Review: EAST Hong Kong hotel, a good value refurbished choice with views

This is our review of the EAST Hong Kong hotel in Taikoo, Hong Kong.

The hotel is one of two Swire-owned hotels in Hong Kong, the other being the iconic Upper House in Admiralty which is part of The Set Collection. EAST is its four-star little sister.

Swire owns a controlling stake in Cathay Pacific so it made perfect sense that it would put me up here as part of my trip to see their new premium economy seat (and catch a bit of the rugby).

Swire has its fingers in many pies – sometimes it feels like half of Hong Kong is owned by the group – and the entire neighbourhood the hotel is located in, Taikoo, is named after the Cantonese derivation of Swire.

Opened in 2010, EAST Hong Kong was recently refurbished in 2020 and now offers lovely stylish views, many with views across the harbour, on the Eastern part of Hong Kong Island.

EAST Hong Kong location

As mentioned above, the EAST Hong Kong hotel is located in Taikoo, one of the easterly neighbourhoods on the Island. Formerly home to the Taikoo Dockyard, it was redeveloped in the eighties and is now a largely residential neighbourhood for the middle classes, something that quickly becomes apparent when walking around the quiet local streets.

Whilst it is a far cry from the busy streetscapes of Wan Chai and Causeway Bay to the West, it does have its charms, especially if you are looking for somewhere quieter and away from the hustle and bustle of the city.

In terms of local attractions, the CityPlaza mall is built above the MTR station and features an excellent range of retailers including staples like Muji, Uniqlo, Zara, H&M etc.

Worth noting is the hotel’s rooftop bar, Sugar. Although it doesn’t have views of the iconic Hong Kong skyline, which is around the corner of the island, it does have great views across Kowloon Bay and is less packed than the bars in Admiralty. Unfortunately I never made it to Sugar, being either too early or too late for it to be open.

Taikoo MTR station is immediately next to the hotel and offers easy connections on the Blue Line into those neighbourhoods and beyond. It takes around an hour, including a couple of connections, on the Airport Express. Alternatively, it’s about 30-40 minutes by taxi or Uber.

Inside the EAST Hong Kong hotel

Whilst it’s barely worth mentioning, I did think it was cool to see the exposed dynamite-blasted rock the hotel is built on from the car port. It’s a reminder of Hong Kong’s unique terrain.

The lobby takes up the entire ground floor of the hotel, with an entrance from both the carport and the MTR station:

Inside, you’ll find a long desk on one side which is home to check-in and concierge. On the other side is a selection of casual seating as well as a hot-desking area which was quite popular.

Check-in was quick and easy.

Rooms at EAST Hong Kong

In total, there are 331 rooms and suites at the EAST Hong Kong hotel, across 30 guest floors (floor 32 is for the rooftop bar). EAST keeps things uncomplicated and there are just four room types, largely based on the view they have:

• Urban / Harbour view (28sqm)
• Urban / Harbour corner (30sqm)
• Suites (44-60sqm)

I was given a Harbour View room on the 26th floor, one of the highest floors available.

The design is modern but with enough artwork and design features to give it personality.

On the right hand side is an open wardrobe and luggage rack, as well as a few drawers containing the hair dryer, safe etc:

Next to it is the mini bar, featuring a Nespresso coffee machine as well as a full microwave!

Anyone who doesn’t like open-plan bathrooms should look away now. Whilst the toilet and shower are in separate cubicles, the sink is shrouded by tinted glass – simple but classy.

Instead of bottled water, you’ll immediately notice the filter tap next to the sink – courtesy of Swire Coca-Cola. This is such a good addition and is so much better than hotels which only provide an empty glass bottle and a tap in the corridor.

The shower features a rainfall shower head as well as a handheld wand. Toiletries are by Apelles – not a brand familiar to me.

Behind the open-plan bathroom you have the king bed:

Hong Kong uses UK mains plugs (and there are also two USB-A sockets each side) but for international travellers they also had an adaptor available.

All the lights and blinds could be controlled from the bedside panel.

Opposite the huge bed is the TV and a round table:

There’s also a padded bench along the low window sill.

A Boom Bluetooth speaker was another useful addition:

The pool at EAST Hong Kong

Due to the packed schedule that Cathay had arranged for me I didn’t get to explore the hotel fully, but I did visit the outdoor pool on the fourth floor:

Entertainingly, it is overlooked by high-rise residential buildings on all sides which does mean you feel like you’re in a gold-fish bowl!

There’s also a decent gym.

Breakfast at EAST Hong Kong

Breakfast is served in FEAST on the first floor, which ostensibly stands for Food by EAST. It’s a lovely dining room, with large windows along one side:

The quality of the breakfast was good, with a made-to-order egg station and noodle soup station.

Hot items include sausages, baked beans, hash brown, bacon etc for a full English as well as various steamed buns and siu mai etc:

There’s a fridge full of fresh cut fruit, yoghurt, cold cuts and cheese:

And, of course, a range of juices, soft drinks and (self serve) coffee and tea.

Conclusion

My stay at the EAST Hong Kong hotel was perfectly comfortable, and it turned out to be an excellent base from which to enjoy the Hong Kong Sevens.

The location is quiet, which will suit some, although personally I also love the hustle and bustle of more central areas.

The rooms are stylish and modern, with fantastic views, at least from the higher floors. Touches like the filter tap are simple but smart.

Staff were friendly and service was good, although frankly I had few interactions with them. I did call down to reception one day to arrange housekeeping, as I had been having a nap and turned on my do not disturb. Housekeeping were at my door within about 2 minutes of calling – probably the fastest I’ve ever seen!

All in all, I would happily stay here again.

Room rates start at around £130 per night, which seems very reasonable. There are no loyalty earn or burn angles, unfortunately. You can find out more, and book, on the hotel website here.

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