Hotel
The Peninsula Hong Kong
Hong Kong's grande dame, opened on Salisbury Road in 1928, famous for afternoon tea in The Lobby, its green Rolls-Royce fleet and the Philippe Starck-designed Felix.
Hotel ICON
A design-led hotel in Tsim Sha Tsui East run by the Hong Kong Polytechnic University as a teaching hotel, with a Patrick Blanc green wall and a Michelin Key.
At a glance
- Type
- Design hotel and teaching hotel
- Area
- Tsim Sha Tsui East, Hong Kong
- Price
- $$$ · Upscale
Good to know
- Patrick Blanc green wall
- Three restaurants
- Michelin Key
- Suites
Why we recommend it
Hotel ICON opened on 21 September 2011 on Science Museum Road in Tsim Sha Tsui East. It is unusual in being owned by the Hong Kong Polytechnic University, which built it as a teaching and research hotel for its School of Hotel and Tourism Management. It operates as a full commercial hotel and has held a four-star rating from Forbes Travel Guide for many years, as well as a Michelin Key from 2025.
Design is a strong point. The building was designed by Rocco Design Architects, the interiors by CL3 Architects and the restaurants by Conran and Partners, the firm founded by Terence Conran. The lobby features a large living green wall by the French botanist Patrick Blanc, and the hotel displays works by artists including William Furniss.
The 28-floor building has 262 rooms, including 26 suites. There are three restaurants: Above and Beyond, The Market and GREEN, so guests have a choice without leaving the hotel.
Hotel ICON sits in the mid-range to upper mid-range price bracket and is good value for its design and service. It suits couples, business travellers, design lovers and families, and its link with the university makes it an interesting place to stay for anyone curious about hospitality. It is a good alternative to the bigger chain hotels around Tsim Sha Tsui.
The hotel is well placed for exploring Kowloon on foot or by public transport, and taxis make Hong Kong Island easy to reach for evening plans. Compare room categories when booking, as suites give families and longer-stay guests more space. Breakfast packages can be good value if you plan to eat at the hotel, and it is always worth asking about the view when you check in. The hotel's design credentials, from the Patrick Blanc wall to the Conran-designed restaurants, make it worth exploring the public spaces even if you are only visiting for a drink or a meal.
The Hong Kong Museum of Art and the Star Ferry pier are a walk or short taxi ride away, and Temple Street Night Market and Mido Cafe are a short MTR or taxi ride north. Book directly with the hotel for current rates and packages, and request a high floor for the best views.
Hotel ICON FAQs
When did Hotel ICON open?
On 21 September 2011.
Who owns Hotel ICON?
The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, which runs it as a teaching and research hotel.
Where is it?
At 17 Science Museum Road, Tsim Sha Tsui East, Kowloon.
How many rooms does it have?
262 rooms, including 26 suites.
What restaurants are there?
Above and Beyond, The Market and GREEN.
Who designed it?
Rocco Design Architects, with interiors by CL3 Architects and restaurants by Conran and Partners.
What is the green wall?
A living wall in the lobby created by Patrick Blanc.
Has it won awards?
It has a Forbes Travel Guide four-star rating and a Michelin Key from 2025.