Coworking spaces become increasingly popular in many Asian countries including Hong Kong, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam.
Before the rise of coworking spaces, both digital nomads and startups had to rent expensive office spaces, work from home, or work from cafes. Coworking spaces, on the other hand, are convenient, more social, and often cheaper.
Thanks to my positive experiences of using coworking spaces around Asia and in Hong Kong, I decided to write this article.
Coworking Space in Hong Kong – Index
How many coworking spaces are there in Hong Kong and how’s the market?
Hong Kong has seen numerous of more coworking spaces in the past years, later in this article, I’ll present some of the most popular.
The truth is, the coworking space market has grown incredibly fast, perhaps too fast. Now, renown real estate companies like Savills believe that some operators might even pull out of the market.
Yet, some service providers are more confident as they’ve managed to catch different segments of the market: Well-established companies who can afford higher fees, renting private offices in prime areas.
What are the benefits of using a coworking space?
Personally, I love coworking spaces due to a number of reasons. Working from home or cafes have never been my thing, as I’m not as productive. Also, there are plenty of other benefits of staying in a coworking space, at least from my point of view.
Below I’ve listed some benefits of working in a coworking space:
- It’s cheaper than a “traditional” office space.
- It’s social. You rarely meet new people or friends when working from a cafe or from home. I’ve been to numerous events in my coworking space and we often go out for beer and food on Fridays. Pool parties, outdoor rooftop movie nights, and unexpected beer testing sessions at noon are just some examples of events I’ve attended.
- It’s convenient. Coworking spaces often have venues in different parts of cities, and also in other countries. By bringing my coworking space’s “passport”, I can visit offices in Singapore, Thailand, Japan, Vietnam and Hong Kong. And most of the times, you can simply put the subscription on hold or just cancel it, if you want stop going there.
- You can enjoy great deals. Many coworking manage to agree on a number of deals with bars and restaurants in the area, giving a discount on food and drinks.
- In many countries, you can use the address of the coworking space as company address. It’s very swift being able to use the coworking space address, if you decide to start a company in the country where you’re located.
What are the differences between a hot desk, a dedicated desk and a private office?
Let’s start out with hot desks, as this is the cheapest option.
A hot desk allows you to pick an available seat at any of the shared tables. You’re often allowed to sign up for either a part time or a full time subscription, where the latter one allows you to get a card and that you can check in during weekends and holidays.
Yet, with a hot desk, you need to bring your belongings (laptop, bottles, bags, etc) when leaving in the end of the day.
By opting in for a dedicated desk, you’ll have your own private desk and a more comfortable chair. These areas are not as crowded as the areas with hot desks, even if you need to share the same table with other people.
Another benefit of having a dedicated desk is that you won’t need to bring your belongings in the end of the day, you can simply keep them on the desk.
A private office kind of speaks for itself. Usually, private offices have room for 4 – 8 people, but sometimes up to 100 people. A benefit of using a private office is that you’ll get more privacy, let your team stay more focused, and you can keep your stuff in the office.
How much does it cost with coworking space in Hong Kong?
Rents in Hong Kong are, well… some of the highest in the World. Naturally, the high costs for rents are passed on to the persons who become clients of coworking spaces.
At The Hive in Wanchai (which is one of their most expensive addresses) you need to pay 2,800 Hong Kong dollars per month for a hot desk. A dedicated desk will cost you 5,800 Hong Kong dollars.
A private office will set you back 6,500 Hong Kong dollars per person and month.
At WeWork, which is an international coworking space operator, you need to pay 5,800 Hong Kong dollars for a hot desk in Lee Garden One (33 Hysan Avenue).
In Lan Kwai Fong (LKF) Tower which is located at 33 Wyndham Street, you need to pay 6,200 Hong Kong dollars for a hot desk and 8,990 Hong Kong dollars for a private office.
However, note that you can find cheaper places in Hong Kong, especially if you move away from Central.
