Jao Tsung-I Academy, Heritage Lodge

The location is a little inconvenient, but this century-old building reflects Hong Kong's past and local culture, and it regularly puts on different cultural events.

A modest gallery with calligraphy and Chinese ink paintings by sinology master Jao Tsung-I, alongside work from several local artists.

The place was beautiful, and the barracks upstairs had a romantic 360-degree view for the speech festival. But getting there was a serious problem. We were directed to the top floor, and it was up wrought iron stairs with no wheelchair access in anyone's wildest dreams. One of the boys, about 17, had a broken leg in a full cast and couldn't climb them. The whole thing felt like an 'internment camp'. It's the sort of access issue you get at government-run places.

The rooms are small but clean, tidy, and well equipped. The themed rooms cost a bit more, though I think they're worth it for the distinct feel, and there are four themes to pick from. Some rooms allow pets. There's lovely gardening, plus a couple of galleries in the Academy for anyone interested in art and culture. It's also a surprisingly peaceful spot in the middle of the city, with a nice ambience. The restaurant does good Western food, and pizza is available by delivery, though the restaurant is a bit pricey at night. The coffee shop is some distance from the city, but makes a good hideaway with the right atmosphere to relax over coffee. This heritage site is fairly small, and works best if you're after some quiet or time alone. It might not be the best fit for people with kids.