Hong Kong Budget Hotel - YWCA Garden View International House

Location: 1 MacDonnell Road, Mid Levels, Central, Hong Kong

The Garden View International House is actually a serviced apartment. However they do accept short term bookings. Please expect basic hotel services but not anything five star and they don’t provide room services.

Couple of Reasons You Should Stay at the Garden View International House

Excellent View of the Botanical Garden and Central Hong Kong

I recommend this hotel because of its super value of money in terms of its unique environment and location. In low seasons, its room rate can go down to as low as US$80 for a twin bed room with a view. Rooms facing MacDonnell Road are relatively cheaper, but it definitely worth it to pay a little more for a room with a view.

You’ll be completely impressed by the beautiful view of the Hong Kong Zoological & Botanical Garden. The beautiful Central Hong Kong skyscripers can be viewed from near distance. You can’t imagine how beautiful the night view is. Only high floors have partial sea view.
Easy and Comprehensive Transportation Network
- Three minutes taxi ride from Star Ferry or Airport Express. There are always taxis outside the main entrance waiting for you.
- Two minutes walk to The MacDonnell Road Peak Tram station.

At the Garden View International House, you would enjoy tranquility of living in a prestigious residential area while stay close to the busy Central of Hong Kong and at the same time with easy transportation connect to other major points of interest. Take bus 12A, you can go to Admiralty MTR station. From there, change to bus 629 and continue your way to the Ocean Park. The green mini van will take you to Star Ferry.

YWCA operates a number of hostels in Hong Kong, make sure to book the one at One MacDonnell Road. Also you don’t have to be a member of YWCA in order to make a booking.

Read Garden View International House reviews.

Hong Kong Budge Hotel - YWCA Garden View International House

Hong Kong Budget Hotel - YMCA Salisbury

Salisbury YMCA of Hong Kong

Next door to the prestigious Peninsula, same harbour view and nightly light show but much lower price. Make sure to ask for a harbour view room at upper floors when making a booking.

Location: Tsimshatsui, Kowloon

Despite of the hotel name, you don’t need to be a YMCA member. It’s just like a normal hotel. Many rank it as a four-star hotel, but comparing with the next door exclusive Peninsula, it is proved to be of great value for money.

Superior Location – A few reason you should stay at the YMCA Salisbury
- Opposite to Star Ferry
- Opposite to Hong Kong Cultural Centre. Nightly shows at the Grand Theatre and Concert Hall.
- Opposite to the Space Museum and the Museum of Art. If you are a museum fan, you can also walk or take a short taxi ride to the nearby Museum of History and Science Museum.
- Opposite to Star of Avenue, the best place to look at Hong Kong, especially at night.
- At the corner of Nathan Road, where major shopping areas are.
- Three-minute walk to MTR Tsimshatsui station.

Itinerary Suggestions – departing from YMCA Salisbury

Walk to Star Ferry, which is just opposite. Take a scenic ferry ride (HK$2.2 only) to Central, Hong Kong. Arriving Star Ferry in Central, you have two options:

Option 1 – continue to explore Central on covered footbridges
Option 2 – take bus 15C to change to Peak Tram to visit the Peak / or walk to Exchange Square bus terminus, take bus 15 to go the Peak directly.

Explore Central on Covered Footbridges
The pedestrians’ footbridges in Central Hong Kong is designed in such a great way that you don’t really need an umbrella on a rainy day even you had to walk for quite a considerable distance.

Once you get off the Star Ferry, go up at any entrance to the footbridge and you are immediately connected to the IFC Mall. You must be impressed by the prestigious shops and items here. Even you don’t plan to buy, you do enjoy exploring this world class shopping mall.

Continue your way north, you will pass by the Airport Express Hong Kong Station, Exchange Square. Further north (facing the hills and with harbour on your back, turn right if needed to turn), you are connected to the uphill escalators. Along the way, you can exit at Hollywood Road to explore the galleries and antique shops or the Man Mo Temple.

Further up, you can explore the Soho area where bars and restaurants of all kind are. Down the hill, you can find an MTR station in Central. Take only two stops (via Admiralty), get off at Tsaimshatsui, then after three minutes walk, you are back to your hotel.

Explore the Peak of Hong Kong
If you opt for the Peak tour, you can choose to go up by bus and down by Peak Tram. Connected by bus 15C back to Star Ferry and go back to your hotel. If you decided to go up by Peak Tram and down by bus, you can get off at Central and change to MTR to go back to your hotel.

See? It is extremely convenient to move around if you are staying at the YMCA Salisbury of Hong Kong.

Anna's note: Above itinerary suggestions will also work if you stay at the Peninsula or Sheraton. InterContinental will take a few more minutes to walk to the Star Ferry and/or MTR station.