Also, by comparison, you need to pay around 10% – 50% of that in places like Bangkok, Saigon, and Kuala Lumpur.
Best coworking spaces in Hong Kong
Now when know how it works when using a coworking space, what the benefits are, and how much it costs, it’s time for us to check some of the best coworking spaces in Hong Kong.
I’ve decided to divide the coworking spaces into different areas in Hong Kong, making it easier for you to see the ones that are in your vicinity. Let’s start with Central and Wanchai.
Coworking spaces in Central & Wanchai
You can find the following coworking spaces in Central and Wanchai:
- The Hive
- WYND
- Metropolitan Workshop
- The Garage Society
- WeWork
The Hive (Central, Wanchai)
The Hive in Central is a multi storey office having a modern and bright Scandinavian architecture. The atmosphere here is great and you’ll find both hot-desks and private offices, even if the private offices tend to occupy more space (simply put, it’s where the money is made…).
Their rooftop, or should I say terrace, is huge and offers a great and inspiring view of central. You’ll also find a big indoor space with leather sofas, a cafe, and more.
If you sign up with the Hive, you’ll also have access to their offices in Kennedy Town, Wan Chai, Sheung Wan, and Wong Chuk Hang.
Prices in Central
- Hot desk: From 3,200 Hong Kong dollars / month.
- Dedicated desk: From 6,000 Hong Kong dollars / month.
- Private office: From 7,500 Hong Kong dollars per person / month.
Prices in Wanchai
- Hot desk: From 2,800 Hong Kong dollars / month.
- Dedicated desk: From 5,500 Hong Kong dollars / month.
- Private office: From 6,500 Hong Kong dollars per person / month.
Addresses (Central, Wanchai)
- 4F, Manning House, 38-48 Queen’s Road Central, Central, Hong Kong.
- 21/F The Phoenix, 23 Luard Rd, Wan Chai, Hong Kong.
WYND (Central)
WYND is a popular coworking space in Central and located in the exclusive address of Wyndham Street, a stone’s throw from SOHO in Lan Kwai Fong. WYND has a modern interior and with a growing community.
If you look for a coworking space in Central, you should definitely have a look at this place.
Prices
- Hot desk: From 3,200 Hong Kong dollars / month.
- Dedicated desk: From 4,900 Hong Kong dollars / month.
- Private office: Not available on website.
Address
43-55, Yu Yuet Lai Building, 10/F, Wyndham Street, Central, Hong Kong.
Metropolitan Workshop (Central, Wanchai)
Metro Workshop doesn’t only have two locations in Central, but also in Admiralty, Wanchai, Tin Hau, and Kwai Chung. By choosing all of their locations when signing up, you can transfer conveniently between different parts of Hong Kong. Simply put, it’s the place to go if you’re on the move!
Prices (Central, Wanchai)
If you only want a hot desk and access to the office on Stanley Street (Central), you need to pay 2,500 Hong Kong dollars a month. Add the other locations mentioned above, and the fee will go up to 5,000 Hong Kong dollars.
A private room will cost you 6,000 Hong Kong dollars per month and per person on Stanley Street (Central).
Addresses (Central, Wanchai)
- 3/F, World Trust Tower, 50 Stanley St, Central, Hong Kong.
- 17/F, Tesbury Centre, Wan Chai, 28 Queen’s Rd E, Hong Kong.
Garage Society (Central, Wanchai)
The name of this place doesn’t really reflects the reality. The Garage Society has a number of different locations in Hong Kong where one is in a Grade-A office right in Central, only one minute from the MTR station.
Not only do the offices in Hong Kong, but also in India, Thailand, Cambodia, and the Philippines. Have a look at their website and you’ll see that they have a modern but stylish interior, with a terrace and plenty of sunlight.
A beer or two will also be within your reach after a busy Friday…
Prices (Central)
- Hot desk: 2,000 Hong Kong dollars / month.
- Private office: 10,000 Hong Kong dollars per person and month.
