Happy

You should go to the big IC with your Chase certs. That is a no brainer.

With a toddler, I am not sure how you could really enjoy the "local vibe" of the Wanchai area such as the Wanchai Market mentioned by one poster. Certainly not a place to explore with a toddler.

IC at TST by the water is in an area that has a more upscale feel as comparing to Wanchai.

I am surprised that those who suggest Indigo do not mention CP at Causeway Bay. That hotel is only a few years old, reportedly treat Plats well, by giving them "lounge" access. The "lounge" is the actual bar btw. Also Causeway Bay / Happy Valley is nicer than Wanchai - both are on the East side of Hong Kong Island - when going East from Central, first is Admiralty, then Wanchai, then Causeway Bay, then North Point, and other neighborhoods further East...

If you are going to pay, then it depends what your goal is. For very comfortable hotel with a very reasonable prices, CP Kowloon East could not be beat, but you would need to travel 30 min MTR to get to anywhere that are for tourists.

Otherwise, CP Causeway Bay is a good compromise - for both sightseeing (very easy to go anywhere by multiple transportation options) and shopping (the area is a highly popular shopping district for locals - from very upscale to reasonable - very very popular at night for the locals who go out to meet friends, eat at restaurants or just shop (both real and browse).

BTW, for the locals, traditionally Hong Kong Island is considered better than Kowloon. The East side of Hong Kong Island up to North Point, is considered better areas than the West side of Hong Kong Island (that means Soho and further West). The perception is developed by years of soci-economic status of the ordinary residents in respective areas. This does not include those very rich folks who live in the hill side up from Central all the way to The Peak, the South of Hong Kong Island where the nice beaches are, as well as some pockets in Kowloon.

As you might guess, the "vibe" of an area has a lot to do with the locals who live and play in that area. Therefore you should choose your hotel with that in mind.