Salisbury YMCA of Hong Kong Reviews


Hong Kong Travel - Budget Hotel - YMCA Salisbury

Budget Hotel at Tsimshatsui

Tsimshatsui is one of the most cosmopolitan areas of Hong Kong. Thousands of tourists like to spend time here for various interests and activities. It is also a transportation hub where many tourist groups meet and dismiss.

Right facing the Victoria Harbour, there are several luxury hotels such as The Peninsula and the InterContinental which I have introduced previously.

Today, let me introduce a budget hotel in Tsimshatsi which is right next to The Peninsula, having the same harbour view and prime location.

YMCA Salisbury
Let's take a look at the map below. At the harbour front, the YMCA and The Peninsula are standing side by side at the prime location of Tsimshatsui.

In my next post, I am going to talk about YMCA Salisbury in more details.

P: The Peninsula

Y: YMCA Salisbury

I: InterContinental

Hong Kong Travel - Budget Hotel - YMCA Salisbury

Hong Kong Luxury Hotel - The Peninsula

Location: Tsimshatsui, Kowloon (walking distance to Star Ferry)

The Peninsula Hong Kong is one of the most historical luxury hotels here. Buildings in Tsimshatsui used to be limited to 18 storeys. Following the relocation of the airport, the height restriction was lifted and hence The Peninsula has a newer and taller building. Its modern appearance had a great contract with its traditional English look.

Perfect Harbour View
Facing the harbour front at Tsimshatsui, The Peninsula has the best location to look at the Victoria Harbour and its world famous night view. Everyday towards evening, there are numerous photogenic fans with their tripods gathering outside the Hong Kong Cultural Centre (just opposite to The Peninsula) trying to capture the best of Hong Kong at night. Yes, to look at the beautiful Hong Kong night view, it is always the best to look from Kowloon side to Hong Kong side. You must be fully impressed by the breathtaking scene. Staying at The Peninsula, you don’t have to compete with the crowds. Just book a harbour view room, sit back and enjoy. Of course if you come around Chinese New Year, you would have an extra bonus of having one the best locations to view the fireworks.

Apart from the harbour view rooms, The Peninsula has a fabulous rooftop restaurant with panoramic views and a sun terrace – both overlook the Victoria Harbour. I once had my company conference here and I really agree that it is a life time experience. Even I live in Hong Kong, I never had a chance to look at Hong Kong in such a fabulous breathtaking setting. If you are on luxury travel to Hong Kong, The Peninsula is one of the top choices.

The Helicopter and Rolls-Royce
The Peninsula Hotel Hong Kong is famous for its fleet of Rolls-Royce limousines which are used to transport guests in style to various locations throughout the territory. In addition, twin helipads on the roof provide a convenient landing spot for guests who wish to arrive or depart by helicopter. What could be more luxurious!

The Peninsula Hong Kong

Hong Kong Travel - Luxury Hotel - The Peninsula

Hong Kong Luxury Hotel - InterContinental

InterContinental

Location: Tsimshatsui, Kowloon

At the end of the Avenue of Stars, it has perfect view of Victoria Harbour and Hong Kong skyline. Walking distance to Star Ferry.

Lobby Lounge
The Lobby Lounge is one of Hong Kong's most treasured meeting places from early morning to late evening – celebrities in particular. You might bump into Jackie Chan when you are next here. Magnificent floor-to-ceiling windows reveal breathtaking views of bustling Victoria Harbour. This is probably one of the best venues to have a full view of the Victoria Harbour while having a cup of high tea and to view the magnificent Hong Kong sunset.

InterContinental Wedding
Apart from being one of the most luxurious hotels in Hong Kong, the InterContinental Hong Kong is also famous for is wedding package. Local celebrities like to hold their weddings here. The latest being Kelly Chan, the famous star singer. It has a special wedding package to ensure a very unique, prestigious and memorable wedding. It is ranked 13/50 Best Wedding Locations by The Independent. If you are planning your wedding, you might want to consider the InterContinental Hong Kong.

InterContinental Hong Kong

Hong Kong Travel Blog - Luxury Hotel - InterContinental

Hong Kong Luxury Hotel - Four Seasons

Hong Kong Luxury Hotel – Four Seasons

Location: Central, Hong Kong island

If you are on luxury travel, Hong Kong has a great choice of internationally famous 5-star hotels that one of them must suit your taste.

The first 5-star hotel I would like to recommend is the Four Seasons, one of the newest luxury hotels in Hong Kong.

Opened in September 2005, the Four Seasons Hong Kong is connected to the IFC Mall, a great place for shopping and dining. The new Star Ferry is within walking distance.

Why Four Seasons
One of the major advantages of the Four Seasons is its superb location. Examine the map here will help you explore Central Hong Kong while originating from the Four Seasons. Click to view a larger map.