Prices (Wanchai)
- Hot desk: 1,200 Hong Kong dollars / month.
- Private office: 6,000 Hong Kong dollars per person and month.
Addresses (Central, Wanchai)
- 33 Des Voeux Rd Central, Central, Hong Kong
- Beverly House, 1F & 2F, Lockhart Rd, Wan Chai, Hong Kong
WeWork Wanchai
WeWork is a billion dollar company and one of the biggest shared workspace providers in the world. Having 5,000 employees and almost 600 locations kind of speaks for itself.
Not surprisingly, WeWork has different locations in Hong Kong, one of these is in Wanchai.
What makes WeWork unique is the fact that it has a huge financial backing, which results in top-notch services, facilities, and private offices that can fit as many as 100 persons.
But it comes with a higher price tag.
Prices
- Hot desk: From 4,200 Hong Kong dollars a month.
- Dedicated desk: From 6,300 Hong Kong dollars a month.
- Private office: From 7,200 Hong Kong dollars per person and month.
Address
10F, Mass Mutual Tower, 33 Lockhart Rd, Wan Chai, Hong Kong
Coworking spaces in Quarry Bay
You can find the following coworking spaces in Quarry Bay:
- Blueprint
- Campfire
- WeWork
Blueprint
Blueprint is owned by the renown company Swire Properties and is one of the most popular coworking space offices in Hong Kong. It offers a truly professional and luxurious experience and has a design that reminds me of a mixture between a modern Western interior and Steampunk.
Here, you’ll not only be able to rent a hot desk or use their private offices, but also an auditorium, a show suite, a boardroom, and training rooms.
Prices
There are no prices available on Blueprint’s website and you need to send an inquiry to get an individual quote.
Address
2/F, Dorset House, Taikoo Place, 979 King’s Road, Quarry Bay, Hong Kong
Campfire
Campfire is one of the most popular coworking spaces in Hong Kong, having eight different locations all over the city. In addition to Hong Kong, you’ll also find their venues in London, Singapore and Australia.
Campfire truly shows that they want to create an inspirational environment and for coworkers to thrive. In addition to the coworking space, you’ll find a:
- Photo Studio
- Recording Studio
- Kitchen Studio
- Pitch Arena
- Maker’s Workshop
- Material Library
- Gym
WeWork
I’ve explained about WeWork above, so I won’t go into further details here. Let’s just have a look at the pricing and the office address.
Prices
- Hot desk: From 3,800 Hong Kong dollars a month.
- Private office: From 7,600 Hong Kong dollars per person and month.
Address
Cityplaza Phase 3, 14, 21/F Tai Koo Shing Rd, Hong Kong
Coworking spaces in Kowloon
You can find the following coworking spaces in Kowloon:
- Central Park
- Ooosh
- Vspace Prime
Central Park
With an astonishing view of Kowloon Park, Central Park is one of the most bespoken and popular coworking spaces in Hong Kong at the moment. Located right in Tsim Sha Tsui, a great benefit of staying here is that the fees are a bit lower compared to the Island.
Prices
- Hot desk: 3,500 – 4,000 Hong Kong dollars a month.
- Private office: 15,000 Hong Kong dollars a month.
Address
Daily House, 11/F, 35-37 Haiphong Rd, Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong
Ooosh
Ooosh is a highly suitable coworking space for startups as they run their own incubator (HackLab), offering services and a work environment that won’t leave you disappointed.
Here, you’ll be able to talk with mentors for 45 minutes cost-free and even get legal advice. If you plan to move to Hong Kong or already live there, then you should definitely check this place.
Prices
- Hot desk: 1,000 – 1,200 Hong Kong dollars a month.
- Dedicated desk: Sent upon request.
- Private office: Sent upon request.
Address
Unit 803, 8/F, Lai Cheong Factory Building,, 479 Castle Peak Road, Cheung Sha Wan, Hong Kong
That’s it for today. I hope you found this article useful and wish you good luck finding a coworking space in Hong Kong!
