Although Hong Kong has a reputation of being an expensive and congested city, where every square foot of land is worth its price in gold, finding a nice place to stay, at a reasonable price, should not necessarily be a "mission impossible".

In this article, I will introduce you to some clean, well-maintained and centrally-located places, where you can enjoy your stay in Asia's World City without having to dig too deep into your pocket.


1) Dragon hostel
Located in the heart of bustling Mongkok, a stone's throw away from the MTR Station, Ladies market, Langham place and other shopping, food and entertainment centers, this popular guesthouse is a favorite among backpackers and low-budget travelers.

Amenities include: air-con rooms, TV, free local phone, free internet access, clean linen & towels, storage place, assistance with travel arrangements and China visas, laundry and dry cleaning, tea & coffee making facilities and 24 hour reception desk.

The rate for a double-room with ensuite shower is around HK$ 250 - 380 per room per night (depends on season).
There are also dorm beds available (at a family room of four beds with shower): The rate is around HK$ 100 - 115 per person, per night.

Room 707, Sincere House, 83 Argyle St., Mongkok, Kowloon
Tel: (+852) 2395 0577


2) Ah Shan Hostel (Dragon Inn)
Also located in Sincere House, at the heart of Mongkok, Ah Shan Hostel is just as good as its neighbor, Dragon Hostel

Amenities include: air-con rooms, TV, free local direct-line phone, free internet access, clean linen & towels, shower, storage place, Guest Kitchen and 24 hour reception desk.

There are also budget rooms with shared bathrooms, but the difference in price is not too significant.

Double room with shower at a rate of around HK$ 280 - 400 per room per night (depends on season).
Dorm bed, at a family room of four single beds with shower, at around HK$ 115 per person, per night.

Room 1406, 14th Floor, Sincere House, 83 Argyle St., Mongkok, Kowloon
Tel: (+852) 2787 5934


3) The Salisbury - YMCA
With its million dollars location at the tip of Tsim sha Tsui, next to the legendary Peninsula, and its excellent variety of facilities and amenities, The Salisbury YMCA possibly provides the best value-for-money accommodation you can find in Hong Kong.

There are seven clean and comfortable dormitory rooms at the Salisbury, each with only four beds, and although the price they ask for is far higher than what you'll pay in an ordinary guesthouse, it still gives very good 'bang for the buck'…

Facilities include a great indoors swimming pool, Jacuzzi and Sauna, Well equipped gym, Squash courts, sport facilities and more...

HK$ 240 per bed per night + 10% service charge

41 Salisbury Rd., Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon
Tel: (+852) 2268 7888


4) Star Guest House
Located on busy Cameron Road, right in the heart of hectic Tsim sha Tsui, the good old Star Guest House provides a decent alternative to Chunking Mansion and its congested guesthouses...

Owned and managed by Charlie Chan, a friendly "Mr. fix it all", the guesthouse provides clean and comfortable rooms with air condition, ensuite toilet/bath, TV, free internet connection (in the larger rooms), phone and clean bed linen and towels.

Prices: From HK$ 300 per room per night (shared bathroom) to HK$ 500 per room per night (large room with ensuite bath)

6th Floor, 21 Cameron Rd., Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon
Tel: (+852) 2367 2284


5) Hong Kong Sealand Guest House
This popular guest house provides a fairly good alternative to Chunking and Mirador, at a fair price.

Rooms are reasonably decked out and clean, with free internet-wireless connection, TV, phone, ensuite bathroom, air-condition, and clean towels and bed linen... Shampoo, tooth brush & hair dryer are also available in the room.

In terms of location, the guesthouse enjoys an ideal position near the corner of Nathan Road and Cameron in Tsim sha Tsui... right in the heart of everything.

Double room with shared bathroom goes for around HK$ 320 per room per night, while an ensuite double bedroom goes for something like HK$ 350 - 400

Block D, 8th floor Majestic House, 80 Nathan Road, Tsim sha Tsui, Kowloon
Tel: (+852) 2368 9522


6) Alisan Guest House
This popular twenty years old guest house provides clean and comfortable rooms, at a reasonable price, right in the middle of trendy Causeway Bay.

The air-conditioned rooms are all clean and tidy, with ensuite toilet/shower, TV, free internet connection, phone (free calls within Hong Kong), clean bed linen and towels, and shared refrigerator, microwave and kettle... Otherwise, the staff are nice and speak reasonable English, which is another good thing.

Location wise, Alisan is right in the middle of things: A minute's walk from World Trade Centre, Causeway Bay's MTR station and the leading shopping malls...

Prices are quite sensible for this class of guesthouse: HK$ 400-450 per double room per night.

Flat A, 5/F Hoito Court (Hoi Tao), 275 Gloucestar Road. Causeway Bay
Tel: (+852) 2838 0762



And here is one last tip before signing off on this article :
Many hostels and guesthouses around Tsim sha Tsui are touted quite vigorously. Touts who work for these places will tell you whatever you want to hear, and will try to convince you they actually work for the same hostel you are looking for...
Remember: a reputable establishment doesn't need to be touted... so think twice before you follow these fellows, and make sure the name and the address of the place they take you to are identical to the ones of the place you initially planned to go to (including floor number and so on)...
There's absolutely no reason for you to be disappointed!

For more information about Hong Kong, you can refer to my previous posts:
1)One night in Hong Kong (A detailed guide for an overnight stopover in Hong Kong).

2) How to cover Hong Kong's "must-sees" on a day-long stopover

3) Hong Kong Restaurant and Nightlife Guide (with hundreds of excellent recommendations and a detailed article about Hong Kong's dining and entertainment precincts).

4) Hong Kong Tours, Attractions and Sightseeing (more than a dozen suggestions for Do-it-yourself city tours of Hong Kong).


Copyright © Roni Shwartz (AsiaExpert)

Again, would have been useful a few months ago. But I want to add Harbour hotel in Canton Road, Mongkok, cheap rates but small room. Still, it's pretty near the shopping areas so good for me.