Hong Kong for Solo Traveller

[Lynda2475]

Hi AFF Brains Trust,

I have a QF PE classic reward flight SYD-HKG return departing on 26 Dec (5 nights) and arriving back in SYD 1-Jan (mandatory office Christmas shutdown) and as this is my first trip to HK am looking for advice on where to stay both area and specific hotels, where to eat and must sees.

Im travelling solo, so want good proximity/easy walk to the MTR and a modern comfortable hotel probably 4 star in a safe area (ideally under $400/night), unless there is a great deal on something better (or heaps of inclusions). Really dislike showers over a bath, so looking for walk in shower, comfy bed, free wifi.

Google seems to indicate staying in Central, or should I be looking at Tsim Sha Tsui or Causeway Bay? Or split my stay between 2 locations?

Hopefully I will be able to meet up with a couple of friends that live in HK (2 locals and 1 explat), but as its still a while away they aren't sure if they will also be travelling yet - so want to ensure Im ideally located to be self sufficient 100% of the time if needed.

I usually do a walking or food (or coughtail) tour to get my bearings. Are there any unique (or left field) experiences anyone can recommend? Is a day trip to Macau worth it for someone who has zero interest in gambling?

I very much want to try a lot of foods curious to see how yum cha and other cantonese cuisine compares with what we are used to here. Hoping for to experience a mix of fine dining and cheap eats - but have heard a lot of places are skewed towards group dining - so where can I go and get a solo table (or bar seating) without missing the best food?

Thanks,

Lynda

 

[JackMiles]

Hi Linda,

The Cordis is a really good value hotel in Mong Kok. It is right by a metro stop to get you to TST / HK Island etc, but the Mong Kok area itself is pretty interesting - less touristy and very busy. There's certainly a good argument to say stay on the island for your first time to HK. But if you don't mind catching the metro (which is super easy), then the Cordis (and other places in the area) offer much better value than hotels on the island.

As for sights; beyond the obvious ones, a trip to Lamma Island might appeal, Dragon's Back trail is a pretty easy scenic walk, there's some cool housing estates (but be respectful of residents).

I was last in HK solo as well. The main food experience I found a tad difficult to do solo was roast duck, which at the better places usually comes in a large sharing portion (eg, half or whole duck). No problem finding places to eat noodles or dumplings, and you can get roast meats in for-one portions at cheap places.

Also recommend having a look at the Sunday Brunch at Duddells, for a very enjoyable way to try a bunch of good quality local dishes - along with lots of champagne.

 

[Steady]

Ive only visited HKG 4-5 times but now I choose to stay out at Mongkok, I love all the little restaurants catering for locals, and the MRT makes getting around very easy and cheap.
Im not interested in gambling and have done the day trip to Macau, I really enjoyed it - make sure you have a Portuguese egg tart while your there - IMO the egg tarts are enough reason to visit Macau

 

[SeatBackForward]

Ive only visited HKG 4-5 times but now I choose to stay out at Mongkok, I love all the little restaurants catering for locals, and the MRT makes getting around very easy and cheap.
Im not interested in gambling and have done the day trip to Macau, I really enjoyed it - make sure you have a Portuguese egg tart while your there - IMO the egg tarts are enough reason to visit Macau

Lord Stowes Bakery was the best I had while I lived in Macau!

 

[Hvr]

Macau is worth a visit even as a non-gambler. The Portuguese influence is very obvious and makes for some wonderful views. The 'Ruins of St Paul's are definitely worth a visit.

 

[Daver6]

I don't think it matters too much if you stay in TST/Mongkok or on the island. Transport on the MTR is so easy and efficient, I'd just make the decision based on the hotel you want to stay at. Alternatively split where you stay.

 

[jastel]

I have never stayed on the island, and only ever been there by myself...what you save on hotels you can spend elsewhere.
It is minutes by MRT or even the Star ferry should be done once or twice...bottom and top deck.
Also if you stay in TST, still plenty of good hotels over here, you can see "Hong Kong", they have a sound and light show each night on the harbour. If you stay on the island it doesn't look as good.
There is an avenue of stars walk along the front of TST.
Giant Budha, Ngong Ping Cableway up and bus back down, top deck front seat for maximum effect.
Disneyland if you want that...also an Ocean Park seaworld type place.
Stanley markets are not much anymore but the beach is ok.
There are many small temples and shrines, walk down back alleys and into building for weird shops and maybe some bargains.
There are many different markets selling a set product in a set street.
People having exercise and sports in the park at all hours in the small green spaces.

