Airbnb is still getting its footing in Asian cities like Hong Kong, but it’s got some stiff competition—Tujia.com, China’s largest vacation rental website, tends to be more appealing to many Asian travelers for a number of reasons. That said, if you want to stick to the familiar (and English-speaking) home-sharing standby, you’ll find hundreds of Airbnb options in Hong Kong ranging from $10/night for an “experience” art project to $465/night for a luxe, eco-friendly flat. For our purposes, we focused on entire-place rentals averaging around $150/night. Here are 10 of our favorites.
1. Renovated apartment 2. Central flat 3. Loft-style apartment 4. SoHo rental 5. Cozy studio 6. Sleek space 7. One-bedroom apartment 8. Happy Valley apartment 9. Homey crib 10. Garden apartment
Erica Jackson Curran is a former alt-weekly editor turned moonlight freelancer based in Richmond, Virginia.
1 of 10
This recently renovated apartment is in the Wan Chai neighborhood, a historic hub for shopping and nightlife in Hong Kong. Steps away from the MTR (metro) station, bars and restaurants, the apartment offers views of the skyline, a large rainshower, a full kitchen, Nespresso machine and 24-hour check-in via digital lock.
Airbnb
2 of 10
With two separate bedrooms and a sofa bed in the living area, this centrally located flat is perfect for families or groups of friends, but it also has amenities that make it attractive to business travelers—like speedy Wi-Fi, 24-hour check-in, toiletries and a workspace. The ninth-floor apartment is in Kau U Fong, with boutiques, galleries, ferry piers, malls and the oldest Chinese restaurant in the city right nearby.
Airbnb
3 of 10
With views of Hong Kong Harbour on one side and views of the city skyline and "The Peak" on the other, this loft-style apartment is uniquely situated to see both sides of the city. A spiral staircase leads to a private balcony with the aforementioned views, while downstairs there's a kitchenette, bedroom and cool industrial bathroom. It's in the trendy Sai Ying Pun district, home to museums, secondhand shops and hip eateries.
Airbnb
4 of 10
You'll be surrounded by skyscrapers in this SoHo rental, a spacious (by Hong Kong standards) spot with a queen-sized bed, modern bathroom, efficiency kitchen and balcony. Just a few meters from the nearest MTR stop, the apartment is conveniently located in the central business district.
Airbnb
5 of 10
About 10 minutes from the nearest MTR station, this cozy studio is in an industrial area that's busy during the day and quiet at night. The bed is on a platform with an extra bed tucked underneath, and there's a decent sized kitchen and bathroom, both recently updated. Nearby, Mong Kok is one of the city's most popular—and intensely congested—shopping areas.
Airbnb
6 of 10
This sleek and shiny new space boasts a full kitchen, dining area and laundry. It's located a block away from the Mid-Levels escalator system, part of the world's longest covered outdoor escalator system (which helps guests avoid the hilly climb to the apartment).
Airbnb
7 of 10
Priced around $60/night, this one-bedroom apartment is a bargain in the notoriously expensive city. With a small bedroom separated by sliding doors, a cute kitchen and updated bathroom, the apartment is a minute to the nearest MTR station that'll take you to nearby attractions like the Temple Street market and the popular waterfront Tsim Sha Tsui district.
Airbnb
8 of 10
This bright Happy Valley apartment offers views of the Happy Valley Racecourse, a large horse-racing facility on Hong Kong Island. The family-friendly, top-floor space has a private rooftop, a balcony, a large living/dining area, and a small but well-equipped kitchen. Laundry facilities, Wi-Fi, toiletries and air-conditioning are all provided.
Airbnb
9 of 10
Stay in a local family's homey crib described as a "quiet oasis" in the center of it all. It has a large, fully stocked kitchen, desks, a library, lots of storage space and roof access. The apartment is close to Hong Kong attractions like Man Mo Temple, Hollywood Road (known for its antique shops and galleries), and Tai Ping Shang, the oldest neighborhood in the city. There's an MTR station five minutes away. The rental rate includes housekeeping once or twice a week.
Airbnb
10 of 10
This garden apartment provides a rare dose of green stuff in Hong Kong. Besides the unique outdoor kitchen and dining area, the apartment also has a private bedroom, updated bathroom and a small indoor seating area with a fold-out couch. There's an MTR station a minute away, and it's a five-minute walk from a market, cafes, hiking trails and the scenic Quarry Bay Promenade.
Airbnb