Where to Stay in Hong Kong

Hong Kong's Main Accommodation Areas

Hong Kong is a dazzling fusion of East and West, offering vibrant city life, stunning natural landscapes, and rich cultural experiences. Choosing the right area to stay is key, as it balances convenience, atmosphere, and cost.

Hong Kong presents a classic choice: pay more to stay in the vibrant center amidst the iconic skyline and major sights, or stay further out for significantly better value and more space, accepting a longer commute on the excellent MTR. English is widely used alongside Cantonese on all signs and in businesses, making navigation and shopping straightforward.

💰 Budget Breakdown: The $40-75 USD Reality

This is the key budget range for affordable private accommodations in Hong Kong, and your choice defines your trip:

~$43-55 USD in TST: A very small, basic, but central private room in a guesthouse. Hostels (dorm beds) in Chungking Mansions are even cheaper.

Despite its notorious past, Chungking Mansions is safe today. Guest houses are accessed via elevators at the entrance, bypassing the busy ground floor crowds (mostly foreigners). The labyrinthine corridors with red walls and carpets feel straight out of a Hong Kong movie—initially daunting, but the elevator system makes navigation straightforward. In some booking apps, guest house owners hide that their property is in this building, probably due to building's past.

~$65-75 USD in New Territories: A modern, spacious hotel room with amenities like a pool, often with a scenic view.

🏙️ Tsim Sha Tsui: My Chungking Mansions Experience

This is where I stayed. For the budget-conscious, Chungking Mansions on Nathan Road is the iconic, unbeatable hub. It's a bustling, multicultural vertical city. While its labyrinthine corridors can feel chaotic, the payoff is location and price.

The Room & The View Upgrade: I booked a basic room for $43 USD. At check-in, I paid an extra $13 for a Nathan Road street view—it was worth every penny. Waking up to the heart of Hong Kong's energy right outside my window defined my trip. Don't expect hotel service, but my room was clean and secure.

The Ecosystem: The building has everything: currency exchanges with great rates, cheap international eateries, and a supermarket.

Pro Tech Tip: The electrical outlets are UK-style. I bought a socket adapter from a shop inside for HK$40, much cheaper than at the airport.

💰 New Territories – The Value Choice

This is where I stayed at the Grand Bay View Hotel. For about $20-25 USD more than a basic TST room, you get a completely different experience.

The Perks: A modern, spacious hotel room with a hill or sea view, greater quiet, and facilities like a small pool. It's a short walk to a local beach.

The Trade-off: You are a 30-40 minute MTR ride plus a short walk/cab from the core sights. It’s not central, but offers excellent value and comfort.

Perfect for: Travelers prioritizing space and hotel amenities over an ultra-central location.

🏙️ Other Notable Areas (Based on Research)

For these areas, I rely on research rather than personal stays.

Central & Admiralty: The financial and luxury core on Hong Kong Island. Best for high-end travelers. Direct Airport Express access.

Causeway Bay & Wan Chai: Energetic areas known for shopping, dining, and nightlife. A mix of mid-range to upscale hotels.

Hong Kong Island South (Repulse Bay, Stanley): Offers a resort-like feel with beaches and hiking. Best for relaxation away from urban density.

Essential Hong Kong Hotel Tips

The "View" Upgrade: As in my case, a street view upgrade in central Hong Kong can be a worthwhile splurge. A basic "city view" might just be another building's wall.