Hong Kong Accommodation

Most hotels are in the heart of the city, in Central, Wan Chai and Causeway Bay on Hong Kong Island, and in Tsim Sha Tsui and Tsim Sha Tsui East in Kowloon. There are also a growing number of resort-style hotels in the New Territories that offer relaxing alternatives. There is an excellent range of options and prices. The Miramar Hotel off Nathan Road is a 4-star property with spacious rooms and an excellent location close to restaurants and nightlife. The Emperor is also in this area and is a good property, although the rooms are very small. The Kimberley Hotel (2 ½ to 3 stars) is popular with backpackers. The Park Hotel, where I stayed on my 2002 visit, is a good, basic 3-star hotel. This trip, I had an opportunity to review two excellent hotels:

Harbour Plaza Metropolis, www.harbour-plaza.com/hpme
This 4-star Kowloon hotel is fairly central, connected to a mall leading to the Hung Hom train station. Standard rooms are small; however, one-bedroom suites include a sitting area and kitchen - perfect for families. There is a full spa and a large gym. The pool overlooking the harbour is an outstanding feature, and the patio area is ideal for weddings or other gatherings. A shuttle runs to and from the Kowloon Hotel, near the Nathan Road shopping areas.

Intercontinental Grand Stanford Hotel, www.hongkong.intercontinental.com
This 5-star hotel features large, North American-style rooms with lovely views of the Hong Kong Harbour. Convention facilities are excellent, but the spa and pool are not as nice as the Harbour Plaza. The hotel is 25 years old but well maintained.

Getting Around Hong Kong

Hong Kong is a very modern city, which is certainly evident in its convenient transportation systems. It's easy to get around, and there are many ways to go: city buses, trolleys, the Star ferry across the Harbour, taxis and the metro, plus rickshaw-style bicycles. Avoid taking a taxi across the Causeway during rush hour, as the driver will charge you the toll, which is quite expensive.

Getting to Hong Kong

We flew to Hong Kong with Cathay Pacific, which offers daily flights from Vancouver. Air Canada also offers daily non-stop flights from Vancouver to Hong Kong.

Hong Kong Travel Tips

  • Visitors from most countries, including Canada can enter Hong Kong without a visa for periods of seven days to six months, depending on nationality. For the latest status, ask your Calgary Co-op Travel consultant or check with any Chinese embassy or consulate. All travelers entering Hong Kong are subject to temperature screening for severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) and may require further medical examination if they display any symptoms.
  • Most restaurants levy a 10% service charge, but waiters also expect to be given some loose change. If there is no service charge, waiters expect a 10% tip. However, tipping is left to your discretion. Bellboys, porters, restroom attendants and taxi drivers will happily accept loose change.
  • The standard electrical voltage is 220 volts AC, so you'll need an adaptor. The majority of electrical outlets in Hong Kong take a three-pronged plug. You can buy an inexpensive adaptor in Hong Kong.
  • Most hotels have Internet access. You can also access the Internet free at many coffee shops, large shopping malls, major MTR stations and public libraries.
  • Hong Kong is one of the safest cities in the world and, even at night, people feel confident walking alone.
  • English is very widely spoken. You'll have no problem communicating with people in most hotels and restaurants- or conversing with some of the taxi drivers.

Hong Kong Tourist Office website: www.discoverhongkong.com.

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