Where to stay in Hong Kong?
Mar 13th, 2002, 08:15 AM
#2
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Personally, I prefer to stay in Kowloon, but some people prefer Hongkong Island. Anyway, it's so easy to take to the Star Ferry from one to the other side. Hongkong is quite a compact city it does not really matter and it's very easy to get around.<BR>Have fun!
Mar 15th, 2002, 08:14 AM
#5
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Stay in Kowloon. Spend a few extra dollars (euro's, pounds, rands,...) and get a harbor view room. <BR><BR>The view across to HK Island is amazing from Kowloon. If you want a great hotel and don't mind the price, stay at the Peninsula. Otherwise, there are several other fine hotels on Kowloon.
Mar 17th, 2002, 06:05 PM
#6
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If you want to save some money, my wife and I stayed at the YMCA International House in Kowloon in '99 for only $40/night. Quite clean, neighborhood seemed nice, even a steep hill across the street for exercise. My guess: wherever you stay in HK, you'll love it!
Apr 17th, 2002, 12:23 PM
#8
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I've stayed on both sides of the island and I prefer the HK side. Kowloon is slightly more touristy, although a harbor view is wonderful, you can also have a wonderful Harbor view from the Shangri-La or JW Marriott on the HK island. <BR><BR>I thought the HK side was more exciting and fun. <BR><BR>By the way, I've stayed at the Peninsula, harbor view, and I actually preferred my Shangri-La harbor view. Also, you get more for your money at the Shangri-La. <BR><BR><BR>
Apr 17th, 2002, 01:33 PM
#9
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Tourists like to stay on the Kowloon side because shops there are open till midnight versus shops on the Hong Kong side close relatively early (8PM on weekdays?). I would recommend the Hong Kong side, though, as I think it is generally cleaner. I would recommend the 3 Pacific Place hotels (JW Marriott, Conrad, Island Shangri-La) and the Intercontinental on the Kowloon side (formerly the Regent). For more budget-friendly hotels try the Excelsior.
Apr 17th, 2002, 03:22 PM
#10
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I agree with Mjoo that Hk side is better. (I could be biased as I lived on the HK side for many years..)<BR>Depends on which district you are in, most department stores and shops on the HK side open till 10pm. (Causway Bay or TaiKooShing). Shops in Central or Admiralty does close early 'cos they cater to the 9-5 working class. BTW, if you plan to shop, do not shop in the Tsim Sha Tsui area, they are known 'tourist traps' to the locals.(you'll be charged more than what other places would, of course franchise doesn't count)
Apr 17th, 2002, 03:54 PM
#11
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Jerry mentioned the YMCA International House in Kowloon. Judging by his description ("... steep hill across the street...") this is NOT the Salisbury YMCA, which is also in Kowloon. While I'm not familiar with the YMCA International House, I can tell you that the Salisbury YMCA is where you want to stay. It's in a great location and (if you get a harbour view room), provides a magnificent view.
Apr 17th, 2002, 04:53 PM
#12
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I travelled to HK for the first time the 1st week of April 2002. What the others say is right. But if you have only 2-3 days like we did, I suggest Kowloon Tsim Sha Shiu since you are in the middle of action.<BR><BR>Money saving tip! Book your room with a local travel agency. We saved lot of US dollars per night & stayed at Holiday Inn Golden Mile. When we return, we'll definitely book with Shoestring Travel Ltd, 4F Alpha House, Nathan Rd, Kowloon. Phone: 852-2723-2306, e-mail: [email protected]. If you e-mail mention Ricky's name. Have fun!
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Apr 22nd, 2002, 09:28 AM
#14
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I have also stayed at the Marco Polo HK Hotel. I was very happy with my room, as it was quite modern and sleek. The lobby isn't much to brag about, but I found that I didn't spend too much time in the room because there is so much to do in HK!<BR><BR>You do walk a little more to the ferry (maybe 7-10 minutes) as the hotel is further inland as opposed to staying at a true "harbor-side" hotel such as the Peninsula or Sheraton.
Apr 26th, 2002, 10:24 AM
#16
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Nicole,<BR>If you want something budget, try Salisbury YMCA as mentioned in the earlier postings- many people have good experience with it. It is a great location. Hong Kong is a relatively safe place- just want to watch your wallet in crowded places like everyhwere else you travel. Have fun!
Apr 26th, 2002, 01:00 PM
#18
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I too have stayed at the Marco Polo Hong Kong Hotel on Canton Road. Five times since Nov 99. I like the location, and the rooms are pretty good. But there's no need to PAY for a Harbor View Room at all at this hotel. Why not, you might say...<BR><BR>Because the back entrance to the hotel is right next to the Star Ferry. Which do you think you will do - sit in your room and look out the window - or do you think you might just get downstairs and walk along the Kowloon Side Harbor Promenade, so you can not only see the magnificent HK skyline, but you can also feel the harbor breezes, hear the sounds of the harbor, as well as the salt in the air. It is a very exciting place. No need to pay for it and view only the sights through a window, when you can experience it 'live' first hand, just right downstairs and kjust a few moments away.<BR><BR>Michael From New York
Apr 26th, 2002, 08:30 PM
#19
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This is in response to the post from Michael from New York:<BR>Even if you do all the things you say (and you should), you don't account for 24 hours in the day. You WILL spend time in your room, at least to sleep, or change for dinner, or just to relax from your sightseeing for an hour or two. It's a very special experience (in HK, or any city with a magnificent view), to go to sleep with the curtains drawn and just luxuriate in the cityscape, and to wake up to the same view. Depending on the time of day (or night), in a city as dynamic as Hong Kong, the view and activities will constantly change.<BR>Yes, it most definitely IS worth paying for a room with a view; it will add a pleasant and unique dimension to your stay in Hong Kong.
