Thanks for your concern. I suppose we can afford at most about USD300 for 2 nights. We will be spending only about half of that at Mirador. I was thinking maybe it's alright since we will be out most of the time and will be there only to sleep and wash-up. I read some travellers reviews at Hostelworld.com and they seem to like the place. Our problem is we booked at a time when hotel rates are up about 3x compared to lean season rates.

Check out the YMCA International House, run by the Chinese YMCA of HK. On their website, they say kid stay free. Ask them if it's okay for 5 to stay in one room.

www.intlhouse.ymca.org.hk/e_index.php

Also the Salvation Army Booth Lodge. See what they can do for 2 adults and 3 kids:

boothlodge.salvation.org.hk/ENG/index.htm

Call YMCA Salisbury to see if their suite room is large enough to accomodate your family. They have one large bed (queen or king), plus a living room area with a sofa. Not sure if the sofa converts into a sofabed--if they do, and considering your children are fairly young, that might work. The added advantage is the suite rooms have harbour views--great for watching the laser show at 8pm.

BTW, if you don't know what Mirador Mansion looks like, I've found a few pictures online of its exterior:

www.panoramio.com/photo/230155
jaymyung.net/note/2006/04/29/103353/

Just to give you some preparations.

Here's one guesthouse in Causeway Bay that's pretty large and have relatively good reviews. No, I have not used them, and I have not seen their rooms. But at least that Paterson Building is less scary-looking, and there are still plenty of real families living on the upper floors, unlike the Mirador or Chungking Mansions.

www.wangfathostel.com.hk/home_eng.php

Your budget should be enough for a 2-bed room plus a 3-bed room with baths.

Eeek! That place looks like it's about to fall apart. I have also considered Wong Fat among my selections but decided on Mirador because of the travellers' reviews, USA Hostel at Mirador's ave rating was 86% while that of Wong Fat's was about 70%. I wonder what those people were referring to? I thought perhaps Mirador is like probably just ugly on the outside but ok on the inside depending on which hostel operator you select. But with that picture you sent, I don't think I'd like to risk bringing my kids there. Looks like it's got rats scurrying around inside.
Thanks rhkkmk. Also to everyone who replied to my queries, thanks. I'll be back a few months from now when the websites get updated for November hotel rates and HK activities.

Dear rkkwan, Thanks for your very valuable suggestions. darna.

darna - No problem. I've read the reviews of the Mirador Hostel, and it seems like a decent place. I wouldn't mind staying there by myself or recommending it to young budget travelers. It's just that you're going with 3 young kids and it's just not the place for a family trip.

Yes, Hong Kong is expensive when it comes to lodging, but that's going a little far.

Here I am still at it with my itinerary. I'd like to get your feedback on what Mai Po Bird Park might be like in November. I actually considered it for Day 3 but on second though, I might be pushing our schedule too tight. Anyway, may I have your opinion with regards to whether the trip there will be more or less worth it for the kids? I will be trading-off Victoria Peak and Stanley on Day3 in exchange for Mai-Po if ever.

Mai Po? I don't think you'll see that many birds - some cranes and probably not much more. There's also a new Westland Park, and it's the same. Those are definitely not "must see" in Hong Kong, as they are not unique. You can see birds elsewhere in the world.

Go ride the Peak Tram. Go ride the buses.

Thanks. I think my original itinerary very much covers the "must do/see" things in HK. This forum has done a lot for my confidence in handling this trip with my little kids without a professional tour guide. I'm sleeping early tonight and tomorrow and tomorrow night so maybe November will arrive sooner . . .

With young children, you might enjoy the zoo. Kadoorie park/farm is another option, though it is out of town and not so convenient to get to.