Tai O Heritage Hotel

"How did it strike you on arrival?To reach this heritage address, you'll first need to make your way to the far side of Lantau Island, then walk through the little fishing village of Tai O. Follow the coastline for about 20 minutes and you’ll see this 19th-century beauty rise above the South China Sea. Alternatively, if you time it right, you could hop aboard the village’s tourism boat for a three-minute boat ride. The hotel's striking white facade, open-air corridors, and arched doorways beckon you in (note: there’s a helpful inclined lift if you need a hand getting up the hill.) The reception area, once the detention room of the old Marine Police Station, sets an old-world tone with books, maps, photos and antiques. Nice. What’s the crowd like?Tai O provides a peek into a fascinating cultural corner known as the Venice of Hong Kong, where colorful fishing cottages sit on stilts above the water. As such, it draws leisure travelers and history buffs from all over the world hoping to experience another side of the super modern city. The good stuff: Tell us about your room.The hotel comprises nine spacious rooms and suites, each named after a naval vessel or a commander. The decor marries historic touches (such as the original walls and vintage photographs) with a contemporary nautical aesthetic. Soft blues, creams and whites play up the hardwood floor; outdoor terraces overlook the forest or the ocean. We’re craving some deep, restorative sleep. They got us?You'll find a plush king-size bed in most rooms, made up with white linens, a sea-blue throw blanket, and plenty of pillows. How about the little things, like mini bar, or shower goodies. Any of that find its way into your suitcase?Every room includes your usual amenities, including a Nespresso machine and organic teas—but the coolest thing is the of-the-place decorations: Historic photos of Tai O village and a coffee table book about the evolution of the centenary Tai O Police Station. We'd love to have taken these home as souvenirs. Please tell us the bathroom won’t let us down.The clean and classic have plenty of space for separate showers and tubs, but the water pressure could be improved. We also found the bathrooms surprisingly cold when visiting in the winter months. Maybe the most important topic of all: Wi-Fi. What’s the word?The Wi-Fi is free but not the strongest in Hong Kong. You’re on an island, after all. Room service: Worth it?The boutique hotel has limited services—and room service isn’t one of them. However, the glass-roofed, view-full Tai O Lookout restaurant (where police used to watch for pirate activity) serves western BBQ-style dishes and local specialties just upstairs. Staff: If you could award one a trophy, who gets it, and why?We loved our walking tour guide, who shared fascinating stories about the old days in Tai O, one of Hong Kong’s earliest fishing villages. Anything stand out about other services and features? Whether it’s childcare, gyms, spas, even parking—whatever stuck with you.As a boutique hotel in a pleasant but remote location, Tai O Heritage Hotel doesn’t come with all the trappings of a super-luxe five-star. There’s no pool, spa, and just one restaurant. What was most memorable—or heartbreaking—about your stay?As a Grade II historic building and a former maritime police station, we love how Tai O Heritage Hotel embraces its history and makes it pleasantly accessible throughout the stay. There’s a two-hour history tour, which is included in some room rates. If you have time, we’d highly recommend it. A passionate guide will walk with you around both the village and the hotel, sharing facts and fascinating anecdotes. You can also opt for a shorter, hotel-specific tour to highlight the many historical and architectural details—the cannons, turrets, holding cells, French windows and colonial facade. If you have more questions, the staff never seems to grow tired of the subject, plus there are lots of good books in the reception lounge. Bottom line: worth it, and why?Housed in a meticulously preserved colonial building, Tai O Heritage Hotel offers an enriching experience that will give you a better understanding of the city’s history. Come to see a totally different version of Hong Kong, and stay for the pretty nautical rooms and ocean views." - Kate Springer