Job Discussion Forums

jonathanj · Joined: 09 Mar 2005 Posts: 93

I will be arriving with my wife on July 20th, 2009. We will be looking to stay for 7 nights. Should I book a room in advance (which requires a credit card and advanced payment of 10%) or just show up to Chungking Mansions with cash in hand? Thanks

Edit: I will be arriving at HK INTL airport at 10:30 pm, so maybe a little late.

Marcoregano · Joined: 19 May 2003 Posts: 872 Location: Hong Kong

I wouldn't recommend Chungking Mansions (unless you like sleeping in a shoebox), and certainly not turning up there with your wife at midnight! I rec the Salisbury YMCA - about 100US for a harbour view room or 60US for a city view last time I stayed. If that's too steep there are cheaper places ... perhaps others can help...

oxi · Joined: 16 Apr 2007 Posts: 347 Location: elsewhere

How budget do you want to go?

I used this place and it's ok - http://rentaroomhk.com/
Not as nice as a hotel, but cheap, and better than Chung King.

Otherwise, most Central hotels I'd consider for myself and my wife would be over 700HK$ a night

Also went to Mui Wo for a week at HK$500 a night in Silvermine Beach Hotel - but then it takes an hour or so to go to Central by ferry.

oxi · Joined: 16 Apr 2007 Posts: 347 Location: elsewhere

Having just checked booking.com, there seems to be a lot of deals for late July down to HK$350ish per night for decent places in Kowloon, Wanchai, etc. All better than Chungking

Tinseltown Rebellion · Joined: 02 Jun 2009 Posts: 44

OP, there is nothing wrong with Chungking Mansions; not at midday or midnight, with or without a wife in tow. If you want to experience the 'real HK' (hot, humid, crowded, claustrophobic, dirty, smelly, fast-paced, nervy, edgy, etc.) then that is the place I would recommend. The only reason most people don't like it is simply that they are scared of 'non-whites' and non-Chinese, especially those of obvious Pakistani/Afghan descent.

Marcoregano · Joined: 19 May 2003 Posts: 872 Location: Hong Kong

oxi · Joined: 16 Apr 2007 Posts: 347 Location: elsewhere

Tinseltown Rebellion/Bogey

Tinseltown Rebellion · Joined: 02 Jun 2009 Posts: 44

OP, as you will see, if anyone in HK gives an opinion which differs from the majority then they are 'wrong', and must be attacked. In HK the government does not need the same social control and censorship measures as their cousins employ on the mainland since the populace � especially the 'ex-pats' � quite cheerfully control and censor themselves. Everybody must think the same.

The responses of those above remind me of the people who made the online promotions for Langham Hotel:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Rihlqs5rRA

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K_YU5-M4h7g

The message is clear: avoid the dirty locals and stay in an overpriced, same-as-anywhere-else Western hotel.

OP, do yourself and your trouble and strife a favour and stay in Chungking Mansions. Experience the real HK. Why limit your experience of HK to predominately and sometimes exclusively Western ex-pat areas? The other posters' remarks make it abundantly clear that they do not feel safe or comfortable around non-Whites and non-Chinese, but just ignore these bigots and have the experience of a lifetime in warren-like Chungking Mansions complex!

oxi · Joined: 16 Apr 2007 Posts: 347 Location: elsewhere

TR,

joey2001 · Joined: 26 Oct 2006 Posts: 697

Sugar Magnolia · Joined: 14 Oct 2008 Posts: 233

I suggest the Holiday Inn. It is located on Nathan Road between the Chungking and Mirador Mansions. It costs a bit more though, but, the breakfast buffet is nice!

They offer all the western comfort you need and you can also savor the Hong Kong experience by simply walking to the 7-11 on the corner.

When in HK, check out "Fat Angelo's" for good family style Italian food.