You will not be bored.

 

[Lynda2475]

I think Im leaning towards staying on the island for first visit - narrowing the search to Sheung Wan, Central, Wan Chai or Causeway Bay. If i liken it to New York, I stayed in heart of Manhattan first visit (upper west side), where as on later visits I now prefer to live like a local on the lower east side.

Im a little torn between going upmarket very easy to do - and something i've succumbed to for my Singapore visit or more basic but central.

Any hotel recommendations on the Island? Familiar with any of these:

• SoHotel seems to be very good value (loyalty program helps) however seems no easy way to guarantee a room with shower (and not awful shower tub combo); Similar for Novotel Century and Pullman Park Lane;
• Ovolo Central looks like it has potential, has some noise complaints - but inclusions like mini bar and hot breaky seem great.
• The executive studio at Kew Green seemed promising until i read that its a shower tub combo, but AU$1800 for 5 nights is a good price with breaky, free minibar/snacks etc.
• Dorsett Wanchai (formerly Cosmopolitan) seems to have some good deals too
  
• Hotel Vic seems nice but is a bit further out.

Duddells looks cool for breaky at least once. I was in Portugal last year so am curious to see how Macaus' s egg tarts compare with those in Lisbon which were so so good.

I will make sure I spend at least a full day over on Kowloon side and stay late to see the light show, definitely will not do Disney (i was underwhelmed by original Anaheim Disneyland and Disney World Orlando).

 

[Anna]

I like to stay in TST because the view over to the island is nicer than the reverse view.

 

[Spongbob]

A day excursion to Canton city is worthwhile. Ferry ride to the PRC mainland, bus to the city and train back to HKG. The Qantas "activities" has has details.

 

[CMA222]

Get an Octopus Card at the airport when you arrive. You return it when you depart and get back any balance less HK$9. Works on all public transport including the Airport Express, trams and the Star ferry. Take the bus (separately) to both Stanley and The Peak. Departs from Exchange Square Bus Station (via Hong Kong Station Exit D). Bus 6, 6A, 6X, 66 or 260 for Stanley. For the Peak use bus route 15. For almost no cost you get an amazing ride and see the island from every aspect, plus you visit both destinations.

 

[Lynda2475]

Will definitely get an Octopus card.

Looked at Cordis (directly on their site) but the only room type under $400/night on the days im there have shower/tub combo so it is out, its a trip hazard i dont need. Unless booking a family room, no idea why they just dont put a nice walk in shower with decent water pressure (rainfall head). Way more efficient use of space and safer for guests.

 

[JackMiles]

Will definitely get an Octopus card.

Looked at Cordis (directly on their site) but the only room type under $400/night on the days im there have shower/tub combo so it is out, its a trip hazard i dont need. Unless booking a family room, no idea why they just dont put a nice walk in shower with decent water pressure (rainfall head). Way more efficient use of space and safer for guests.

Oh, that's a shame. I jagged a really great deal on the Cordis - got a studio room for ~$240/night. They must really pump the prices up around the Xmas-NYE period.

 

[Lynda2475]

They must really pump the prices up around the Xmas-NYE period

Does seem to be the case, rooms that are under $300 this week are $450+ that week. Lots of the promos happening at the moment seem to exclude that week too.

 

[AisleSeat]

Will definitely get an Octopus card.

You can also use it at 7-11, Circle K and vending machines.

 

[docjames]

Very happy with the Holiday Inn at TST.

 

[wazza888]

I was at the Cordis several years ago when it was the Langham Place Hotel. Great location in Mong kok.

 

[Hvr]

Very happy with the Holiday Inn at TST.

The HIX at Mongkok is also quite good.

 

[trippin_the_rift]

+1 Vote for Central

- Zero messing around from airport (train = direct), whereas TST etc you'll need to connect
- MTR lines intersect at Central
- All the cool stuff is nearby Central anyway (especially if you're solo)

Personally, I would stay away from major chains. Every foreigner and their mum stays at big chains and the prices are pumped up because of that, and your Titatinum Diamond Purple Elite status is nothing because half the guests are top-tier. There are plenty of excellent 4 and 5-star hotels outside the normal chains which offer exceptional value.

 

[Aeolus]

If this is your first visit, don’t do Kew Green, rooms are tiny. Cordis/Langham/Harbour Grand are good choices. For slightly lower price, Novotel is quite respectable as well. Also, have you checked the Hilton APAC sales? Conrad hkg is really nice.