no visa required for americans..

hotels are very expensive..

And there are dozens of posts here on what to see. Go to the top of this page and use the drop-down menu to choose Hong Kong.

A couple of more questions..Stay on the Hong Kong Island or Kowloon? I am a seasoned Asia traveller. Have 5 days in HGK. Looking for a good walking area, with local food and flair close to hotel..Which area do you prefer??

It really doesn't matter whether you stay on Hong Kong Island or Kowloon. Both are great walking areas, both have lots of good food. And they are just a short ferry ride from each other. Personally, I like to stay in Kowloon and walk on the esplande every morning and evening to savor the classic view of Hong Kong.

Like Kathie, I really enjoy the view from the Kowloon side if I can get a hotel room that offers the view.

If you search here for postings by "Cicerone," you will find a treasure trove of recommendations on where to stay, dine, hike, sample culture, etc.

I prefer Hong Kong Island - a bit of a different atmosphere, and nobody hawking copy watches outside of your hotel, less tourists. Causeway Bay is a good local place to stay - a lot of interesting small malls, local restaurants, good transportation options and many less tourists than TST.

Also there are some smaller hotels in Sheung Wan that aren't too expensive (by HK standards...), Ovolo has serviced apartments to stay in that are reasonably priced. Staying in Central/ Sheung Wan would be nice - Sheung Wan is an old neighborhood that is becoming gentrified, but still has many of the old shops and streets dedicated to selling birds nests, Abalone, and other interesting items.

The star ferry is wonderful, convenient and a bargain (about $0.30) so whether you stay on Hong Kong Island or in TST it's easy to get back and forth and enjoy views from both sides of the harbour.