Sohotel

I arrived and was offered other rooms before check-in because the one I’d booked was apparently too small, with an upgrade suggested. Since I was already there and couldn’t get a refund if I left, I felt pressured to pay extra just to have enough room to open my luggage. The photos online had led me to expect more, so check the square meters before booking. With the original price and upgrade together, I could have chosen somewhere else nearby with more space, a better location, or nicer design. Later I found other reviews mentioning the same issue. They also showed me poor-looking breakfast photos at check-in and asked me to schedule delivery to the room each morning. I didn’t order it, partly because I couldn’t know what time I’d be free or hungry, and partly because I’d rather find good local food nearby. Other guests said it was just bland bread and coffee and that having to pick a breakfast time each day was inconvenient. A day before arrival, they messaged to say I’d need to leave a deposit at check-in. I’d read complaints from people who hadn’t received card refunds, with the hotel blaming their banks, so I paid $100 US or 700 HK dollars in cash instead. It was returned at checkout without a problem. The room itself was comfortable, dark, quiet from outside noise, and had a comfortable bed and reliably warm shower. The hotel looked fine, not run-down or old, the staff were very friendly, and the location was good. The A/C thermostat didn’t work properly, though, so it was either on or off, leaving the room very hot or very cold. I was traveling alone, so the room was enough for me. There are plenty of affordable nearby places for local food, which suited me since I never wanted the breakfast.

The staff were kind and the location was convenient, and I appreciated both. The rooms were acceptable, though nothing special. Still, the 1,000 HKD deposit seems excessive, and for a four-star hotel, not even providing complimentary bottled water was disappointing. Breakfast was the biggest letdown: just one toast or pastry with either coffee or juice. That falls well short of what I’d expect from a hotel in this category. Edit, 25/09/2025: In response to your reply, it’s a shame to promote ecological concerns as the reason for not offering free water while selling plastic bottles in the room. I’m also still waiting for my deposit to be returned after nearly 15 days.

I stayed here in June and left a positive review, even recommending the hotel to my Chinese friend because of its location. Later, a typhoon meant neither of us could get to Hong Kong, so we asked to change the dates. The hotel refused. The local government had issued a weather warning, flights weren’t operating, and we were only asking to move the booking. I found the hotel’s response unreasonable and its treatment of Chinese Mainland guests awful. I wouldn’t stay again or recommend it in future. There were also no amenities in the room during my earlier stay. To me, the hotel came across as unfriendly and unreasonable toward Chinese Mainland guests.

We booked through agoda for business in Hong Kong. Our auditor checked and asked that a 1000 HKD deposit be paid by November 21, 2025. It’s now January 13, 2026, and the money still hasn’t been returned. It’s a pity. Could the hotel email proof that the refund is being processed?