Hong Kong Hotel Tips by Vita500

Wang Fat Hostel (Hong Kong Hostel): Convenient and cheap but that's about it! Hong Kong Hostel Review

The Wang Fat Hostel (also known as Hong Kong Hostel) received some good feedbacks on VT. Hence, as I needed to spend one night somewhere before moving into my friend's apartment for the remaining stay, I made a reservation with Wang Fat to try it out.

Frankly, this was my first stay at a hostel. As you can see from the above tips, I usually stayed at various 3-star hotels. Maybe my expectation was simply too high or I just made wrong assumptions based on the very decent picture from their website.

Whatever it was, I was rather disappointed.
First of all, the place is rather hard to find as there are no signs whatsoever outside. I heard that, officially, no hostel is allowed to be in a normal apartment building. That's probably why they couldn't put a signboard outside.
Secondly, the room was tiny (ok, nothing unusual for HK), there was this usual toilet-shower-cabin (all-in-one) but the worst part was actually that all rooms that I have seen where windowless and it really looked like a hole.

Since the building is rather old, the rooms looked pretty worn-out but were kept clean enough. The bed was rather short though, so for people taller than 1.80m it might be hard to sleep.

Personally, I'll probably spend some more money for a decent 3-star hotel next time just to enjoy a little more comfort. Yes, I usually don't spend much time indoors anyway but at least i can look forward to some decent room after a long days trip outside.

Address: No A2, 3/F., Paterson Bldg., 47, Paterson St., Causeway Bay

Comparison: least expensive

Directions: Causeway Bay station, Exit E

Price: US$20-40

Theme: Hostel

Hostels: The ultimate budget accommodation

For all budget travelers within VT, I suggest to have a look at one or more of the following hostels:

Dragon Inn (Ah Shan Hostel)
Location: Mongkok - Kowloon
MTR (subway) station: Mong Kok
Amenities: TV, air-con, private shower (suites only!)
www.dragoninnhk.com

Wang Fat Hostel (see separate TIP for more details!)
Location: Causeway Bay - Hong Kong Island
MTR (subway) station: Causeway Bay
Amenities: TV, air-con, private shower, fridge
www.wangfathostel.com.hk

Joy Guesthouse
Location: Sham Shui Po - North Kowloon
MTR (subway) station: Sham Shui Po
Amenities: TV, air-con, private shower
www.joy.hk

National Guest House
Location: Wanchai - Hong Kong Island
MTR (subway) station: Causeway Bay (Exit B)
Amenities: TV, air-con, private shower
www.kkguesthouse.com

Yesinn Hostel (Insider Tip!)
Location: Fortress Hill - Hong Kong Island
MTR (subway) station: Fortress Hill (Exit A)
Amenities: TV, air-con, window (!), fridge, microwave, free local calls, private shower, mobile phone rental, laundry service
http://www.yesinn.com/hk/ehostel.htm

I recommend to take your pick based on location. Decide on where you'd like to stay and choose the respective hostel.

Comparison: least expensive

Price: US$20-40

Theme: Hostel

Website: http://www.yesinn.com/hk/ehostel.htm

IBIS North Point: The smallest rooms for the lowest rates Ibis Century Hotel (Hongkong North Point) Review

The IBIS North Point provides without doubt the smallest hotel room that I have ever seen (end before someone asks: yes, I have been to Japan!). However, considering its location and splendid view, it also provides some of the lowest room rates to come by.

Opened in 2000, the outside design looks very trendy and surely stands out from its surrounding grey-in-grey residential apartment buildings. Entering the hotel from its single ground floor entrance, a couple of twin elevators and a staircase lead up to the reception desk on the 1/F.

