Hong Kong and Macau_ City Guide (Lonely Planet, 14th Edition) - Andrew Stone [168]
All HKYHA hostels have separate toilets and showers for men and women, and cooking facilities. They provide blankets, pillows and sheet bags, though you may prefer to take your own. Most hostels have lockers available.
Prices for a bed in a dormitory range from $30 to $100 a night, depending on the hostel and whether you are a junior (under 18 years of age) or senior member.
Only two of the hostels are open daily. Jockey Club Mount Davis Hostel Click here allows check-in from 3pm till 11pm daily, while Bradbury Jockey Club Youth Hostel Click here is open to guests from 4pm to 11pm on weekdays and 3pm to 11pm on weekends and holidays. Travellers are not normally permitted to stay more than six nights, but this can be negotiated with the HKYHA.
If you’re booking more than three days in advance, ring or email the HKYHA head office. International computerised bookings are also possible for Jockey Club Mount Davis Hostel and Bradbury Jockey Club Youth Hostel. To reserve a bed less than three days before your stay, call the particular hostel directly. The phone numbers of the individual hostels are listed in the relevant reviews in this chapter.
The Country & Marine Parks Authority ( 1823; www.afcd.gov.hk) maintains about 38 basic camp sites in the New Territories and Outlying Islands that are intended for walkers and hikers.
Rental Accommodation
Those staying in Hong Kong for over a month may be interested in serviced apartments (see for recommendations). Many hotels now also offer extraordinarily good-value, long-term packages at certain times throughout the year.
Other than that, a one-bedroom apartment in the Mid-Levels will cost anywhere from $10,000 a month. That same apartment will go for somewhat less in Tsim Sha Tsui or Wan Chai. The districts in eastern Hong Kong Island, western Hong Kong Island, and northeastern or northwestern Kowloon are more affordable – you may even find a one-bedroom apartment (roughly 60 sq metres) for as little as $5000 a month. A guide to prices and availability can be found on the website www.gohome.com.hk.
Apartments are generally rented out with little or no furniture, but used furnishings can easily be bought from departing foreigners. Check the noticeboards at pubs and supermarkets, particularly around expatriate housing areas. Also check the classified advertisements of the weekend English-language papers and HK Magazine or try the website www.asiaxpat.com. Estate agents usually take a fee equivalent to two weeks’ rent. Other upfront expenses include a deposit, usually equal to two months’ rent, and, of course, the first month’s rent in advance.
Long-term accommodation on the Out-lying Islands and in the Sai Kung area of the New Territories offers far better value than the equivalent on Hong Kong Island or in Kowloon. Things to weigh up, however, include transport costs and the time spent commuting. Though nowhere near as cheap, Discovery Bay on Lantau is another affordable option.
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$$$$ More than $2600
$$$ $1600 to $2600
$$ $600 to $1600
$ Up to $600
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RESERVATIONS
Making a reservation for accommodation is not essential outside peak periods, but it can save you a lot of time, hassle and, depending on the season, money. If you fly into Hong Kong without having booked anything, the Hong Kong Hotels Association (HKHA; Map; 2375 3838; www.hkha.org; 508-511 Silvercord Tower Two, 30 Canton Rd, Tsim Sha Tsui; Star Ferry, MTR Tsim Sha Tsui, exit A1) has reservation centres located inside Halls A and B (level 5) of the Hong Kong International Airport. It can book you into a midrange or top-end hotel room for as much as 50% cheaper than if you were to walk in yourself.
Booking through a travel agent can garner substantial discounts – sometimes up to 40% off the walk-in price. If you’re in Hong Kong and want to book a midrange or luxury hotel, contact Phoenix Services Agency ( Map; 2722