EAST Hong Kong

EAST Hong Kong stands out as a Michelin Key Selected property, frequently praised for its modern aesthetic, exceptional views, and prime location. Following a refurbishment in 2020, the hotel has consistently garnered positive feedback, establishing itself as a sophisticated yet relaxed choice for both business and leisure travelers.

1. Overall Rating & Sentiment

The overall sentiment for EAST Hong Kong is overwhelmingly positive, with guests frequently describing their stays as "excellent" or "amazing." Review scores are high, averaging around 8.7 to 9.3 out of 10, reflecting strong satisfaction across various aspects of the hotel experience. The hotel is considered a stylish and modern option, offering a refreshing alternative to more traditional luxury hotels in the city.

2. Key Highlights

Guests consistently highlight several aspects that make EAST Hong Kong a favored choice:

• Design & Aesthetics: The hotel boasts sleek, modern interior design aesthetics that are both understated and sophisticated. The lobby, with its natural light and open-air vibe, is particularly welcoming.
• Views: Fantastic views of Victoria Harbour or the city skyline are a major draw, especially from higher floors and corner rooms. The panoramic views from the rooftop bar, Sugar, are also a significant highlight.
• Location & Accessibility: Its direct connection to the Tai Koo MTR station and Cityplaza shopping center is frequently lauded for unparalleled convenience.
• Tech-Friendly Environment: Catering to the "iPad generation," the hotel integrates technology seamlessly into the guest experience, with in-room electronics and thoughtful charging solutions.

3. Room Quality

EAST Hong Kong offers 331 rooms and suites across 30 guest floors, with four primary room types based on their views: Urban/Harbour view, Urban/Harbour corner, and Suites. Rooms are described as stylish, modern, and notably spacious for Hong Kong standards. They feature floor-to-ceiling windows that frame stunning views, and the design embraces elegant restraint with muted, neutral tones to create a calm atmosphere. Comfort is paramount, with plush bedding, comfortable beds and pillows, and refreshing walk-in rainfall showers. Bathrooms are sleek and modern, equipped with Elemis spa toiletries. Smart touches include filtered drinking water taps in rooms. In-room amenities typically include a 55-inch flat-screen TV, espresso machine, and free Wi-Fi with speeds over 50+ Mbps. Older complaints about a lack of USB ports have likely been addressed in the 2020 refurbishment, with current rooms featuring built-in charging ports and well-placed outlets.

4. Dining Experience

The hotel offers a diverse dining experience across its venues:

• FEAST (Food by EAST): This all-day café, overseen by chef David Laris, serves a mix of Asian and Western cuisine for breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner. Breakfast is particularly well-regarded for its quality, featuring made-to-order egg and noodle soup stations, alongside a variety of hot items, fresh fruit, yogurts, and cold cuts. While some buffet reviews mention a limited variety of food, the quality of individual dishes is often praised.
• Sugar: Located on the 32nd floor, Sugar is a chic rooftop bar known for its stylish ambiance, stellar service, and 180-degree panoramic views of Hong Kong, especially at sunset.
• Domain: A café offering coffee and pastries, described as a perfect spot for a quick caffeine fix or a quiet moment.

5. Service & Staff

The service at EAST Hong Kong receives high marks, with staff described as friendly, helpful, and efficient. Guests appreciate the "spot-on service" and quick response times; for example, housekeeping has been noted to arrive within two minutes of a call. The English-speaking staff, often seen in Converse shoes, contribute to an easy and welcoming check-in process. While some older reviews (2018) pointed to inconsistencies in service, recent feedback indicates a significant improvement in hospitality and attention to detail.

6. Location & Accessibility

EAST Hong Kong is situated in the Taikoo/Quarry Bay business district on the eastern side of Hong Kong Island. Its location is considered a major asset due to direct access to the Tai Koo MTR station (Exit D1) and the Cityplaza shopping center, providing seamless connectivity and numerous dining and entertainment options right at its doorstep. While Quarry Bay is quieter than the bustling Central or Causeway Bay districts, it offers a different, more local experience, with hidden gems like hiking trails and unique housing estates within walking distance. It's also well-connected to other parts of the city via the MTR, with a 20-minute journey to the popular Central district. For those who prefer to explore without the usual tourist crowds, this location is ideal.

7. Value & Pricing

EAST Hong Kong is consistently highlighted as offering great value and reasonable pricing for a hotel of its caliber, especially given its Michelin Key selection. Room rates typically start around £130 per night, approximately $200 USD, which is considered very reasonable for the quality and amenities provided. Guests feel that the price is on par with the surrounding area, making it an attractive choice.

8. Common Complaints

While overwhelmingly positive, a few points of criticism have been noted:

• Older Room Issues: Before the 2020 refurbishment, some guests mentioned wear and tear in rooms and a lack of modern amenities like USB charging ports. However, these issues appear to have been largely resolved.
• Buffet Variety: One review for the FEAST buffet suggested that the choice of food could be limited compared to other hotel buffets, despite good taste.
• Location for First-Timers: For some first-time tourists, the Quarry Bay location might be perceived as "a bit out of the way" compared to the more central, bustling areas, although many appreciate its tranquil setting and excellent MTR connectivity.
• No Loyalty Program: The hotel does not offer loyalty earn or burn angles, which might be a consideration for some travelers.

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