Review: Hyatt Regency Hong Kong, Tsim Sha Tsui

Timely report since I will be staying there next month.

We stayed there last August. We loved it as well as the location. What we loved the most was the smartphone. We took it everywhere we went. From your pics, looks like your room wasn't obstructed. We got an upgrade to the Hyatt King Suite and it was great. The only complaint I had was there was a building being constructed covered by green tarp obstructing our harbor view a little bit.

Also, across the street, there was still local pub that we went to a couple of times (can't remember the name). It was great. Did you try/see the pub?

The lounge looked emptied 😉 you must have lucky timing! When we were there it was packed every morning with very loud locals! Food was disappointing in the lounge and I would recommend avoid the smoked salmon as my husband got food poisoning from that, on New Year's Eve too! 🙁 the dinner buffet was exceptional!

@ Sharon -- Hah, I took the lounge pictures in the middle of the day, as it was so full otherwise.

@ John -- Can't say I did. I'll have to check it out next time.

So Lucky, now that you've settled into the deluxe vagabond lifestyle ; ) , how far in advance do you make your plans? Is it a last minute "I feel like Hong Kong this weekend" kind of thing, or do you have your itinerary worked out a couple of weeks or month in advance?

@ meegabroad -- It's a mix of the two. I'm certainly not planning as far in advance as I'd like to. I'm making some plans month in advance based on specific events, but am filling things in really last minute. I'd certainly like to plan further in advance, but it just hasn't proved practical in many cases, unfortunately.

I'm pretty sure there's another Hyatt Regency (Sha Tin) on the island, though it is very far inland, which might be inconvenient for some. I'm pretty sure the Kowloon view wouldn't be that bad if Kai Tak was still there. 😛

@ RDP -- Yep, I've stayed at the one in Sha Tin, though that one is so far out that it might as well be in Guangzhou...

i stayed here in late August in a non-club room, and it didnt have a Nespesso machine. I used my annual free night from my Hyatt CC, which I thought was a great deal for me at least. I also liked the close access to the MTR via the mall. It helped during a thunderstorm.

Very good timing on this article, as I'm booked to stay at the hotel at the end of November. Last year I stayed at the Grand Hyatt in the Wan Chai district but thought I'd try the Kowloon side for this visit. I appreciate your comments about the pros and cons of Hong Kong Island versus Kowloon, and also value your insights into the Hyatt Regency Tsim Sha Tsui. Thank you.

Thanks for the report, Ben!

Years ago you once said, that "Hong Kong was [your favorite] city", and I went there in part to find out why. It was my first big trip, and it turned out to be my favorite city too! I will never forget that.

Regarding the free phone/data usage, that is indeed a great idea, but this is one city that I would not require it in since the last time I was there I purchased a local sim at a special tourist price, from CX, right onboard. It was like $12 and gave practically unlimited (for 8 days) data and even local phone. See:
http://www.cathaypacific.com/dutyfree/productdetail.html?productCode=SGG665H&criteriaType=category&criteria=Jewellery

Great timing for review. Will be staying at the hotel for 30+ days for the rest of the year. Now I at least know a little what to expect!

So what do you say is the best Hong Kong hotel?

Definitely a nice hotel and I pretty much agree with everything you said - especially the food, I thought it generally sucked. Compare that to what I considering outstanding food at the Grand Hyatt Taipei lounge, there is no comparison.

I might add that they are pretty cool about giving diamonds one of the corner Jr. suites which I really loved - it felt more like a Grand Hyatt or Park Hyatt inside. Ask them if they can upgrade you next time (Diamond) as they are very accommodating to Diamonds.

@ blueline7 -- So happy to hear you enjoyed HK as well!

@ JustSaying -- If price weren't an issue, it's tough to beat the Ritz-Carlton.

As a brand, how are Regency and Grand different?

Then that will have to be a points redemption goal........once the cc offer of 140k comes back......

Having stayed at both before, the Hyatt Regency TST is in a much better location, closer to the shops, subways and street food. The Grand Hyatt is located a bit far from a subway station and is in the conference centre area, so not exactly the best for tourists.

And with regards to HK island being pedestrian unfriendly, you might have missed out on the pedestrian overhead bridges that connects nearly most of the office buildings/mall in the Central area.

$200 for King room is really good as I can't break $250 with a very decent corporate discount. Lucky, was your rate something special?

@ Joe -- The intent is that Grand properties are nicer than Regency properties, and typically also have more of a "grand" feel. That means they're larger, have bigger public areas, etc.

