In a city known for close quarters, New Territories opens up expansive spaces: country parks, wetlands and mountains that extend north eventually to the border with the Chinese mainland.

While there’s been rapid residential and commercial development, much of New Territories remains wonderfully local and low key, with rural villages and heritage sites as well as modern housing complexes.

Hotels in New Territories include major brands that have set up in Sha Tin, which makes a convenient jumping-off point for visiting the Sha Tin Racecourse  and the Chinese University of Hong Kong . The Ten Thousand Buddhas Monastery and bike trails along the Tai Po Waterfront and around Plover Cove (the city’s biggest and most beautiful reservoir) are also in reach, while the MTR connects you to Hong Kong’s urban core.

The Sai Kung peninsula is another appealing destination within New Territories, known for its white-sand beaches, hiking routes and the Hong Kong Unesco Global Geopark  with its striking rock formations. Come mealtime, Sai Kung town is a popular choice for its al fresco seafood restaurants along the waterfront.

Check out our reviews of the best hotels in New Territories to pick the place for your next stay – or staycation.

Sai Kung

The Pier Hotel

Perfect for families and couples seeking a sea change.  $$

The small but lively pier in the village of Pak Sha Wan inspired the name of this boutique hotel , which offers enchanting views of a harbour dotted by boats. Admire them from the lobby, your balcony or the leafy rooftop, with its pool, loungers and casual dining. The 40 rooms and suites are contemporary and comfortable; many come with a fully equipped kitchenette, and there’s a family-friendly option to book connecting accommodations. One standout feature is the Premium Ocean Front Terrace’s deep-soaking bathtub, set up in a dedicated space with floor-to-ceiling windows. Tear yourself away, and it’s a 15-minute sampan ride to Trio Beach  or a 10-minute drive to the Unesco Geopark Volcano Discovery Centre .

Detail You’ll Love: Breakfast is only ho-hum, but the WA Theater Restaurant offers a special dinner package for two with an excellent wagyu sukiyaki.

Pool? Yes, an outdoor pool.

9 Pak Sha Wan Street, Sai Kung; +852 2912 6777

Sha Tin

Courtyard by Marriott Hong Kong Sha Tin

An affordable, serene riverfront retreat up north.  $

Among the options for hotels in the New Territories, Courtyard by Marriott Hong Kong Sha Tin  gives you easy access to Ma On Shan Country Park and its flat, scenic bike route to Tai Mei Tuk by the Plover Cove Reservoir. Indeed, staying here feels like a big-city escape, where you can look forward to sunset views across Lion Rock and the Sha Tin racecourse from LEVELthirty, the only rooftop bar in the area. Many of the 524 rooms – done in white, caramel and green – overlook the Shing Mun river, and there’s a generously sized pool with water jets and loungers. Walk five minutes to reach Shek Mun MTR station, or take advantage of the hotel’s free shuttle buses to and from Sha Tin, Kowloon and Tsim Tsa Tsui stations.

Detail You’ll Love: Open kitchens and live cooking stations at MoMo Café make breakfast extra special.

Pool? Yes, an outdoor pool.

1 On Ping Street, Sha Tin; +852 3940 8888

Hyatt Regency Hong Kong, Sha Tin

An upmarket choice for families and corporate teams.  $$

Built on the campus of the Chinese University of Hong Kong, the Hyatt Regency Hong Kong, Sha Tin  acts as a teaching facility for the university’s School of Hotel and Tourism Management students. But most Hongkongers just know it as a family-friendly resort, with 430 large rooms and suites, generous buffets, award-winning Sha Tin 18 restaurant serving Peking duck, a pool area, tennis courts and a kids’ camp programme. There’s also a spa for grown-ups to relax in. The Hyatt is in the shadow of the lush Kau To Shan peak, with the Shing Mun river meandering on its other side and an MTR station to connect you to the city centre.

Detail You’ll Love: The panoramic views of Tolo Harbour.

Pool? Yes, an outdoor pool.

18 Chak Cheung Street, Sha Tin; +852 3723 1234

Tuen Mun

Hong Kong Gold Coast Hotel

A family getaway by the beach. $$-$$$

The Hong Kong Gold Coast Hotel  is a relaxing beachfront resort overlooking Golden Beach and a marina. Its palm-fringed pools are arguably even more appealing, complete with water slides, loungers and an adjacent water park splash area. The fun doesn’t stop there. Kids can hop aboard a train ride around the sprawling property; play in a sand pit and jungle gym; swing on a zipline; and explore a small produce farm; and check out the butterflies and herb farm.

Some of the sizeable 453 rooms and suites also cater to families with themes inspired by outer space, princesses and Hong Kong trams. One room was recently made over with upcycled art and decor, including a chair made of wine boxes and corks. Guests of this Green Upcycled Room who bring their own towels and toiletries get a HK$150 dining credit to spend at Satay Inn, which serves reliable Singaporean favourites. More restaurants and shops await down the street at Gold Coast Piazza .

Detail You’ll Love: Stay during your child’s birthday month, and you’ll be treated to a complimentary cake with afternoon tea.

Pool? Yes, two outdoor pools.

1 Castle Peak Road, Castle Peak Bay, Tuen Mun; +852 2452 8888

Hotel Pricing Guide
$ = nightly room rates up to HK$1,000
$$ = from HK$1,000+
$$$ = from HK$2,000+
$$$$ = from HK$3,000+

This story was originally published in July 2020 and updated in January 2021

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