Where the Locals Would Stay If They Weren’t Locals

“There’s a lovely little retro guesthouse in Prince Edward called Nic and Trig’s ($60; airbnb.com). Each room has a different personality, with nods to pop culture of the sixties, seventies, and eighties. Host Nic is a tattooist, and his wife, Trigger, is a teacher. They make guests feel at home by recommending local restaurants and things to do.” —Joshua Wong, vocalist for Noughts and Exes

(Photo: Courtesy of the vendors)

“Cashed-up flash dominates the higher-end hotel scene, so the discreet elegance of the Mandarin Oriental (from $520; mandarinoriental.com/hongkong) is something to be savored. It’s also within walking distance of St. John’s Cathedral, the botanical gardens, and a wealth of temples.” —Jason Wordie, historian and tour guide

“About one-third of the staff at Hotel Icon (from $310; hotel-icon.com), owned by Hong Kong Polytechnic University, are PolyU students—but don’t expect amateur quality. The interior is stylish, workers are friendly and knowledgeable, and the airy lobby café has Asia’s largest indoor vertical garden.” —Angela Li, gallery owner