Hong Kong - Booth Lodge, and others
 

This is for Smalley, whose thread from 2 years ago has the same title. Smalley and readers, please tell us your experience of your stay in Booth Lodge.
I also found several hostels/guest houses in the Sincere Building in MongKok. Any comments?
Thanks.

Well, the Sincere Building is an older mixed-purpose building. A little less notorious than Chungking Mansion in Tsimshatsui, but I wouldn't recommend it to first time or inexperienced visitors to Hong Kong. The area is also extremely crowded.

[Last time I went up the building, it was in ~1986. Purpose? To go to a unlicensed disco on a Saturday afternoon. My classmate took us there, we knocked on a unmarked door, a scary looking guy opened it and let us in. It was pretty packed, very dark and extremely loud. And with the lack of isolation of this kind of structure in Hong Kong, I would think that the bass would be noticeable through the walls three storeys above and below. Didn't see any drugs or things like that, but we were warned by my friend to not drink anything there.]

Anyways, that was my little Sincere Building story. Oh, and I had also shopped at the Sincere department stores on the first few floors, when it was still around in the old days. :)

Seriously, if one's on a tight budget, there are still some real hotels that have small rooms, but are a little bit more hospitable. I read a recent review of the Evergreen Hotel in Yaumatei and it was acceptable. The Ibis in North Point is another alternative. Or the YWCA Anne Black House.

Nancy,

In December, I will stay a week at Booth Lodge. When I come back from my trip, I will let you know.

If you do not mind staying in the HK island side, Yesinn (http://www.yesinn.com/hk/ehostel.htm) is a clean and inexpensive (~$40 USD) place to stay. This was my first choice. Unfortunately, the rooms with private bath were all booked for December.

YWCA Anne Black House is another good alternative even though it is a 10-minute walk from Mongkok Station. Most people who stayed at this YWCA before have given a thumb's up for this place.

j_4tay, When will you be in Booth Lodge? I made reservation there, too, for Dec. Hope it turns out well.
When I emailed Yes Inn last week, they wanted non refundable deposit the amount 20% of the entire stay, plus 4% online booking fee. I am not comfortable paying that much up front. Is this common?
rkkwan, thanks for sharing the Sincere adventure. I'll take a look at Evergreen.

>>j_4tay, When will you be in Booth Lodge?

I will be there from Dec. 14-20. By the way, call Booth Lodge instead of email.
1. They require credit card info if you book via email.
2. I received a lower rate than the one quoted in the email.
3. Credit card is not required when you call to reserve. They will hold the room for 2 hours, and you have to call them once arrive in HK. For them to hold longer, you have to provide them the CC.

j_4tay,
I will be there a week after you. The clerk quoted me 600hkd on the phone, and I had to give him my cc to guarantee.
My first choice was the YMCA on Waterloo, but they are full.
Enjoy your trip.

Hi Nancy. No hesitation in recommending Booth Lodge. It's convenient to get to from the airport (bus A21). Just a litle more than a mile from the Star Ferry at Tsim Sha Tsui, which - despite easy public transport - we usually walked, passing mostly shops but also Kowloon park on the way. Room was nothing special but adequate for travellers. Airco, fridge, tv, bath, but no tea/coffee facilities. Being owned by the Salvation Army you might expect something spartan but it isn't. Pleasant reception, breakfast a mix of eastern and western, plenty of cheap eateries in Temple Street just behind Nathan Road. And a very good value for money.
There's more on HK on our blog
http://marksmalley.blogspot.com/2005...y_archive.html
If you have any specific questions, don't hesitate to ask.

cicerone or rkkwan,

Do you know the approximate cost to taxi from airport to Booth Lodge hotel?

There will be 3 people with 3 pieces of luggages. Will there be extra cost for putting the 3rd suitcase in the front seat?

Thanks!

Cab fare is about HK$300 or US$40. Or slightly more. Luggage fees apply to stuff stored in the trunk.

Hi j_4tay, I hope you enjoyed your visit in HK. How was your stay in Booth Lodge?

I am leaving in a couple days, and have a question about taking a train from hk to shenzhen airport. What bus goes from shenzhen train station to shenzhen airport?

Maybe I should start a new post.

Nancy,

Booth Lodge is very good. I recommend it. I'm staying at YMCA Intl House now, and I have to say Booth Lodge is better in term of price and service. The bonus is free Internet with Booth Lodge.