Stanford Hillview or Harbour Grand , Kowloon?

Question

Couple in their late 50s on 3 nigh stopover on the way to Australia. Fairly fit. Like sightseeing, shopping and eating out. Looking at the above properties. Harbour Grand is a bit more expensive than Stanford. Would be booking a city view room. Is the Stanford far from the harbour? We like to do a bit of promenading. In essence , is it worth us paying the extra for Harbour Grand ie is there a great difference in location ? We do like to be close to amenities etc.

Answer

Both the Stanford Hillview Hotel and the Harbour Grand Kowloon are reputable choices, but they offer very different experiences in terms of location, atmosphere, and convenience. Your decision really depends on what kind of surroundings you prefer and how much emphasis you place on harbor access versus general city convenience.

Stanford Hillview Hotel is located in Tsim Sha Tsui (TST), on Observatory Road in the Knutsford Terrace area. It sits slightly uphill from Nathan Road, the main artery of Kowloon. The hotel is within walking distance to shops, restaurants, and bars, making it ideal for those who enjoy exploring the lively local streets. However, it is not directly by the harbor — you’ll need about a 10–15 minute walk downhill to reach the Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade, the Star Ferry Pier, or the Avenue of Stars for waterfront strolls and harbor views.

In short, Stanford Hillview offers:

Convenient access to TST’s shopping and dining scene.
A quieter, less tourist-heavy street compared to Nathan Road itself.
Good value for money and easy access to MTR (Jordan or TST stations).
But it is a bit of a walk (and uphill on return) from the harborfront.

Harbour Grand Kowloon, on the other hand, is located in Hung Hom, right on the waterfront. This hotel offers beautiful harbor views and direct access to the promenade, perfect for morning or evening walks along Victoria Harbour. The area around the hotel is quieter and more residential compared to bustling TST, though it is still well connected via MTR (Whampoa Station) and hotel shuttle buses to Tsim Sha Tsui. The rooms are larger and more luxurious, and if you enjoy scenic harbor views and hotel amenities like rooftop pools and fine dining, this hotel delivers a more premium experience.

Main highlights of Harbour Grand Kowloon include:

Direct harborfront location with stunning views and promenade access.
Spacious, well-appointed rooms and resort-style facilities.
Less central for shopping, but convenient MTR and shuttle links to TST.
Higher cost, but reflects comfort and view quality.

Recommendation: Since you mention that you enjoy promenading and are relatively fit, the Harbour Grand Kowloon might be worth the extra cost for its waterfront location and relaxing ambiance. It provides immediate access to scenic walks and harbor views that truly represent Hong Kong’s character, especially in the evenings. However, if you prefer being in the heart of the action — shopping, nightlife, and restaurants within a few minutes’ walk — then Stanford Hillview is more practical and budget-friendly.

In essence, choose based on your priorities:

Choose Stanford Hillview if you value being close to shops, restaurants, and street life, and don’t mind a short walk to the harbor.
Choose Harbour Grand Kowloon if you prefer peaceful surroundings, direct harbor access, and scenic views, and are comfortable paying a bit more for the experience.

For a short 3-night stay, many travelers find the convenience of Tsim Sha Tsui hard to beat, but for a more relaxing and picturesque stopover before a long flight to Australia, the Harbour Grand offers a memorable stay by the water.

Stanford Hillview or Harbour Grand , Kowloon?

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