The reality, however, is that Hyatt realizes they've completely screwed up their branding over the years. For example, the Hyatt Regency Kyoto is nice enough to be a Park Hyatt, in my opinion, though is branded the same as any airport hotel.

That's why we're seeing a lot of the newly opened Hyatts simply branded as "Hyatts" without a prefix. Smart move on their part, in my opinion.

@ Andrew -- True, there are lots of pedestrian bridges, but if you're actually trying to walk across streets, it's virtually impossible.

I'm literally typing this from a corner suite in the Hyatt TST. Last night's food spread was anything but disappointing. Perhaps because it was a weekend?

@ John -- I was in the lounge on a Thursday night, and the above is what was on offer. What was different about your spread?

Enjoy the rest of your stay!

We stayed there last month, used annual Hyatt card night, enjoyed location. If you do use airport express, as we did, connecting at Kowloon station to free shuttle bus is convenient, Hyatt TST is second stop coming in (would take longer getting back to Kowloon station as several hotels on the loop are served).

Oh and Tin Lung Heen at top of Ritz Carlton has great dim sum...

Looks very nice, but check out the amazing view from a executive room at the Grand Hyatt Hong Kong we had in September, I can highly recommend this hotel.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=51zuhkaFte8

Lucky

What property would you recommend for a Hong Kong first timer with just 48hrs to spend, the regency or grand?

Thanks!

@ Tyler -- If price isn't an issue, the Grand Hyatt is definitely a bit nicer, so I would go with it. In terms of location I don't really see a huge advantage of one over the other. They're both pretty centrally located.

Remember to add "Tsim Sha Tsui" to your captions! The Hyatt Regency Shatin property is still alive and kicking!

@lucky I arrived Friday evening. The spread in the lounge last night (Sunday) was better than the previous nights. They seemed to have doubled the alcohol selections. Havana Club rum was added (not there the first 2 visits) as well as what appeared to be twice the amount of options for red and white whine. There were also 2 choices of champagne (Prosecco to be precise) as opposed to the single options Friday and Saturday. Food wise there was a lemon pepper (?) shrimp dish, sliced tenderloin salad and 3 options from the rotating menu including 2-3 dim sum dishes, veggie spring rolls and something else I can't remember right now. I'll probably toss up a trip report on FlyerTalk. One quick note, I saw earlier that people preferred rooms ending in 08 for the view over corner suite. However aside from this building under construction wrapped in green, this suite is more than adequate with views of the main island and harbor. Though I agree it's probably not worth using a DSU.

Stayed at Hyatt TST and Grand Hyatt HK earlier this year.
Grand Hyatt is / was under renovation (much needed). But I did not like the location.

Best hotel in HK: "Upper House" next to Admiralty. Amazing property and service. Great restaurant too (Cafe Gray Deluxe).

I would recommend the Hyatt Regency TST over the Grand Hyatt due solely to location. The latter requires a hefty walk to the nearest subway and taxis can be tough to get if there is a conference downstairs, whereas the TST location has a subway entrance under the building and has the great views of Victoria Harbour and the skyline (assuming you have a harbour view room). You're also close to the traditional (but fading) tourist district along Nathan Road and now Canton Road, and transit to the airport is easier and cheaper if taking the shuttle bus from the Airport Express Station.

Lastly, the Hyatt Regency is a newer building whereas the Grand Hyatt has been around for 20-plus years. In terms of fellow guests, you're probably more likely to come across "local" tourists (I think Lucky meant mainland Chinese) at the HR whereas the Grand Hyatt is more of a convention hotel with a mix of foreigners, businessfolks, and expense-account or wealthy local tourists.

Have not stayed at the Ritz Carlton but can see the appeal due to the supreme habour views, but in terms of service, I don't think you can beat the Four Seasons and the two Mandarin Orientals.

"The Hyatt Regency Shatin is so far out it might as well be in Guangzhou?" Typical tourist thinking. Disclaimer: I stay at the HR Shatin about one week a month and occasionally, the HR TST.

You might have been in HK many times and claim to love HK, but you've never seen much of the real HK if you think the New Territories is far out. In fact, most of HK's population (>50%) live in the New Territories, NOT Kowloon as stated in your post.

The club fridge pics (cropped) were deceiving.. looked like full size refrigerators at first, then I thought that "hey, that's one huge can of Sprite." lol...

Thanks for the review!

I understand I'm in the minority but this is actually my favorite Hyatt in HK. I love the location and the service is always uniformly good.

