How to Find Hotels in Hong Kong, China

Hong Kong is a city with multiple identities due to its history as a former British colony. Though returned to China in 1984, it retains much of its British influence, as well as its Cantonese and Chinese flavors and traditions. Renown for its exquisite skyline, frenzied pace and upscale shopping and cuisine, Hong Kong is a desirable vacation spot and is less expensive than most other major cities.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Know Your Destination

1. Find the majority of skyscrapers, businesses and nightlife along the Northern coastline of Hong Kong Island, a densely populated area.

2. Enjoy some of the finest cuisine in the world while visiting Hong Kong. Dim Sum is a popular meal usually served for breakfast or lunch. It consists of multiple plates holding small portions of carefully prepared Cantonese food.

3. Spend time perusing the many shops and malls selling electronics, clothing and high-end name brand items while in Hong Kong. Prices are often lower than in many other large cities.

Choose Your Transportation

4. Buy an Octopus Card if you are spending more than a few days in Hong Kong. Though somewhat pricey, they can be used on most public transportation, as well as in some stores and restaurants.

5. Take the Mass Transit Railway (MTR) for quick and affordable underground travel within the city.

6. Ride one of the city trams for the cheapest travel option. Three different types of public buses are also available for getting around town.

7. Call a taxi for efficient and clean travel, especially in the evenings. Hong Kong has the cheapest taxis in the world.

Find the Right Hotel

8. To book accommodations, contact Hong Kong Tourism Board at [phone] or visit their Web site (see Resources below).

9. Locate cheaper accommodations in Kowloon and the New Territories. There are a number of three-star hotels that offer reasonably priced, quality accommodations.

10. Stretch your dollar even more by staying at one of the many cheap hostels in the Kowloon area.

11. Discover luxury accommodations on Hong Kong Island. While not for the budget-conscious traveler, they are cheaper than in most other major cities.

Tips & Warnings

• Make your travel plans for Spring or Autumn when the weather is best. Winter in Hong Kong is quite chilly, and the Summers are hot and humid.
• Be aware that although the famed Chungking and Mirador Mansion Buildings both house hostels, it is not recommended to pay for more than one night upfront because of their less than stellar reputations.
• Watch your wallet and valuables, especially on public transportation. Though Hong Kong is relatively safe for a big city, petty crime is not uncommon.

[xiaoxue]

on 10/28/2007 Hong Kong was actually returned to China in 1997, not 1984.