Hi

Just a little bit of info. for anyone thinking of going to HKG for a break.

My wife and I are just back from there, having spent 3 nights at the YMCA - yes, the YMCA. The thing is that this particular YMCA used to be the HKG Salisbury Hotel and is still, generally, known as such.

I always had the idea that the YMCA provided basic accommodation for backpackers but the Salisbury, although it does offer some dormitory accommodation, is much more like a 4* hotel. We had a 'partial harbour view' room that gave a pretty much uninterrupted view of Victoria Harbour - including the evening light show. The room was quite a good size, for HKG, and was immaculately clean, as was the small bathroom.

All of the usual 4* facilities are there - there are even two swimming pools - and there is a coffee shop cum cafe as well as a restaurant. Prices are quite reasonable too.

Locationwise, you would be hard pushed to better this hotel, especially at the price. It's virtually on the Kowloon waterfront and very close to both the Star Ferry and the MTR.

So, if you're considering a trip to HKG, give the Salisbury a try. What you pay probably depends on how you book. We did it through Agoda and paid USD384 for the three nights in a double room. If you try to book directly with the hotel you may find that they, apparently, have no vacancies. The various booking agents may have rooms, however, as they take them in blocks. We used Agoda as they could offer instant confirmation.

I have no connection with either Agoda or the YMCA, by the way. I'm just letting you know about our rather good experience.

DM

Yes this hotel is great. The YMCA has been famous for many years in HKG for being a great hotel. Most people are taken aback by the name but having recommended it to friends over the years and none being displeased I would also recommend it. You can book directly with the hotel but they do sell out quickly because of the price and location. As flight crew we stay behind the hotel at the 5 star Kowloon Hotel but personally I would rather stay at the "Y"! Good food and a swimming pool and gym to boot...though I beleive there is a small extra charge. http://www.ymcahk.org.hk/