The rooms are extremely small (approx. 8 sqm!) but provide all standard equipment: Queen size bed, TV, air conditioner, hair drier, a couple of drawers and coat hangers for your clothes, private safe, kettle, fridge, tissue box and a small windowsill that functions as desk. The bathroom is narrow but functional and includes a (very) small shower cabin with shampoo dispenser.
(For an impression of the room, please follow the above link "1 more photos")

Positive
- cheap rates
- friendly staff
- good location (right in front of North Point ferry and bus terminal)
- very close to MTR (30 seconds from exit A1)
- splendid view towards Hung Hom and Kowloon Tong (sea view rooms only)
- broadband internet access available at 1/F (chargeable)

Negative
- extremely small rooms
- lousy breakfast "buffet" (if you have the choice, don't take it!)
- air-conditioner is blowing directly onto your bed and there's no lever to adjust

Conclusion
If you are shorter than 1.85m, travelling on a low budget, don't intend to spend much time in your hotel room but still want to impress your family or friends with some pictures of your Hong Kong sea view hotel room, the IBIS North Point might just be what you are looking for!

Address: 136-142 Java Road, North Point

Comparison: less expensive than average

Directions: From the airport
Take airport bus no. A11 and get off at the last stop. The bus terminal is right in front of the hotel.
By subway/MTR
Take the Island Line and get off at North Point station. The hotel entrance is a mere 30 seconds from Exit A1.

Price: US$40-80

Theme: Hotel

Website: http://www.ibishotel.com

BP International: Kowloon at affordable rates B P International Review

The BP International thrones over the Northern end of Kowloon Park, just a few minutes walk from Jordan MTR (subway) station and the hustle and bustle of Nathan Road with all its shops and restaurants.

All rooms include air-conditioner, cable TV, hair drier, fridge, kettle and in-room safe.

If possible, try to ask for a room on an upper floor facing south, as they provide a great view across TST and HK harbour.

Asiarooms.com offers some very good deals for the BP International as well as most other hotels in HK. It's worth checking!

Address: 8 Austin Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon

Comparison: about average

Directions: Top Northern end of Kowloon Park, very close to Jordan MTR (subway) station. You can't miss it...

Price: US$40-80

Theme: Hotel

Website: http://www.bpih.com.hk

The Charterhouse Hotel: Perfect location at affordable rates The Charterhouse Review

The Charterhouse hotel is one of the best places to stay for everybody who's budget is restricted but still wants to enjoy living within a prime location on HK Island.

Rooms are typical for HK, i.e. small but clean and functional with the usual facilities like TV, minibar, personal safe, hair dryer, electric kettle, etc.

Other facilities include a gymnasium, business centre, restaurant and bar.

Room rates vary by season and length of stay but include a daily newspaper and free internet use at the Business Centre.

The below indication is the price per person based on a double-occupancy!

Check out the homepage for further multi-lingual (Chinese, Japanese, English and German) information!

Address: 209-219 Wanchai Road, Wanchai

Comparison: about average

Directions: In between Wanchai and Causeway Bay on HK Island; just 5 minutes from Times Square and Wanchai Star Ferry.

Price: US$40-80

Theme: Hotel

Website: http://www.charterhouse.com/

Bishop Lei International House: Incredible view at affordable rates Bishop Lei International Review

I stayed at the Bishop Lei for an extended weekend and it was a great experience.

Admittedly, the rooms are very small, rather old and unattractive. Hence, many people are not satisfied with the hotel. However, the one thing that makes this hotel a worthwhile experience is the breathtaking view from the room's large windows, which can only be matched by a few top-end hotels.

Facilities include a small but fancy gym and outdoor swimming pool. The latter provides a fantastic view across HK harbour, is an experience for itself and the main reason for recommending this hotel.

*** The breathtaking views make this hotel my insider tip for all budget travelers who don't spend too much time indoors and want to enjoy a top-notch vista for a relatively inexpensive rate!!! ***

Address: 4 Robinson Road, Mid-Levels, HK Island

Comparison: about average

Directions: Mid-Levels, close to the escalators and HK Botanical Garden.
I recommend to take a taxi from Central to get there in the first place. After that, the hotel provides free shuttle buses to major locations.

Price: US$40-80

Theme: Hotel

Website: http://www.bishopleihtl.com.hk/