While the GH's club has infinitely better spread, I can't stand the snooty and stuffy atmosphere there. The GH staff is very good but not necessarily friendly. Despite multiple (paid) visits, I've never gotten a single 'welcome back'. In contrast, the HR TST staff remembers me from previous visits and, despite my difficult-to-pronounce last name, always make an effort to address me by name. Upgrades to club harbour view rooms also come automatic at this property. In short, one of my favorite Hyatts anywhere.

Stayed there 2 days ago. One of the best hotels I've stayed in and I'm saying that with only a regular room with no club access. In addition to the free cell phone and excellent service all around, I loved the speaker in the bathroom and sliding window connected to the bedroom so you can watch and hear TV in bathroom. The mirror by the window brings a live painting of the harbour to our room.

Handy (the complimentary smartphone) is actually available at a growing number of hotels around HK, not just Hyatt TST. They're a separate business: http://handy.travel/hk/en/hospitality

How come no Starwood reviews in HKG? I know the Sheraton is a bit of a dump, but the W is very nice. I've had great service and Platinum recognition there. And though it's a bit out of the way, they do have a shuttle to the TST ferry entrance that runs often.

I stay at the TST a lot. The wifi is actually really slow in terms of throughput. Checking email and browsing is fine but downloading large files for business would take all day. I had to go to an office.

I'm not chinese but can read chinese menus to some extent so maybe I'm a little more comfortable in hong kong than most. But good god don't eat the crappy free hotel food. Hong Kong is cheap and practically everyone is a great chef so eating in the hotel is for travel amateurs only.

That being said Hyatt TST's Chinese restaurant is one of the better high end lunches/dinners in kowloon but advanced reservations are almost always required, it's quite intimate.

Also there is a Tsui Wah Restaurant 翠華餐廳 just a few blocks away on Carnarvon Road and it's open late and has a picture menu in english. It's a respected Hong Kong comfort food chain which makes decent renditions of cantopop or Cha chaan teng favorites and international foods. You can get a killer Lai Cha (milk tea) and breakfast bun, local flavored coffee or hot coke with lemon and ginger (local cold remedy) in the morning. Eggs are great here as well. And old school dishes like rice bolognese with egg on top can be had. Decent Hainan chicken, Zhu Pa Bao. Sometimes I just go for some gai lan (chinese broccoli). All pretty cheap.

For street foodies, there is a corner skewer place popular with locals just a few blocks from the hotel as well. I think maybe just open at night but not sure. I had the cold baby pig intestines on a stick dipped in sweet sauce and didn't get sick so it's pretty safe. Good for post drinking snacks with local suits and kids on their way home.

@ Neil S. -- Would like to do the W, but it's a property I struggle to stay at. It's too expensive on paid rates compared to some of the other options, while I can't bring myself to redeem Starpoints for it, given how valuable they are. I'll have to just swallow my pride and do it some time.

When you say fell in live. I think you mean love.

@ Live -- Good catch, thanks!

I stayed here last month. Burned a DSU and got a regency suite on the 22nd floor. Very similar experience. Loved the hotel, with the only real negative the breakfast in the lounge. I slightly preferred the location to Hong Kong Island, so much more pedestrian friendly. Will definitely return.

Couldn't help but notice there was only 1 bed in the room 🙂

@ Chris -- Correct, because I was staying alone. Friend had a separate room.

Just messing. But that story is certainly a lot less exciting...

@ Chris -- Sorry to disappoint, I'm quite boring! 😀

This was the first stop on our Asia trip last year. Given that my jet-lagged toddler was ready to start her day at 4:30AM, I was really thankful that the Regency Club was only an elevator ride away. We headed up there as soon as it opened and enjoyed breakfast each morning.

I will be in Hong Kong for less then 24 hours next week. I am booked for one night at the Grand Hyatt since I am a Diamond, however I've heard there is a renovation going on. As much as I love all of my diamond benefits, I am really tempted to stay at the Conrad. I stayed there for 3 nights last year and loved it! I was upgraded to a the club level (I am only Gold with Hilton).
My wife is traveling with me this time and I'd love to show her a little bit of this wonderful city.
What would you do in my place: Conrad (being Gold), Grand Hyatt or Regency TST (being Diamond)?
Thanks in advance!

@ hfmaia -- They're all great options, don't really think one is considerably better than the other. I've heard great things about the Grand Hyatt from friends that have stayed there lately, so wouldn't hesitate to stay there. The club lounge is amazing, even better than at the Conrad. So I'd probably stick to that.

