nightfly
Well-known
Heading to Cambodia at the end of March and have a long layover in Hong Kong. Want to go into Hong Kong and stay overnight and explore a bit.
Photographically, I'm interested in the neon light, Wong Kar Wei, side of things but am open to any and all suggestions of what to do where to stay etc. Right now just need to book a hotel. Doesn't need to be budget but don't need super luxury either.
Any suggestions appreciated.
Photographically, I'm interested in the neon light, Wong Kar Wei, side of things but am open to any and all suggestions of what to do where to stay etc. Right now just need to book a hotel. Doesn't need to be budget but don't need super luxury either.
Any suggestions appreciated.
Hogarth Ferguson
Well-known
Firstly, Cambodia is awesome. Make sure to stop in Battambang for the bamboo railway, if you can.
We stayed in Kowloon, it was walkable to most things, or metroable to everything else. I'll see if i can digup the hotel, it was not cheap, but it was cheap for hong kong.
We stayed in Kowloon, it was walkable to most things, or metroable to everything else. I'll see if i can digup the hotel, it was not cheap, but it was cheap for hong kong.
Out to Lunch
Ventor
To save time, consider staying in one of the nearby airport hotels and take the subway in and out of town.
peterm1
Veteran
I love Honkers. Trying to convince the missus its time to go again to explore more. I have tended in the past to stay on the Kowloon-side, accommodation wise and would suggest for a quick lay over this is definitely the best though there is lots to see and do on the Island too. But it does go quieter in many areas at night given the predominance of offices there whereas Kowloon fires up as no one in HK seems to eat at home and the streets are full of locals looking for dinner. If nothing else it is interesting. Also shops tend to start late and open late.
Mongkok, a working class district is interesting but if you stay in the more touristy Tsim Sha Tsui there may be more for someone just there for a one nighter. As a photographer I enjoyed :
- Victoria Harbour nights with its wonderful view of the island.
- Kowloon Park - the place locals go (in the day time) to relax amongst greenery. Always a lot of people photography there.
- The many wonderful and cheap restaurants - Hong Kongers are gourmets almost it seems without exception.
- The side streets with their neon signs overhanging the road.
- A trip on the Star Ferry to the Island. Cheap and superb views.
If you are asking about hotels there are plenty at all prices. In fact you are spoiled for choice.
Bear in mind in HK where space is at a premium rooms tend to be on the small side. The Holiday Inn Golden Mile on Tsim Sha is an old stand by and centrally located though probably a bit dated. And there is no view except of nearby alley ways. On reflection others would be better in that respect at least as there is a lot to choose from in that price range.
My favorite, if you are willing and able to outlay the extra cash - considering it is one night only, is the Shangrila Kowloon. It is luxury hotel - but not by HK standards a super luxury one. Shell out the extra $ for a Harbor View Room (which do happen to be a large room by most people's standards) and you will be blown away by the view. In fact it may be hard to sleep, the view of the night time comings and goings on the harbour are so entrancing. Leave the curtains open and you will awake at dawn with the same view. Its rather pricey of course, but for one night it's a worthwhile indulgence if you have the money to spend and are willing to spend it, especially if you can pick up a special for a late booking on an otherwise empty room. Wotif rates for Harbor View room for say next week for example (shorter notice generally gives lower prices on Wotif) are around $460 Aust - say $350 US. Rack rates are of course much higher. It also puts you close to many attractions on the Kowloon side.
But apart from big 5 star rooms and a world wide reputation for quality and service, a view like this are why prices are not cheap.
The harbour - red sails at night by Life in Shadows, on Flickr
Victoria Harbour traffic by Life in Shadows, on Flickr
Hong Kong dawn and mist 5 by Life in Shadows, on Flickr
Victoria Harbour - old and new 2 by Life in Shadows, on Flickr
Mongkok, a working class district is interesting but if you stay in the more touristy Tsim Sha Tsui there may be more for someone just there for a one nighter. As a photographer I enjoyed :
- Victoria Harbour nights with its wonderful view of the island.
- Kowloon Park - the place locals go (in the day time) to relax amongst greenery. Always a lot of people photography there.
- The many wonderful and cheap restaurants - Hong Kongers are gourmets almost it seems without exception.
- The side streets with their neon signs overhanging the road.
- A trip on the Star Ferry to the Island. Cheap and superb views.
If you are asking about hotels there are plenty at all prices. In fact you are spoiled for choice.
Bear in mind in HK where space is at a premium rooms tend to be on the small side. The Holiday Inn Golden Mile on Tsim Sha is an old stand by and centrally located though probably a bit dated. And there is no view except of nearby alley ways. On reflection others would be better in that respect at least as there is a lot to choose from in that price range.
My favorite, if you are willing and able to outlay the extra cash - considering it is one night only, is the Shangrila Kowloon. It is luxury hotel - but not by HK standards a super luxury one. Shell out the extra $ for a Harbor View Room (which do happen to be a large room by most people's standards) and you will be blown away by the view. In fact it may be hard to sleep, the view of the night time comings and goings on the harbour are so entrancing. Leave the curtains open and you will awake at dawn with the same view. Its rather pricey of course, but for one night it's a worthwhile indulgence if you have the money to spend and are willing to spend it, especially if you can pick up a special for a late booking on an otherwise empty room. Wotif rates for Harbor View room for say next week for example (shorter notice generally gives lower prices on Wotif) are around $460 Aust - say $350 US. Rack rates are of course much higher. It also puts you close to many attractions on the Kowloon side.
But apart from big 5 star rooms and a world wide reputation for quality and service, a view like this are why prices are not cheap.
The harbour - red sails at night by Life in Shadows, on FlickrVictoria Harbour traffic by Life in Shadows, on FlickrHong Kong dawn and mist 5 by Life in Shadows, on FlickrVictoria Harbour - old and new 2 by Life in Shadows, on Flickr