Hong Kong - Hotels - Need a better solution
May 27th, 2012, 06:34 PM
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Hong Kong - Hotels - Need a better solution
Over 20 years ago I used to enjoy my visits to Hong Kong Island and the old Hong Kong Hilton, before it was knocked down. They also had a beautiful old junk that travelled around the island at sunset. It would be great to be able to recreate some of the romance that was once Hong Kong.
Since then we have stayed at the Conrad a few times and also the Island Shangri La soon after it was opened. We have not been to Hong Kong now for about 8 years.
Does anyone have any suggestions as to where we should stay on Hong Kong Island with a view of the harbour. I dont mind paying HK$ 2,000-2,500 but I am finding that hotels like the Conrad and Shangri La have increased their prices into the HK$ 3,500 range for Harbourview Rooms.
In the past hotel prices seemed to be lowest by going direct. Maybe there are deals through hotel websites that I am not aware of ???
Any advice on hotel options and discounted tariffs from Fodorites would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you
Since then we have stayed at the Conrad a few times and also the Island Shangri La soon after it was opened. We have not been to Hong Kong now for about 8 years.
Does anyone have any suggestions as to where we should stay on Hong Kong Island with a view of the harbour. I dont mind paying HK$ 2,000-2,500 but I am finding that hotels like the Conrad and Shangri La have increased their prices into the HK$ 3,500 range for Harbourview Rooms.
In the past hotel prices seemed to be lowest by going direct. Maybe there are deals through hotel websites that I am not aware of ???
Any advice on hotel options and discounted tariffs from Fodorites would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you
May 27th, 2012, 07:36 PM
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Well, the good news is that there still is a lovely junk which does cruises of the harbour at sunset as well as going to other interesting places at other times; go to www.aqua.com.hk for info, the boat is called the Aqua Luna.
The bad news is that your 8 year absence has coincided with the continued explosion of the Chinese economy, and so HK$2,000 does not buy you what it used to any more. For harbour view on Hong Kong Island in that price range, some thoughts are below:
1. <b>Bishop Lei International House</b>. This hotel is in mid-levels which makes it very convenient for things like dinner, exploring Soho and Hollywood Road, etc. Their room rates are very good. With your budget you can get a harbour view suite, which is a good thing as rooms tend to be small but the suites are a nice size. http://www.bishopleihtl.com.hk
2. <b>Hotel LKF</b>. It has a great location in the heart of the bar/restaurant district and Hollywood Road area, and is about 5 minute walk from the main area of Central, about 10 minutes to the Star Ferry. It is quite funky and modern. Views are good, not great, but interesting city and some harbour because it is such a tall tower. Take a look at http://www.hotel-lkf.com.hk/
3. The <b>Courtyard by Marriott</b> in Sheung Wan to the west of Central on Hong Kong Island. Take a look at Marriott.com. . Rates are under HK$2000 other than the suites which are HK$2400 (and would be my choice as they are large and have good views.) I really like the location of this hotel, as it is in a very interesting, <i>very local</i> traditional neighborhood full of medicine shops, dried fish stalls, tea stalls, temples, and all sorts of old-fashioned shops you don’t find in many parts of Hong Kong any longer. Their rooms have some very nice harbour views and their corner suites are really something. If you really want a feel for a traditional Hong Kong neighborhood, this area is IMO an excellent. It is on a major bus line and on the street tram line, and the hotel offers a shuttle bus service, so transport should not be a major issue. (Plus the neighborhood is so interesting for walking.) The hotel has no pool and the rooms, other than corner rooms or suites can be small, so get the largest room you can.
4. <b>Traders hotel</b> in Kennedy Town /Western see http://www.shangri-la.com/en/property/hongkong/traders. You could get a Harbour View Club suite for about HK$2200. This is run by Shangri-La. This not a convenient location for a short stay, but if you want an experience in a more traditional local neighborhood, this is a good choice. It is on the tram line and major bus lines. The hotel runs a shuttle to the nearest subway stop and to other points in Central, so transport is not really an issue, but you have to realize that this hotel is not near “guidebook” tourist sites. The local neighborhood is a travel experience in itself, and offers thing like the carpenter’s temple (where no tourists ever go) but is not for everyone. There are a few very good restaurants in the area, and lots of local places. (You also have been to Hong Kong before so you know your way around and therefore this location may be fine for you.)
