Visiting HongKong: some questions

[HashiriKata]

I'll soon be travelling to China via HongKong and I think I may as well spend a few days in HongKong on my way back. So here are a few basic questions about the place:

- Which hotel would you recommend for staying for a few days? I need something moderately priced, convenient to transportation and to the Airport.

- What to do there if you've got 2 or 3 days on the islands? (I'll have been back from mainland then, so please don't advice me to go visit China ).

- I've heard that HongKong is a good place for shopping. Would it still be cheaper in HongKong than in mainland China (Guangzhou/ Shenzhen)? I don't intend to do much shopping but may buy a camera and lenses.

Thanks for all replies

[skylee]

Not sure what "moderately priced" is to you. From other people's blogs, I've gathered that those who like to shop like to stay in places like Tsimshatsui, Mongkok and Causeway Bay. Though I think that anywhere near an MTR station can be considered as convenient. Some people on the web seem to like the Metropark Hotel next to the Victoria Park/Tin Hau MTR, but I don't think it is particularly cheap.

HK is good for shopping. I like to shop here than anywhere in the world (including China as I hate to bargain). Things may not be really that cheap but there are a lot of choices/brands and everything is within easy reach. And you won't be buying fake products unless you intend to.

I guess other members who have visited Hong Kong as tourists could recommend where to visit ...

[malieboe]

I've been to HK several times and one thing I can confirm: contactlenses are much cheaper than in Europe. Or did you mean camera lenses, which are also cheaper by the way (brother is photographer, me half blind)

It is the best place to shop, but take care, sometimes things are more expensive than in Europe (eg designer clothing).

One thing I recommend to all people going there: eat, eat, eat! The food is fantastic, you get all kinds of Asian food for a fraction of the price here in Europe (eg sushi).

Things worth visiting in my opinion are the Victoria Peak and the Island with the big Buddha (Lantau? not sure... others certainly will know) and take a midnight hike at Tsim Sa Tsui (spelling?)

[HashiriKata]

Thank skylee and malieboe for replying. Yes, HK sounds an attractive place to visit. So, I'll have to get accommodation fixed!

Not sure what "moderately priced" is to you.

Until I've got the bill, I'm not sure either . Let's say: I'd look for a single room in a moderately priced 3-star hotel. Does this improve from the original?

brother is photographer, me half blind

Yes, I meant camera lenses. Since you're only half blind, I'd encourage you to take up photography. I'm certified colour blind and I find photography fascinating!

and take a midnight hike at Tsim Sa Tsui

Why? What is the attraction? and is this safe if you 're a stranger to the city?

More remommendations on hotels, please anyone!

[malieboe]

Yeah about being half blind... that was a joke... I am just a lens wearer. But anyway, Tsim Tsa Tsui gives you a great view on the harbour. Safe? Hard to say, I've been too so many places in the world and I think using your brain is best thing to do.

Also, it has been a while since I've been in HK, so it might have changed by now, so someone else perhaps could give an opinion!

[Ian_Lee]

Hashirikata:

Unlike Japan where there are many single rooms in business hotels in the cities, most hotel rooms in HK are either double or twin. And if you bring your whole family to stay in a twin bedroom, most 3-star hotel management seldom raise any question.

So it is a better bargain for you to bring your girl friend, wife or kids altogether than yourself alone:lol:

(Actually I wonder how come hotels in Japan charge on a per-person basis even in some western-style hotels.)

Other than the Metropole Park Hotel that Skylee mentioned, there are some other hotels in Causeway Bay (HK's equivalence of Shibuya) that you can consider:

http://www.asiarooms.com/hong_kong/causeway-bay.html

Or try this brand new hotel:

http://www.lhotelcausewaybayhv.com/

Most of these hotels have easy access to airport.

In fact, the Metropark Hotel has bus stop for Airport Express right in front of its lobby.

[flameproof]

***-Prices depend on the season. I would say HK$600 and up per night, no b/f.

Grotty guesthouse in Yaumatei are 200. I had a friend in Hakka Guesthouse, very small, but clean - but the whole boulding, was, well...., grotty.

What you want to shop for? Your name implies that you are Japanese. Electronics are in most cases cheaper in Tokyo (check www.kakaku.com), but HK is still cheaper then China.

In terms of safety, HK is a very safe city. Robberies are very rare, pickpockets do happen.

[HashiriKata]

Thank all for the information.

I'll be in transit in HongKong tomorrow but will stop there on the way back, so please keep posting if you've got useful experience, hints & tips to share .

I'm travelling from the UK and won't be passing Tokyo this time. Anyway, shopping is not a major item on my list and hopefully it won't do much harm checking out HongKong shopping districts .

[yonitabonita]

Some simple things I'd suggest for HK:

- taking the ferry from HK to Kowloon and back. It costs very little, its a local experience, and the views are picture postcard - though to what degree depends on the weather.

- taking the bus ride to Stanley Markets, on HK Island. The bus journey shows you a part of HK that not an awful lot of tourists see: a windy, quieter, greener, less crowded, slower, part of HK. The bus takes you along HK's beaches for a bit of the way, and I think it's a cheaper, more relaxing way to sight see. And the Stanley Markets aren't all bad either. There's lots of (real) brand name clothes for sale there for next to nothing. There's the usual junk garbage too, but it's not a crowded market, so you can can have a leisurely browse.

There are a bunch of cafes and restaurants around the area too. Though, I usually avoid them, 'cause they're aimed at expat budgets and well... Still, if it's a hot day, a cool beer could go down well.

If you go to Stanley, go early rather than later. Markets shut around 4, and you need to allow an hour for the bus ride.

- For cheap accommodation, I always go to : http://www.couchsurfing.com and see who's in town and willing to host a traveller. I've stayed in about 20 countries this way - never for money, always for the good of humanity. That said, I always take a present to show my appreciation. Check it out if you like.

- cheap shopping. HK is cheap when it comes to make up, perfume etc because there's no tax. If you're in the market, go to Sasa. It's a chain store as common as McDonalds. Clarins, Chanel etc.. are all much less than what I've found anywhere else.

Have fun!

Y

[skylee]

- taking the bus ride to Stanley Markets, on HK Island

Yeah it is good. I also like taking bus no. 15 down from the peak. Take the ideal seats at the first row on the upper deck. Big window, and long and winding roads ...

Oh and I like watching movies at the Palace IFC. Very nice cinemas. Weekend morning screenings at HKD30 only.

[Ian_Lee]

Other than Stanley, I also recommend you to drop by the many beaches on the south side of HK Island.

Shek O Bay and Big Wave Bay (you can surf at the latter) are really nice and less crowded. Moreover, there are quite a few restaurants that serve exotic dishes like Thai food.

There are not many cities (neither in London nor Tokyo) that you can go swim in natural white sand beaches after work as HK does.