Can I suggest next time you stay in HK, try the hotel Icon in TST. The service, the above and beyond club lounge + rooms + personal service and finally the pool deck, I think is the best in HK. It would be good to hear your views.

@ Mark -- Thanks for the suggestion!

I always cringe when you remark that the HRKyoto is even nearly as close to a Park Hyatt level, let alone on par with one. The rooms are dated, and the indoor dining subpar and very pricey for what they serve. Fitness center subpar and no pool on site as well. I simply don't understand your love of that property.

Hey Lucky - I've used some of your advice to help plan my Honk Kong/South Africa trip this November on Cathay and now have a hotel question. I booked myself at this Hyatt Regency TST for 3 nights (Th/Fr/Sat) using 45,000 points - when my new Hyatt Credit Card night becomes available I hope to be able to add a 4th night for free.

I just made diamond (lost it in 2013) and am wondering what benefits you think I will receive when I check in? I will be solo, and am just trying to understand if I have a chance at a room upgrade? Club access only? Would a suite only be an option if I did a points + cash for $100 + 7,500 points/night?

Thanks

@ matt s -- You're entitled to the best available non-suite (probably a room with a view) and club lounge access, which is quite nice at that hotel. So you can expect the same treatment I received. If you do Points + Cash then you'd be able to use a Diamond Suite Upgrade Award. That being said, if traveling alone I think the room with a view and club access is plenty nice.

Thanks! Just want you to know how much I/we appreciate your feedback in the comments section... not every blogger pays too much attention to them.

@ matt s -- Thanks for reading, I appreciate it! 🙂

Okay, writing from happy hour in the club this minute (just took a shot pretty much just like the one of the HK skyline above). Love the hotel (in a suite, 1725) which is stunning with nice views, killer tub (with views!), nespresso, sitting area, etc., etc.

Here's my question /gripe: not to put too much pressure on you, but I'm here because of how you gush about HK (and because I told Alex to send me to a city in Asia and then an island, so heading to Bali from here).
24 hrs. here, and my thoughts are: what the hell kind of city in this century doesn't accept credit cards for cabs (and, btw, doesn't have any signs at the airport que that say this)?!; Is there anywhere I can go outside of the hotel, that I'm not accosted by really pushy hawkers? (I nearly hit one last night who wouldn't take 'no' for an answer.); Am I alone in detesting an environment in which the standard shopping advice is "be very careful of bait and switch", "offer 30 to 40% of the asking price and walk away if they don't come down to 50% of the asking price", and, "most of what you see are cheap knockoffs and fakes?";
So, tomorrow I'll take the ferry over to the island. Any tips on what to do? So far I'm thinking this is my last trip to Ben's favorite city. (Though when you settled on LA for your new home, I knew we had seriously different tastes in cities! I barely think it's a fun city to visit, and wouldn't live there for anything.)

My wife and I plan to be in Hong Kong for one night next year and are deciding between this property and the IC. Looking for some feedback. I have visited Hong Kong twice before, staying once at the GH and once at the Conrad. This time I have a free Hyatt cat 4 night and an IHG free night, so I am considering the HR Tsim Sha Tsui (Am a Diamond now at booking time but will be Platinum next year) or the InterContinental (the better one, not Grand Sanford. also am IHG Platinum). Which one should I choose?

just very lucky stayed the same 2311 room last weekend, still in good condition.

Just a note after a recent stay. The tall building they that was under construction (in your harbor view picture) between the HR and the waterfront is now finished, and they have an annoyingly bright full building advertisement (covering the entire side of the building facing the hotel). It really obstructs and takes away from the view. We enjoyed the view from the IC a lot more because of that.

@LX. How's the breakfast and evening spread? Any improvement? I am planning a trip to Hong Kong next month. Thanks for sharing

So what is your pick among all you have visited? Ritz Carlton best? How much more superior than Grand Hyatt?

I have stayed here 4 times in the past year. I really like the club room and you have a great veiw of the city. I thought the food there was good, but the evening food seems to change alot. Some of the items I did not like. The location is great for the attached mall and there is a great burger place there. Best burger in HKG. I did not get the nice room Ben got on the Harbour side. I got the Regency suite with the DSU. Its an ok room that is fine, but nothing fancy. The location is great in what I call the center of the action of TSIM Sha Shui. I also like th W hotel on the Kowloon side but it tends to be a little pricey.