When I visit Hong Kong, I like to stay at the YMCA Salisbury in Tsim Tsau Choi. This is not a glorified dormitory (though they do have a dormitory for those on a hostel budget), but rather a conveniently located, full service hotel with family friendly services and breathtaking views of Hong Kong Island.
View from our Harbour View Room at the YMCA Salisbury.
Even before my mommy days, I stayed at the Salisbury when visiting Hong Kong. My motivation then was I could get the same views of the world renowned Peninsula Hotel next door for at least US$400 less per night, plus almost all transportation was a short walk. The great gym and swimming pool was a bonus.
As a parent, the Salisbury provides family comforts like room service, an indoor children’s pool, family suites, a bookshop and attentive service for a bargain price. In addition to proximity to public transportation (which makes naptime breaks easy), there are plenty places to stock up on band-aids, diapers or milk, plus a variety of restaurants in the neighborhood.
The Rooms
Harbour View Suite
The rooms are small and basic but clean and functional. The 250 square foot Harbour View room we stayed in left little room for playing on the floor or extra luggage, but with the fantastic view of the Harbour and Hong Kong Island, we spent most time looking out the window. We were able to enjoy front row seats for Hong Kong’s Symphony of Lights, while Mirielle slept.
The Food
There is both a formal dining room and cafe on site in addition to room service. With all the great food in Hong Kong, I recommend leaving the hotel for meals. We did order room service a couple of times and found it was pretty good. There are a variety of western and Chinese dishes so everyone should find something they like.
The Service
Outstanding. During our two night stay, we spoke with the concierge about local dim sum restaurants and airport transportation, checked luggage with the bell desk and hired a babysitter through the hotel. In each case the staff member exceeded my expectations. As there were large groups checking out at the same time we were, I was extremely impressed with how efficiently and politely the bell staff worked with us to store our luggage for a couple of hours.
The babysitter was a hotel staff member who was off duty. Her English was limited, but mothering skills excellent. No, I was not worried about her limited English speaking ability because she understood what I was saying and she immediately focused on Mirielle.
Details
Cost – Dorm beds are about $30. Rooms range from about $90 for a Single or Standard Double in low season to $250 for a Harbour View Suite in a peak season. (Pricing is only based on date of publication and subject to change.)
Details on reservations, current prices, and amenities can be found at http://www.ymcahk.org.hk/sales/html/hst001e.htm.
Disclosure: I received no compensation for this review. All opinions expressed are those of the author.
Hong Kong with Kids? Day One
Hong Kong with Kids? Day Two
Check the great stories (including mine) in the fall issue.