DESCRIBING themselves as “The Home of Urban Explorers”, Page 148’s ethos is particularly unique. As a boutique hotel, set in the heart of Kowloon, right on the corner of a street with discolouring copper plating exterior that screams Grand Designs, Page 148’s bid to offer a sanctuary away from the exciting buzz of city life is, at first glance, questionable. But as we made our way through the 12-foot high automatic glass doors into the lobby my initial doubts completely dissipated. We were in Hong Kong for five days before visiting Page 148 and were pleasantly surprised to find that it was Page 148 that offered the most tranquil escape, despite its incredible location on a busy street in TST.
Page 148 exterior
Page 148 lobby
Coffee at Page 148 lobby
The ambience is cool, the pace is relaxed, and the coffee is fantastic. In the reception, an independent coffee shop serves an array of coffee, ranging in origin, bake and flavour. In your room, Page 148 kindly provides two further coffee bags to be made at your own leisure, a touch that we greatly appreciated the morning after a night in Lan Kwai Fong. Our room was on the 25th floor, which stunned with an incredible view over the entirety of Kowloon. Page 148’s unique positioning on the corner of a singular street with low buildings beside it means natural light and an unrivalled view of Kowloon floods each room. The decor of the rooms allows for the view to shine, with a neutral palette and minimal fuss. And despite the abundance of in-room amenities and large furniture, the room remains spacious and light.
Guest room in Page 148
Guest room in Page 148
View from a room in Page 148
For those of you who haven’t visited Hong Kong before, the prospect of figuring out where to stay can seem daunting. With numerous islands, skyscraper-studded skyline and a densely populated urban centre, it is easy to become absorbed by Hong Kong Island alone. But just across the Victoria Harbour lays the Kowloon Peninsula, a neon swirl of gritty markets, underground nightlife and stunning views. Despite seeming like a world away from the expat populated Hong Kong island, it is only a short 20-minute drive or 15-minute MTR journey from island to island. Page 148 is just five minutes walk from Jordan station (exit D) and is situated in Tsim Sha Tsui, a shopping and nightlife district in Kowloon. Luxury fashion malls are dotted on every corner, the first art mall K11 is nearby too and you can enjoy the Avenue of Stars after a short tram ride.
Page 148’s location is just one of many reasons why it has become such a popular destination for travellers. The staff are incredibly attentive and kind, hitting just the right note of helpful but at a considerate distance, the value for money is incredible, and all of the room amenities are fitted with the modern traveller in mind – for instance, the pocket wifi provided in every room. Since opening their doors in January of this year, Page 148 has received glowing reviews for their honest, simple and affordable approach to Hong Kong. Later this year, Page 8 opens on St Martin’s Lane in London as the second hotel in the page portfolio and we expect it to encounter equal praise. Where Page hotels open next we can’t be sure of, but the two locations they now boast are impressive and suggest big things to come for the establishment.
by Lily Rimmer
Page 148, 148 Austin Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong.
Nightly rates at Page148, Hong Kong on average at £160 per night on a room only basis.
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