- Atop Airport Express Hong Kong Station
- Three-minute walk to MTR Central Station
- Five-minute walk to Star Ferry
- Connected to the IFC Mall by footbridge
- Connected to the other malls in Central by covered footbridge. You don’t really need to carry an umbrella even on a rainy day, if you decide to tour around Central area.
- Connected to the other major first class commercial buildings in Central, such as IFC One and IFC Two, Exchange Square, Chater House, The Landmark and so on…
- Within walking distance to Soho and Lan Kwai Fong – ideal places for barhopping. Connected by covered footbridge makes life easy for travelers.
- Excellent harbour view; wonderful for viewing fireworks

Fine Dinning
Four Seasons has the only Chinese Restaurant in Hong Kong which has a Michelin 3-star rating – Lung King Heen. Its French Restaurant, Caprice, also has a Michelin 2-star rating. No wonder these are fabulous restaurants, but please make sure to bring a thick wallet.

Read Four Seasons Reviews.

Hong Kong Travel Blog - Luxury Hotel - Four Seasons

Hong Kong Luxury Hotel - Mandarin Oriental

Mandarin Oriental

Location: Central, Hong Kong island

Following a nine-month $140 million renovation, Mandarin Oriental reopened at end of September 2006. Originally opened in 1963, Mandarin Oriental is one of the most luxuries hotels in Hong Kong. It is within walking distance to Star Ferry, the Landmark and the IFC Malls.

Mandarin Barber
Apart from its world famous SPA and fine dining services, the Hong Kong Mandarin Barber shop is one of the most popular barber shops in town. Why? I had never used their services. But my boss, my former bosses and most of the businessmen I know use their service. HK$350 for a hair cut is quite expensive, but they are always fully booked. For male guests who want a grooming, please make sure to make a booking in advance. Walk in service is not guaranteed.

· Telephone: +852 2825 4088
· Facsimile: +852 2810 6190
· Email: mohkg-barber@mohg.com
Opening Hours
· Monday to Saturday 8am–7pm
· Sunday 10am-5pm

Note: Mandarin has a boutique hotel called Landmark Oriental which is just a few blocks away. If you want to go for a truly 5-star luxury hotel, make sure to book the Mandarin Oriental at 5 Connaught Road Central.

Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong

Hong Kong Travel Blog - Luxury Hotel - Mandarin Oriental

Hong Kong Luxury Hotel - Island Shangri-La

Island Shangri-La

Location: Admiralty, Hong Kong island

Atop Admiralty MTR and connected to Pacific Place shopping mall. You can visit Hong Kong Park which is just opposite to its main entrance on lobby level.

The company I work for is a corporate client of Island Shangri-La. I was invited to tour around their hotel and inspected some of the rooms. In-room internet and private fax are available at no extra cost.

The minimum level guest rooms are on the 39th floor plus the hotel is at an altitude, almost all the rooms facing harbour side are guaranteed of full harbour view. However you would also feel happy about their mountain views.

Lovely Pool
I am a health club member of Island Shangri-La. I pay the expensive fee only because of its lovely pool and its wonderful views. Water is kept at 28°C year round. If you enjoy swimming, you must love Island Shangri-La.

Café Too
If you are a buffet fan, you must love this hotel. Café Too on the 7th floor is a famous buffet venue in Hong Kong. My office is nearby and I do buffet here quite often. I must admit that you would need to visit this restaurant at least three times in order to be able to taste a bit of each and everything.

Note: There is another Shangri-La situated on the Kowloon side. Please make sure your booking is for the Island Shangri-La or you might get upset.

Read Island Shangri-La reviews.

Hong Kong Travel Blog - Luxury Hotel - Island Shangri-La

Hong Kong Luxury Hotel - Grand Hyatt

Grand Hyatt

Location: Wanchai, Hong Kong island

Grand Hyatt is a truly luxury hotel. It is the president’s choice. It has a 285-square-meter presidential suite, overlooking the whole of the Victoria Harbour. No wonder Bill Clinton chose to stay here when he visited Hong Kong in 1998. Actually he is not the only celebrity who stays here.

Connected to the Hong Kong Convention & Exhibition Centre and Central Plaza by footbridge, it is ideal if you come to Hong Kong for conferences or exhibitions. The Wanchai MTR station and the Wanchai red light district as well as the bars in Lockhard Road and Jaffee Road are some 5 to 10 minutes by walking. If you enjoy bar hopping, Grand Hyatt is not bad a choice.

If you come around Chinese New Year and want to view the fireworks, please make sure to booking a room with harbour view. Of course you would prepare to pay high price.


Grand Hyatt Hong Kong


Hong Kong Travel Blog - Luxury Hotel - Grand Hyatt