Hong Kong – Streetsmart : Value-for-Money Hotels, Cheap Sleeps

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Value-for-Money Hotels


Note: Unless otherwise stated, all hotels accept credit cards, have en-suite bathrooms and air conditioning



  1. The Salisbury YMCA

    Don’t
    be put off by the initials. For value, views and location, the
    always-popular YMCA, next door to the posh Peninsula, can’t be beaten.
    The well-furnished rooms are spacious, equipped with fax/laptop ports,
    satellite and cable TV. A large swimming pool, sauna, gym and indoor
    climbing wall round off the facilities. Family suites are terrific. A
    few excellent up-market dorm beds, too.

  2. BP International House

    The
    boxy rooms with ugly 80s wallpaper have smallish beds, but the place is
    clean, efficient and can be cheap, and has lovely views over Kowloon
    Park.

  3. The Wharney

    Right
    in the increasingly smart centre of Wanchai, the Wharney offers decent
    surroundings, a revamped gym and pool, sauna, business centre and a
    couple of restaurants. Rooms are well appointed but on the small side.

  4. The Fleming

    The
    perfect option for families, The Fleming has smart rooms that are
    reasonably priced. Many of them also have small kitchens. Located close
    to the conference centre and the ferries to Kowloon and Wan Chai.

  5. Garden View International House

    Given
    the location, the prices aren’t bad, and even better for long stays
    (two weeks plus). The décor is 80s and the rooms smallish. Discounts of
    30 to 50 per cent are often available in the low season.

  6. Shamrock

    The
    rather severe lobby opens onto Nathan Road, and the dishevelled lifts
    lead up to some big rooms with satellite TV, a/c and telephone.




    Nathan Road

  7. Harbour View International House

    This
    modest Chinese YMCA-run hotel charges a hefty premium for the location,
    but low-season discounts are available. Baths are only big enough for
    very supple adults.

  8. 2 Macdonnell Road

    With
    pleasant rooms, a good Central location and excellent views across the
    Zoological and Botanical Gardens to the city and harbour, Macdonell Road
    offers good value. Rooms have all the basics plus kitchenette.
    Long-stay packages are also available 

  9. The Empire Hotel

    Marooned
    between the area’s two main roads, the Empire is right in the heart of
    Wan Chai so you’re paying for location rather than luxury as the cheap,
    nasty fittings will constantly remind you. Still, prices are
    competitive, the service isn’t bad and there’s a small but adequate
    rooftop pool plus gym and broadband Internet access.

  10. Rosedale on the Park

    This
    self-styled “cyber boutique hotel” offers reasonable value overlooking
    Victoria Park. The look is sleek and modern, and small but well laid out
    rooms include broadband connection.


Cheap Sleeps


Note: Unless otherwise stated, all hotels accept credit cards, have en-suite bathrooms and air conditioning



  1. Anne Black Guest House

    If
    location isn’t important then consider the YWCA-run Anne Black Guest
    House stuck out in Mongkok. The rooms (either with private or communal
    bathrooms) are basic but clean with air-conditioning, TV, and telephone.

  2. Booth Lodge

    Air-conditioned
    rooms with shower, fridge, phone, bath and TV are merely adequate but
    the location and prices are great at this Salvation Army-run hotel.

  3. Caritas Bianchi Lodge

    Like
    Booth Lodge next door, there’s only a chapel and restaurant-cum-café to
    amuse yourself here. Still, the rooms are large by any standards.

  4. New King’s Hotel

    Well situated but in something of a chaotic, scrappy and noisy area. Rooms are neat but small, and the views unlovely.

    • 473 Nathan Rd, Yau Ma Tei, Kowloon

    • 2780 1281

  5. Holy Carpenter Guest House

    A
    pleasant alternative to the dingier guesthouse offerings in Chungking
    and Mirador, but stuck out in boring old Hung Hom. Facilities in double
    and triple rooms are basic but include TV, phone, bathroom, shower and
    air-conditioning.

    • 1 Dyer Ave, Hung Hom, Kowloon

    • 2362 0301

  6. Bradbury Hall Hostel

    As
    you might expect from such a remote hostel, basic, barrack-like dorms
    are the order of the day. Those with tents may want to walk on and pitch
    camp at Tai Long Wan’s lovely beaches nearby.

    • Chek Keng, Sai Kung, New Territories

    • 2328 2458

  7. Bradbury Lodge Youth Hostel

    This
    very pleasant hostel by the reservoir makes for a good base or stop-off
    for walkers exploring the beautiful Plover Cove area. Air-conditioned
    singles, doubles or dorms are available.



    Plover Cove

  8. Pak Sha O Hostel

    Lying
    in the heart of the country park, this is a functional hikers’
    over-night stop with dorm beds. The views are great and it’s also
    possible to camp.

    • Pak Sha O, Hoi Ha Rd, New Territories

    • 2328 2327

  9. Sze Lok Yuen Hostel

    A
    very basic hikers’ crash-pad, Sze Lok Yuen is close to the summit of
    Tai Mo Shan, Hong Kong’s tallest peak. The views are spectacular but its
    dorm rooms are pretty basic with no fans or air-conditioning. The
    altitude cools things down though in all but the hottest months. Camping
    is permitted.

  10. Chungking House, Chungking Mansions

    Staying at the mansions is a badge of honour to some budget travellers, an unpleasant necessity to others .
    The dingy hallways and semi-squalor contain dozens of guesthouses
    offering cheap, boxy and usually stuffy accommodation in an excellent
    location. Oppressive and fascinating at the same time, Chungking
    Mansions is a warren of small-scale commerce and Hong Kong’s cultural
    melting pot. Chungking House is probably the best option, with larger,
    more comfortable rooms than else-where in Chungking Mansions.

    • Block 4A/5F, 40 Nathan Rd, Tsim Sha Tsui

    • 2366 5362