Hong Kong guesthouses can be an intimidating experience, especially for first time visitors. Often posted in the middle of a block of flats or in vast complexes like Mirador Mansions or Chungking Mansions, you may find yourself assailed by touts and the target for a rip off. Follow our Hong Kong guesthouse booking tips to make sure you get what you’re promised at the price you want.
1. See the Room
Insist on seeing the room you’re going to be staying in first, not a room. You may be shown to a very nice room, but it doesn’t necessarily mean it will be yours once you pay. Always ask.2. How to Handle the Touts
The touts at the entrance of Mirador and Chungking Mansions can be intimidating, but they can also be useful. Be firm, and talk to one tout at a time. If you tell the others to stand away, they generally will. Do not hand over any money until you’ve seen your room, the tout will take you there. If you’re not happy, leave and try another guesthouse. See our
Photo Tour of Chunking Mansions to see how bad it really is.
3. Is the Air Con On
Check the air con works and ask if it is available all day. Some guesthouse owners turn of the air con during daytime, and in Hong Kong it’s a must.4. Check the Pipes
Ask to see the bathroom area and ask if hot water is available twenty four hours. Again, some owners, as with hostels, switch the hot water off at a certain time.5. One Night at a Time
Pay for a single night only, unless you’ve been having trouble locating a room in the first place. You can use your first night to see if there are any major problems.6. Bargain Before You Book
Prices are always negotiable, by anything from 5% to 25% depending on the season and length of your stay.7. Lock Up That Bag
If possible, try not to take your backpack, or baggage, around with you when choosing a hostel, you’ll not only attract touts trying to aggressively sell you rooms but you’ll be in a worse bargaining position. You can deposit your baggage at the
left luggage areas in railway stations.
