Hi, I am thinking about travelling to Hong Kong in August and I'm not sure whether or not I'm doing the right thing. I realise that it is very hot/humid at this time of year, however, this isn't my concern. It's the rain. Is there a great deal of it during August? Is it always cloudy and foggy? Is there a chance of sun and blue skies? I know that from Nov to Jan is better for this type of weather, however, due to my job, I'm stuck with August.
The second part of my post relates to hotels.
The 2 choices are, a room in the Peninsula with no view of the harbour or a harbour view room in the Intercontinental. Ive always wanted to stay at the Pen, however, I understand that the views of the skyline from the Intercontinental are awesome. Is it worth sacrificing this for a standard room at the Pen with no view? What do you think? Has anyone stayed at the Intercontinental? What's it like?
Many thanks.
Richard.

The IC is a terrific hotel, and I'd choose a harbour-view room there over a non-view room from the Pen in a flash. Frankly, I prefer the more modern IC to the more traditional Pen, anyway, although the service at the Pen is absolutely top-notch. (It's the guests at the Pen who sometimes strike me as being a bit stuffy.)

Another vote for the IC. It (and its predecessor, the Regent) has always rated as one of the top hotels in the world, often higher than the Peninsula. I wouldn't definitely go for the IC if you can't get a harborview room at the Peninsula.

As for the weather, rain tends to come down hard in the summer, and then you'll see the sun. It's not always cloudy, and you won't see any fog in August.

IC is awesome almost any harbor view room have unobstructed views of the unbelievable harbor where the Peninsula the lower floors are obstructed by the IC. I stayed there when it was still Regent and the service was great

No question that a harbour view room at the Intercontinental beats a non-harbour at the Penn You won't be taking any cut in quality or service by staying at the Intercontinental. They have an excellent spa, you might want to look into making a booking for a massage to get over that jet lag. . ..

Weather in August if frankly fairly awful, but if that is your only time to go, there is not much you can do. It is very hot and very humid. You can get days of rain. Although there is no fog, there may be very low lying clouds that will obscure views, esp. from the Peak. You may also get a typhoon, which generally means very heavy rain and winds and if it is severe enough, things like the ferries and most public transportation will shut down and you will be sitting it out in your hotel (but you will have a ring side seat for great storm watching. . . ) It will be a matter of luck whether you get good weather or not. As long as it is not a typhoon, it should not interfere too much with your visit, as its not like you are going to Hong Kong to lay on a beach. Bring an umbrella, drinks lots of water and be prepared for bad weather so if it turns out to be good, you will be pleasantly surprised.

Many thanks for your advice. Sounds like the IC is the right choice to make. Cicerone, I know that you're only stating the facts, however, the weather situation sounds absolutely awful! The UK has enough rain - I wanted to get away from it. I'll have to think long and hard about that one.
Many thanks once again,
Richard.

The typhoon (same thing as the hurricane or cyclone) is a pretty rare event. Each year, maybe two or three will come close enough to Hong Kong to get people's attention, almost always between May and October. And perhaps once where schools will be shut down, the ferries interrupted. And you'll have a front row seat of the seas and winds from your IC room! And because every building is built with the strongest typhoon in mind, there's nothing to worry about, no evacuation like that. As long as you stay indoors, you're fine.

Like Cicecone says, biggest problem is the humidity and the heat. Fortunately, almost everything is air-conditioned, except the lower level of the Star Ferry, the Peak Tram and the Tramways.

I lived in Hong Kong for 5 years. You can tell it is a place place where it rains a lot because they actually have grades for rain: yellow, red and black. Grades are based on how many inches or cm are falling per hour. Schools close during a black rain, as flooding is common.

That being said, it is a great place to live and visit, and as you are from the UK you will be used to it. . .as with the UK a beautiful day in HK is prettier than a beauiful day in many other places. . . .

I can see it's time to put in a well-deserved word for the Pen. First, the rooms and ambience at the IC are just like any other top-class hotel anywhere. Actually, IC has done a better job of reminding you that you're actually in HK than Regent ever did, but still you cannot compare the experience with the redolent, only-in-HK atmosphere of the Pen. Likewise, the Pen's rooms have high-ceilings, wonderful detailing, and colonial charm, while the IC's are just "perfectly nice." As for this "harbour view" obsession, how much time do you spend staring out of your hotel window? If you want a great view of the harbour go OUTDOORS and stroll the harbour walkway! To my mind, this is a no-brainer - Pen all the way.

To answer itsfred's question, I spent literally hours staring out the window of the IC, especially at night, mesmerized by the sight of the harbour and HK Island. I don't recall any other hotel room (except maybe 4 Seasons Sayan) that was so captivating.

I have no doubt that a stay at the Peninsula would be memorable as well. Neither would be a poor choice.