Pee panorama: Hong Kong's best and worst toilets

Bodily functions, probably rightly so, are not always high on the things-we-need-to-discuss agenda of Hong Kong's out-and-abouters. But that doesn't mean some thought shouldn't be put into the design and layout of our public toilets. We wanted to celebrate those that obviously have considered more than the plumbing costs when designing their commodes, and shame those who couldn't even be bothered with the plumbing costs.

Best toilets

Felix Bar, Tsim Sha Tsui

Felix is the pioneer and the unequaled leader of what we have coined the "panoramic wee experience" in the city. Hidden behind a linen curtain, a line of Italian marble urinals faces a glass wall on the Kowloon skyline, giving a unique infinity pee effect. 

Azure, Lan Kwai Fong

Albeit less prominent than Felix’s, another highly panoramic pee spot can be found in Azure’s men's toilet. Enveloped in dim lights and a cozy atmosphere, the private restroom offers a perfect refuge from the clamors of the dancefloor, and a highly personal -- some would even say spiritual -- encounter with Admiralty’s skyline.

West Kowloon Cultural District public toilet

The public toilet at the West Kowloon Cultural District is the ultimate democratized panoramic wee. Open to the public seven days a week, it provides a free and stunning view of the island right on the waterfront. Because it's in one of the most scenic cities in the world, this panoramic wee should be a universal right. 

Mandarin Oriental Hotel, Central

For those who cannot do without the velvety pleasure of cloth towels even when using a toilet, the Mandarin Oriental Hotel is the ultimate toilet stop. Pick a towel fresh from the laundry, choose from an exquisite selection of creams and lotions, and feel pampered just like a mandarin at the emperor’s court.

Mira Hotel, Tsim Sha Tsui

At Kowloon’s latest boutique hotel, the keyword is uniqueness, and its toilets certainly do not betray this quality. All restrooms have their own distinct design, unique decorations and linen towels of a different color, yet they all have one thing in common: style.

Worst toilets

Chungking Mansions, Tsim Sha Tsui

The toilets at Chungking Mansions are exactly what you imagine them to be like as you step into this maze: a filthy 'cultural' experience.

Apliu Street public toilets, Sham Shui Po

Easily the most crowded, unsanitary and malodorous public toilet in town. The electric hand-dryer has probably never functioned before.

Temple Street Spicy Crab Restaurant, Jordan

A "不准大便 (pooping is prohibited)" sign welcomes users of this busy restaurant's water closet. But with acrid fetors coming from the squatter and a malfunctioning lock, few people would want to do a number two here anyway.

Dai Pai Dong, Stanley Street, Central

Users are forced to lean on the wall and touch everything in this one-square-foot toilet. A nightmare for the tactile-phobic. 

Phonograph, Tsim Sha Tsui

Make sure there is somebody covering your back as you walk down the dark alley to the dingy room covered in grafitti, which masquerades as a toilet at this TST hangout. It's urban edgy alright.