Yes, the "good" one is simply the InterContinental. The IC Grand Stanford is further to the east, less convenient, with a less significant view; and was upgraded from a Holiday Inn and then a Crowne Plaza. It is not in the same class as "The" IC (ex-Regent).

Yes, there are two ICs. The Intercontinental is the former Regent hotel, this is the better of the two hotels. The other property is located in TST east, a less desirable location.

Gpanda, rkkwan beat me to it. I had this window open on my computer for a little while so I could post a reply to your most recent question. Sorry, rkkwan.

Thanks. My confusion continues. For a moment, I thought we could get the good Intercontionetal for $234 per night. Not to be. The good one is $370 per night. Outside our budget.

<i>I talked to Tengohambre throughout.</i>

Jack up tengohambre's bill and book the good one. Solved.

$370, really? Sheesh. So book the Langham for the first 3 nites, then move to HK Island. Though if I remember correctly the IC is within walking distance of the Spring Deer, an old fashioned Peking duck place reviewed in several places hrein.

I leave jacking up Tengohambre's bill to Tengohambre.

We may book the Langham for 4 nights and an island place for the other 4. The possibility of Macau has also raised its head. It's all fun to plan. This is why I am a loyal Fodorite.

You just went to Vegas. Forget Macau. Same thing. (and you can do it as a day trip anyway. take the helicopter)

I recommend Macau as a side trip not for the casinos, but for seeing some preserved older areas. There are several old Chinese temples worth seeing as well as the ruins of the cathedral and the fort and the charming cobblestoned area of shops - very atmospheric. Hong Kong has little of the old left. Of course, I also recommend the trip for a meal at Fernando's.

We did it as a day trip, took the boat, left HK maybe 8 or 9 am, and were back at our hotel about 10 hours later.

I second Kathie's recommendation for Macau to see the historic sights, old colonial architecture in and around Senado Sq, St Pauls Catherderal, etc. Don't forget to sample local dishes which are different from HK due to Macau's Portugese influence.

If you do decide to inculde Macau there are several ferry piers in HK for Macau bound ferries that dock in two possible locations in Macau. The journey is about one hour. Ferries are frequent and in some cases there are 4 per hour.

A helicopter that costs about 8 times the price also travels to Macau from HK, the journey takes a mere 15 to 20 mins.

Another place to see preserved older areas would be on the faces of the ladies who take afternoon tea at the Peninsula.

this is getting to be a bit of an AO adventure, and it has not even started

We're very close to booking at the Sheraton in Kowloon for four nights. Either through SPG or Continental. I'll let you know. The assistance on this thread has been wonderful.

Just booked the Sheraton for four nights for $988.71. We had to use a few points to do so, but the pernight rate of $247 for a harbor view room was by far the best we were seeing at any of the hotels mentioned by Rizutto on the Kowloon waterfront. Now, we have to figure out where we go for the other four nights.

Are you still looking for a hotel with an outdoor swimming pool on the HK side?

too bad that sheraton is so far from the water...

I-pearl-a pool is not so critical on the HK side because the Sheraton has one. My suspicion is that we will stagger around for a while and then pull the trigger on an HK side hotel. Probably following some advice we've obtained here.

Forgive Bob. karen is out tonight with Beth at a Met Opera showing. He's by himself and unsupervised.

Well done. Now you can also start compiling lists of activities while you're staying on the Kowloon side.

One of those activities might be a trip to the Temple of the 10000 Buddhas, a short train ride away in Sha Tin. Interesting temple, and a good way to get out of the city and some semi-serious exercise (plenty of steps are involved).

Don't do anything outside air-conditioning!

How about a night at Happy Valley races?
I also did Macau as a day trip, as someone said nice to see the Portuguese buildings (and the old temple) oh and eat one of the famous egg tarts..