5. There are several hotels in Causeway Bay, most of which should have at least some rooms offering good harbour views.
<b>Excelsior</b> (see the Mandarin-Oriental website),
<b>Park Lane</b> (http://www.parklane.com.hk)
<b>Jia</b> (http://www.jiahongkong.com ),
<b>L’hotel </b> http://www.lhotelcausewaybayhv.com/leisure.php
<b>Central Hotel </b> (www.centralparkhotel.com.hk)
<b>Metropark Causeway Bay</b> (http://www.metroparkhotel.com/)
<b>Rosedale</b> (http://www.rosedale.com.hk ).
Other than the first two, ask about room size, as rooms tend to be very small (like 220 square feet/20 square meters, which is too small for 2 people IMO) and get the largest you can.
A more luxurious hotel is the <b>Harbour Grand</b> just a bit further east of Victoria Park, they offer good rates as their location is a bit secondary (and they had a fire recently and so may be offering even better rates…) see http://www.harbourgrand.com (They have a sister hotel on the Kowloon side which IMO is in a rather inconvenient location, but does have views.)
6. Although I don’t think it offers harbour views, the <b>Crowne Plaza</b> in Happy Valley offers race track and other views, and is in an interesting neighborhood, take a look at their website and see some of their sample views.
The other option is to take a "mountain view" room at the Conrad or Shangri-La, certainly still pretty, lovely hotels and excellent locations. But I am with you on the view, in Hong Kong, you should have one if you can get it.
The bad news is that your 8 year absence has coincided with the continued explosion of the Chinese economy, and so HK$2,000 does not buy you what it used to any more. For harbour view on Hong Kong Island in that price range, some thoughts are below:
1. <b>Bishop Lei International House</b>. This hotel is in mid-levels which makes it very convenient for things like dinner, exploring Soho and Hollywood Road, etc. Their room rates are very good. With your budget you can get a harbour view suite, which is a good thing as rooms tend to be small but the suites are a nice size. http://www.bishopleihtl.com.hk
2. <b>Hotel LKF</b>. It has a great location in the heart of the bar/restaurant district and Hollywood Road area, and is about 5 minute walk from the main area of Central, about 10 minutes to the Star Ferry. It is quite funky and modern. Views are good, not great, but interesting city and some harbour because it is such a tall tower. Take a look at http://www.hotel-lkf.com.hk/
3. The <b>Courtyard by Marriott</b> in Sheung Wan to the west of Central on Hong Kong Island. Take a look at Marriott.com. . Rates are under HK$2000 other than the suites which are HK$2400 (and would be my choice as they are large and have good views.) I really like the location of this hotel, as it is in a very interesting, <i>very local</i> traditional neighborhood full of medicine shops, dried fish stalls, tea stalls, temples, and all sorts of old-fashioned shops you don’t find in many parts of Hong Kong any longer. Their rooms have some very nice harbour views and their corner suites are really something. If you really want a feel for a traditional Hong Kong neighborhood, this area is IMO an excellent. It is on a major bus line and on the street tram line, and the hotel offers a shuttle bus service, so transport should not be a major issue. (Plus the neighborhood is so interesting for walking.) The hotel has no pool and the rooms, other than corner rooms or suites can be small, so get the largest room you can.
