“Very impressed”
We needed to extend our stay in Hong Kong due to Hurricane Irene affecting air travel throughout the northeast of the US, so we found Luxe Manor via an Expedia search, and booked it for 3 nights based on the ratings.
Very nice boutique hotel, sort of art deco meets avant-garde. Interesting style to say the least! But not in a bad way, it was a refreshing change, particularly given our circumstances.
Nice staff, check-in was quick, only two elevators but we didn't have to wait more than 30 seconds at any time. Room was a decent size, no view except of some apartments next door and in back. Bed was very comfy, and the hotel provides 2 bottles of complementary water. The bathroom was terrific, we loved the dual shower heads (one is the ceiling rainfall style, the other is a European handle nozzle). Our room was on the 11th floor, and had no issues with water pressure.
Location of the hotel is great too, right in the middle of Tsim Sha Tsui, two blocks from the subway station and a block from the bustling Nathan Road.
Area recommendations
Tsim Sha Tsui is packed with shopping and restaurant choices, from fancy malls (Harbour City) with brand name goods, to small boutique shops and tailor stores, there's no shortage of selections for the shopper!
Take the subway up to Mong Kok where you will find Fa Yuen Street, like Temple Street except the stalls are open all day.
And of course, take the ferry or subway across the harbor to Hong Kong and ride the tram up to the peak for breath-taking views of the city.
When to go
Avoid the summer months. We went during mid to late August and the heat/humidity was brutal. Easily in the mid-90s F during the day, with dewpoints reaching 75. Oppressive the say the least.
Getting around
Kowloon and Hong Kong are definitely walkable cities, but the subway is so inexpensive, depending on the length of your stay, purchase an Octopus Card, which contains $ value and use it each time you ride. The card can also be used at numerous 7-11 stores.
What to pack
Depending on when you go, pack for daily changes of clothing. It is very hot in the summer, so you'll find yourself returning to the hotel dripping in sweat and needing to shower/change! Haven't been in HK during the winter months so I can't say what it's like then, but a sweatshirt or light sweater should do.
Dining
If you dare, try the exotic menus at Temple Street's outdoor dining at night. Try any of the various congee restaurants, and dim sum places at the larger dining places. And definitely make a trip to a wonton noodle restaurant, the smaller and older the place looks, the better they are! Otherwise if your taste buds require that Western feel, there's no shortage of McDonald's and KFC's.
