Many Hong Kong hotel rooms suffer from Jimmy Choo Syndrome: they are the size of a shoebox and as expensive as a pair of the famous heels. The Ramada Hong Kong Grand View is a standout for its modest rates and spacious rooms. But is it worth booking a stay? Read on to find out. Check current HK hotel rates on Expedia.
Where’s the Money? This site may contain affiliate links. Many travel sites include such links to earn a commission at no cost to readers.
Ramada Hong Kong Grand View Location
Don’t confuse this with with the Ramada Hong Kong Grand. The Ramada Hong Kong Grand View is on the eastern side of Hong Kong Island. It’s right between the North Point and Fortress Hill MRT stops. Having stayed on both the peninsula and the island, I do not have any definite opinions about which is preferable. The MRT is so efficient you can reach any point in the city from any other point. Location is not as important as it might be elsewhere.
The area around North Point/Fortress Hill is a little more low-key than what you’ll find around Central or TST. It is still quintessentially Hong Kong, but the luxury shopping gives way to shops, restaurants and supermarkets. These are much more practical for the everyday resident.
This hotel is located on a side street running parallel to the main thoroughfare in the area. It serves as a market street from late morning until nighttime. Depending on your point of view and the nature of your trip you might think this is a delightful slice of the authentic Chinese culture. Some might think it’s a disgusting annoyance to be tolerated. Either way, one approaches the entrance by walking a long half-block through sometimes-crowded market stalls. Personally I did not mind it and enjoyed the market atmosphere.
Ramada Hong Kong Grand View Property
Moving between the lobby and the guest floors in this hotel is a night and day experience. The lobby is large and modern. As soon as one steps off the elevator on the guest floors it is apparent most of the deferred maintenance here has been deferred a loooong time. It is also noticeably dank throughout the building with dehumidifiers placed throughout. The whole tower is in need of an update and renovation.
FLIGHTS: Find the lowest fares to Hong Kong on Skyscanner.
This property does feature breakfast and a gym but unfortunately I did not get photos of either of those as I stayed busy during my time here. I would not expect them to be anything more than adequate. At the time of my visit the rooftop pool closed for repairs. I’d be surprised if it ever reopened without a full scale renovation.
Ramada Hong Kong Guest Rooms
The room I booked was a family room with 1 queen and 1 twin bed because that was the best option for last-minute availability. Upon arrival I was assigned the family suite. It has the same beds, but the suite is set up like a 1 br apartment with the twin bed along the living room window. If you’re traveling with family or are otherwise looking for space this room type offers plenty of square footage. The rate I paid was about $90 USD per night so you are definitely getting suite space at basic room prices.
The bad news is that this hotel gives the distinct impression that you are staying in a retirement home. I have been to apartments in actual retirement homes that are more modern and tasteful than the decor here. This property will not appeal to business travelers or anyone seeking a romantic getaway, but for the low-maintenance, no-frills traveler it is fine. The hotel isn’t called Grand View for nothing. My views from both parts of the room on the 23rd floor were pretty impressive through large windows. The TV featured a few channels in English including the BBC.
Overall Impression
You know you arent in the lap of luxury when you’re staying here but if a price comparison on Expedia or Hotels.com shows this property as being significantly less per night than similar hotels go ahead and book it. If the Holiday Inn is just a few dollars more you might be better off going there instead.