4. <b>Traders hotel</b> in Kennedy Town /Western see http://www.shangri-la.com/en/property/hongkong/traders. You could get a Harbour View Club suite for about HK$2200. This is run by Shangri-La. This not a convenient location for a short stay, but if you want an experience in a more traditional local neighborhood, this is a good choice. It is on the tram line and major bus lines. The hotel runs a shuttle to the nearest subway stop and to other points in Central, so transport is not really an issue, but you have to realize that this hotel is not near “guidebook” tourist sites. The local neighborhood is a travel experience in itself, and offers thing like the carpenter’s temple (where no tourists ever go) but is not for everyone. There are a few very good restaurants in the area, and lots of local places. (You also have been to Hong Kong before so you know your way around and therefore this location may be fine for you.)
5. There are several hotels in Causeway Bay, most of which should have at least some rooms offering good harbour views.
<b>Excelsior</b> (see the Mandarin-Oriental website),
<b>Park Lane</b> (http://www.parklane.com.hk)
<b>Jia</b> (http://www.jiahongkong.com ),
<b>L’hotel </b> http://www.lhotelcausewaybayhv.com/leisure.php
<b>Central Hotel </b> (www.centralparkhotel.com.hk)
<b>Metropark Causeway Bay</b> (http://www.metroparkhotel.com/)
<b>Rosedale</b> (http://www.rosedale.com.hk ).
Other than the first two, ask about room size, as rooms tend to be very small (like 220 square feet/20 square meters, which is too small for 2 people IMO) and get the largest you can.
A more luxurious hotel is the <b>Harbour Grand</b> just a bit further east of Victoria Park, they offer good rates as their location is a bit secondary (and they had a fire recently and so may be offering even better rates…) see http://www.harbourgrand.com (They have a sister hotel on the Kowloon side which IMO is in a rather inconvenient location, but does have views.)
6. Although I don’t think it offers harbour views, the <b>Crowne Plaza</b> in Happy Valley offers race track and other views, and is in an interesting neighborhood, take a look at their website and see some of their sample views.
The other option is to take a "mountain view" room at the Conrad or Shangri-La, certainly still pretty, lovely hotels and excellent locations. But I am with you on the view, in Hong Kong, you should have one if you can get it.
May 27th, 2012, 09:54 PM
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Cicerone
Thank you very much for your exceptionally detailed post.
During the last brief two day visit to HKG we stayed at the Regal Airport Hotel on a Club Floor.
The Room, king bed, facilities and location proved to be excellect as we walked the parks on Lantau and found our way to Central/Admiralty in less than half an hour by rail.
I do miss the Harbour View, Noon day gun etc etc so we will head to the Island and will report back here.
A few years back we found a great deal for three nights in Shanghai at the Meridien by entering a Chinese booking portal.
I was hoping that Hong Kong prices were still good and those opportunities may exist there, however you are right about the changing economic times.
Fortunately we are getting a little more for our Australian Dollars nowadays.
Thanks again.
Thank you very much for your exceptionally detailed post.
During the last brief two day visit to HKG we stayed at the Regal Airport Hotel on a Club Floor.
The Room, king bed, facilities and location proved to be excellect as we walked the parks on Lantau and found our way to Central/Admiralty in less than half an hour by rail.
I do miss the Harbour View, Noon day gun etc etc so we will head to the Island and will report back here.
A few years back we found a great deal for three nights in Shanghai at the Meridien by entering a Chinese booking portal.
I was hoping that Hong Kong prices were still good and those opportunities may exist there, however you are right about the changing economic times.
Fortunately we are getting a little more for our Australian Dollars nowadays.
Thanks again.
May 30th, 2012, 05:15 PM
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Hi Cicerone and All
I have taken a look at all the hotels mentioned. I think Courtyard by Marriott in a King Harbour Room on a Club Floor with Executive Club Floor deal may be the best outcome. We enjoy being close to Central and the location I think is a good choice. Bishop Lei International House looks a little rundown to me and my reading of LKF is that there is a price premium for trendiness
Any further thoughts welcomed. Thank you
I have taken a look at all the hotels mentioned. I think Courtyard by Marriott in a King Harbour Room on a Club Floor with Executive Club Floor deal may be the best outcome. We enjoy being close to Central and the location I think is a good choice. Bishop Lei International House looks a little rundown to me and my reading of LKF is that there is a price premium for trendiness
Any further thoughts welcomed. Thank you
May 30th, 2012, 06:43 PM
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I've never been to Hong Kong (will be there in December) but just saw a sale running on Jet Setter for a new hotel--The Mercer Hong Kong. They're offering rates much better than most of the HK hotels I've checked out. The sale only goes through October, but it might be worth checking out.
