So, you’re looking at Tsim Sha Tsui. It's loud, it's bright, and it's basically the beating heart of Kowloon. Right in the middle of that chaos sits The Kimberley Hotel Hong Kong. Honestly, if you’ve spent any time scrolling through travel forums lately, you’ve probably seen some conflicting takes on this place. Some people swear by its "old Hong Kong" charm and massive rooms, while others complain that the elevators take a lifetime to arrive.
What’s the real story?
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Well, the truth is tucked somewhere between the marble-heavy lobby and the newly renovated "Panda" suites on the upper floors. It isn't a Five-Star glitzy palace like the Peninsula down the street, and it doesn't pretend to be. It’s a workhorse of a hotel. It’s for the traveler who wants to be five minutes from the MTR but doesn't want to pay $4,000 HKD a night to sleep in a shoebox.
Why The Kimberley Hotel Hong Kong Still Matters
Location is everything in this city. You’ve got the Tsim Sha Tsui MTR station (Exit B2) just a short walk away. If you're coming from the airport, the A21 bus drops you off almost at the front door. That matters when you're hauling three suitcases through a humidity level of 90%.
Most people choose The Kimberley Hotel Hong Kong because of the space. Hong Kong hotel rooms are notoriously tiny. We’re talking "can't-open-your-suitcase-on-the-floor" tiny. But here? Even the standard rooms feel like actual rooms.
The Renovation Reality
Let’s address the elephant in the room: the "dated" reputation. For years, the knock on the Kimberley was that it felt like 1990 inside. And not in a cool, retro way. Just... old.
But things changed recently. In late 2023 and throughout 2024, the hotel went through a massive facelift. They didn't just slap on a coat of paint; they completely overhauled several floors. Now, when you book, you have to be careful. You’ll see "Newly Renovated" rooms alongside the older ones.
If you want the modern experience—USB-C ports, bright lighting, and that crisp "new hotel" smell—you have to specifically book those renovated units. The older rooms are cheaper, sure, but they still have that beige-on-beige aesthetic that feels a bit weary.
Eating Your Way Through the Mezzanine
The food situation here is surprisingly solid for a mid-range hotel. You’ve got three main spots:
- The Kimberley Chinese Restaurant: This is where you go for legit dim sum. It’s popular with locals, which is always a good sign. The stewed pig’s lung soup is a specialty—sounds intense, I know, but it’s a classic Cantonese comfort food.
- Coffee House: This is your buffet hub. It’s reliable. Is it the best buffet in Hong Kong? No. But for a breakfast spread or a seafood dinner buffet that won't break the bank, it hits the spot.
- Cascade Lounge: Perfect for a quick drink or a meeting if you don't want to leave the building.
One weirdly specific thing guests love? The proximity to Don Don Donki. It’s basically a block away. If you get a 2:00 AM craving for Japanese snacks or need a weirdly specific skincare product, you’re covered.
The "New" Rules of Staying in Hong Kong
Since April 2024, the Hong Kong government has gotten really strict about plastic. The Kimberley Hotel Hong Kong, like every other hotel in the city, no longer provides free plastic-based toiletries.
Don't expect a free plastic toothbrush or a disposable razor in your bathroom. They also aren't doing the little plastic water bottles anymore. Most rooms now have a filtered water tap or a glass carafe. Honestly, it's better for the planet, but it catches a lot of people off guard. Pack your own toothbrush. Seriously.
Surviving the Peak Times
The service here is efficient, but don't expect "warm and fuzzy." This is Hong Kong. Efficiency is the local language.
The elevators are the main pain point. With over 540 rooms and only a handful of lifts, the wait can be annoying during the 10:00 AM checkout rush. If you’re on a tight schedule to catch a flight, give yourself an extra 15 minutes just to get to the lobby.
Also, keep in mind the new Hotel Accommodation Tax (3%) that kicked in at the start of 2025. It’s often not included in the initial price you see on booking sites, so don’t be surprised if your final bill is a tiny bit higher than expected.
Practical Insights for Your Stay
If you’re actually going to stay at The Kimberley Hotel Hong Kong, here is the "insider" way to do it:
- Book the "Newly Renovated" rooms. Seriously. The price difference is usually minimal, but the quality of life—better AC, more power outlets, and better lighting—is worth every cent.
- Request a high floor. The streets of TST are noisy. The higher you are, the less you hear the honking taxis and the "tailor-suit" touts on Nathan Road.
- Check out the "Panda" or "Pirate" themed suites if you're traveling with kids. They are surprisingly well-done and much larger than standard family rooms.
- Skip the hotel breakfast once or twice. You are in Tsim Sha Tsui. Walk three minutes in any direction and you'll find a local cha chaan teng (tea restaurant) serving pineapple buns and silk-stocking milk tea for a fraction of the price.
- Use the gym. It’s actually decent. Most mid-range HK hotels have a treadmill in a closet, but the Kimberley has a legitimate fitness center and a sauna.
The Kimberley isn't trying to be the most luxurious spot in the city. It's a reliable, spacious, and well-located anchor for your Hong Kong trip. If you know which room to pick and you’re prepared for the bustle of Kowloon, it’s one of the best value plays in the territory.
To make the most of your stay, always double-check your booking confirmation to ensure your room type matches the refurbished inventory, and remember to bring your own reusable personal care kit to navigate the city's new eco-regulations smoothly.