Dale & Kathy

We'll be visiting HK next fall and would like to stay at one of the Marriott properties (I've got more than 600,000 points accumulated). Last time I was in Hong Kong was as a child 40 years ago, so I obviously remember very little. Which would be more appropriate for a leisurely, touristy type trip: The JW Marriott (One Pacific Place, 88 Queensway), New World Renaissance Kowloon (22 Salisbury Road, Tsimshatsui, Kowloon) or the Renaissance Harbor View (1 Harbour Road, Wanchai, Hong Kong)?<BR><BR>www.marriott.com describes each, but it really doesn't mean much to us.<BR><BR>Of importance are safety (of course), convenience (metro, taxi, etc.) and sights (shopping, restaurantrs, etc.). We're an independant, do-it-ourself type couple &amp; we feel comfortable going it on our own, though I suspect Chinese will be as challenging to us as when we visited Tokyo.<BR><BR>And, finally, for a relaxing trip would 5-7 days be appropriate?<BR><BR>Thanks.<BR>

bob

first of all...stop worrying about safety...hk is as safe as your living room...it depends where you want to sleep---what part...we prefer kowloon...we stayed at the new world rennaissance last march for a long weekend at the end of our stay...they upgraded us to a junior suite (huge), without asking and i am only a silver member at marriott...<BR>the hotel is part of a mall, which is very convenient---mcdonalds, supermarket, nice shops, etc...the hotel is an easy walk to the star ferry--5 minutes...it is located almost across the street from the peninsula...couldn't ask for a better neighborhood..<BR>5-7 days is a minimum, but you would enjoy that time and could see quite a bit...its easy to get around on the subway or taxis and of course foot...kowloon is great with its combination of shopping, eating and sights...most tourists stay here..<BR>contact me if you want more info...october 15- dec 15 is the best time for visiting...<BR>bob<BR>boston

fiona

can't comment on the chain itself but I wouldn't let location be a major factor.As Bob said, it is easy to get around. You are within minutes anywhere of an MTR stop(underground rail) and trains come within a minute normally. The only time we used taxis were arriving and departing from Hong Kong.<BR>Everyone speaks English( well, almost everyone!) and they are so friendly and helpful.<BR>We were there in July for 5 days and it wasn't long enough. We probably overdid thngs as I was just exhausted by the end of it. 7 days would be perfect.<BR>One further thing- don't just go for the major tourist things. Take a good guide book and explore the different areas of the city on foot. Its a great experience. <BR>PS we stayed on Hong Kong Island.

deej

That's a long time between visits! I think you'll find Hong Kong has changed beyond recognition during that time...<BR><BR>All three hotels are good, but as the previous posters have mentioned, a lot of it depends on preference (I prefer staying on Hong Kong Island). All things considered, I'd recommend JW Marriott. Probably the most upmarket of all the properties you mentioned, it's very convenient for transportation and shopping.<BR><BR>I'd stay away from the Renaissance Harbour View. It can get very busy due to its proximity to the Hong Kong convention center. As well, it's probably the most inconvenient as far as transport goes (although one can hardly call transportation in Hong Kong 'inconvenient').<BR><BR>You've picked a lovely time to visit. Enjoy your trip!

Michael From New York

I consider myself a veteran traveler with regard to HK, having visited there 8 times in the last 5 years. You really can get by without speaking any Cantonese at all, as the MTR system and the airport all have everything you need to read in English as well as the Chinese.<BR><BR>I've not stayed at any of the hotels you are considering, as I have stayed at the Marco Polo HongKong Hotel, 3 Canton Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon. But I can discuss the areas briefly -<BR><BR>The Pacific Place is a huge Complex with office towers, hotels, and shopping malls. I dined at the Ye Shanghai Restaurant in Pacific Place on Friday, Nov 22nd.<BR><BR>The Salisbury Road location means you are virtually on the Kowloon side waterfront so you have great views of the Hong Kong skyline. You are quite close to the Star Ferry which is the best seven-eight minute transportation. The lower level of the Star Ferry costs 1.7 HK$ which is about 25 cents in US value.<BR><BR>Wanchai is likely to be the busiest area of the three, and the oldest.<BR><BR>You will find that Hong Kong is not that big a place and the MTR is a speedy, safe, and extremely convenient mode of transportation. If you stay at the hotels you have named you won;'t have any issues at all about convenience.<BR><BR>Michael

orgy7

I kmow that JAPAN is a pain when it comes too the language isue, but HK is easy too get around most things are writen in both CHinees/english.. and just about everyone knows english as opposed to Tokyo... <BR><BR>I'm a kowloon guy.. the upper end though. since it is more nocternal in nature. . <BR><BR>LOL safty.. I'm just picturing a MARIOT in the midle of Angola,

Barbara

Message for Michael--Hi! We're leaving for HK on the 26th of Dec. and just got word that our Sheraton reservation cannot be honored due to renovations. Disappointing since the harbor view from those rooms is without parallel. We're re-booked into the Marco Polo Hongkong where you say you've stayed. Harbor view room. How did you find the hotel? One thing I DO know about it is that it houses Gripps where we've had the best hamburgers ever. If nothing else, this will be a plus.

Michael From New York

I have stayed at the hotel 8 times. Currently there is construction going on which affects ONLY the Canton Road entrance. The Front entrance is being redesigned. So the lobby has lost some couches and chairs. But you will not find this problematic at all. Yes, the sixth floor which houses Gripps, and a new restaurant called Ye Shanghai are in perfect working order. <BR><BR>I find the M/P HongKong Hotel to be my hotel of choice in HK. I've returnered there again and again.

Eliz

I have been living for a year in HK now. I am still unable to get used to the Kowloon / Tsim Sha Tsui side. <BR>I prefer to stay on the HK island side, and in JW Marriott. Try to get a room with view of the harbour. <BR>The hotel is located in a convenient part of the island, abt 5 min walk to the Admiralty MTR station. <BR>Renaissance Harbor View is not as good in terms of accessibility, although it is located just next to the Wanchai Ferry Terminal. <BR>Kowloon side a little to busy for me. Too many people, too many small streetside shops. <BR>However, if you are interested in views from the room, I think you would have a better view looking over to HK island from TST. Alternatively, you could book a dinner in a nice restaurant (window seat) on the TST side to enjoy the lights and view. <BR><BR>Let me know if you need any other info. re. HK.