I posted this the other day on another thread here by richardab looking for HK reasonable hotels; we've also gotten Hyatt cc's which are offering two free nights in any Hyatt hotel in the world and plan to use them for HK.
I posted this the other day on another thread here by richardab looking for HK reasonable hotels; we've also gotten Hyatt cc's which are offering two free nights in any Hyatt hotel in the world and plan to use them for HK.
May 30th, 2012, 10:47 PM
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Well Cicerone is right. The China boom has priced 4-5 star properties net of tax and charges at what I consider to be exhoritant levels.
I cant seem to find a good sized modern harbour view room with a king size bed for less than AUD 500 on the Island near Central with any degree of confidence. Even the Marriott Courtyard doesnt do it for me. It looks old and you kind of get what you pay for.
Cicerone is also right about Hong Kong being a city where you need to walk. I am tempted to go back to the Regal Hotel where I have overnighted before at HKD 1600 advanced purchase king size room on a club floor with free services,snacks, cocktails and breakfast.
Everything in Hong Kong from there seems to be a short MTR ride and of course there are no hassles getting to and from the airport for a three day stay and late checkout.
Half a day at Disneyland is closer and we can take most of another day taking a walk on one of the tracks on Lantau. We can still take in the atmosphere of the Island walks from the Peak and bustle of Tsimshatsui and Mongkok, including the restaurants we used to know there (as I wonder if the Red Pepper and Jimmys Kitchen are still good places to go.
I guess nowadays we have to also accept the fact that the shopping opportunities that also used to attract us are long gone and we have to find more interesting things to do.
Let me know if you disagree with my approach ?
We travel to London from Hong Kong and there we are staying in a 5 star on Piccadilly for AUD 350. How the world has changed
I cant seem to find a good sized modern harbour view room with a king size bed for less than AUD 500 on the Island near Central with any degree of confidence. Even the Marriott Courtyard doesnt do it for me. It looks old and you kind of get what you pay for.
Cicerone is also right about Hong Kong being a city where you need to walk. I am tempted to go back to the Regal Hotel where I have overnighted before at HKD 1600 advanced purchase king size room on a club floor with free services,snacks, cocktails and breakfast.
Everything in Hong Kong from there seems to be a short MTR ride and of course there are no hassles getting to and from the airport for a three day stay and late checkout.
Half a day at Disneyland is closer and we can take most of another day taking a walk on one of the tracks on Lantau. We can still take in the atmosphere of the Island walks from the Peak and bustle of Tsimshatsui and Mongkok, including the restaurants we used to know there (as I wonder if the Red Pepper and Jimmys Kitchen are still good places to go
. I guess nowadays we have to also accept the fact that the shopping opportunities that also used to attract us are long gone and we have to find more interesting things to do.
Let me know if you disagree with my approach ?
We travel to London from Hong Kong and there we are staying in a 5 star on Piccadilly for AUD 350. How the world has changed
Jun 4th, 2012, 05:38 PM
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Hi Cicerone and All
I am usually not challenged by hotel choices, but Hong Kong has tested me out, probably because I know the Island quite well and it is hard to find good value there any more.
After much thought I have decided that the Marriott Courtyard in a Harbour View Room or Suite is probably the best option. I do like that area and much of it is new. For me Hong Kong is also a great city for walking.
I am usually not challenged by hotel choices, but Hong Kong has tested me out, probably because I know the Island quite well and it is hard to find good value there any more.
After much thought I have decided that the Marriott Courtyard in a Harbour View Room or Suite is probably the best option. I do like that area and much of it is new. For me Hong Kong is also a great city for walking.
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