s a genuine nod to the 1960s era of the city. You see old birdcages, rotary phones, and photos that remind you how much this place has changed. It grounds the hotel in its community.
Some people find the Spanish-meets-Hong-Kong decor a little eclectic. I get it. It’s a weird mix. But it works because it feels intentional. It’s not a cookie-cutter Hilton where you forget which city you’re in the moment you close your eyes.
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Navigating the Downsides
No place is perfect. Let's be real.
The breakfast at Madera Hotel Hong Kong is... fine. It’s okay. It’s not the sprawling international buffet you’ll find at the Shangri-La. It’s a bit more modest. Honestly, though? You’re in Jordan. Go outside. Walk two blocks and find a cha chaan teng (Hong Kong-style cafe). Order some pineapple bun with thick butter and a milk tea. It'll cost you $5 and it’ll be the best thing you eat all week.
Also, the elevators can be a bit slow during check-out time. It’s a skinny building with a lot of floors. If you’re in a massive rush to catch the Airport Express, leave five minutes earlier than you think you need to.
Practical Steps for Your Stay
If you’re planning to book, keep these specific tips in mind to maximize the value.
- Request a Higher Floor: The views improve significantly once you get above the 15th floor. You want to clear the tops of the older tenement buildings nearby to get that iconic "concrete jungle" skyline.
- Download the MTR App: The Jordan station is on the Red Line. It’ll take you straight to Central in about 10 minutes. Don't bother with taxis during rush hour unless you enjoy sitting in the Cross-Harbor Tunnel for an hour.
- Explore the "Little Korea" Nearby: Kimberley Road is a short walk away. It’s packed with authentic Korean BBQ joints and grocery stores if you want a break from Cantonese food.
- Use the In-Room Tech: The hotel usually provides a smartphone for guests (the "handy" device) or at least high-speed Wi-Fi that actually handles Zoom calls without dropping.
- Check the Package Deals: Madera often runs "Workation" or "Staycation" specials on their direct website. Sometimes these include late check-out or credits for the cafe that aren't available on the big booking sites.
Choosing a hotel in Hong Kong is usually a trade-off between price, size, and location. Madera manages to hit the sweet spot where you don't feel like you're sacrificing any of them. It’s a grown-up, thoughtful space in a neighborhood that never sleeps. It gives you the chance to see the real Hong Kong without having to survive it.