Best location to stay in Hong Kong

We stayed in Kowloon and took the Star Ferry to Hong Kong. The Kowloon Tourist Office (aka Visitors' Centre) had some very interesting tours on offer. I confess it was a long time ago, but if I were to return I'd still choose Kowloon.

'Best location' would really be anywhere near an MTR (subway) station! The MTR trains will take you efficiently to most places of interest to tourists. The Octopus stored-value transport card means you don't have to worry about buying tickets each time, just tap the card at the turnstiles. For first time visitors, I'd recommend staying in Central, Sheung Wan or Wanchai on the Hong Kong Island side or Tsim Sha Tsui or Yau Ma Tei on the Kowloon side. Central is lively, Tsim Sha Tsui is good for shopping, and Yau Ma Tei is near the night markets (Ladies market). I haven't stayed in a hostel there, but I've found good deals for hotels on booking.com, and I'd certainly suggest that you do a search there. On my last two trips I stayed at the Holiday Inn Express Soho in Sheung Wan - very handy for the airport express train, and the Harbourview Hotel (not the Renaissance Harbour View) in Wanchai, which had good service and offered a really good deal - I couldn't believe the room I got for the price I paid. You might need Google maps to find the MTR station (10- 15 mins walk) from the Harbourview, though it's also walking distance to the Star Ferry. I saw hotels nearer Wanchai station like the Wharney Guang Dong which looked ok. In Kowloon I liked the Eaton but it's a little more expensive.

Personally I prefer the Kowloon area as it's less corporate than Hong Kong Island. But any lodging that is near a subway station will work for you. The subways are clean, cool, fast, easy to use, and efficient.

By 'ferry' in my last post I meant the ferry from Wanchai to Tsim Sha Tsui. :)
Yes. Hong Kong and Kowloon feel quite different.

Google "YMCA Hong Kong". Seriously. I stayed there 30 years ago with my parents on the advice of many friends from Hong Kong. It was very nice then. It is located in a prime area near the famous Peninsula Hotel (go there for afternoon tea). I see on tripadvisor it is ranked # 2 under Specialty Lodging and was recently renovated.

yes, we stayed at the YMCA for a few days last year, great location and reasonable pricing, considering how Hong Kong can be pricey. we had a great stay, the breakfast room had a great view as well. take no notice of the name, it is just like a quality hotel.

Close to a MTR station was my top criteria in selecting a hotel last July. Stayed at one two very short blocks away from the Mong Kok station. Best decision. 10-15 minute walks in that heat and humidity would have been real torture.

There was a free airport shuttle to/from my hotel's lobby entrance, and the room came with a cell phone for free local and international calls. Details to consider.

These official and unofficial guides have extensive information, especially helpful for the first time visitors.

http://www.discoverhongkong.com/us/about-hktb/index.jsp

http://www.pinoyexchange.com/forums/showthread.php?t=712719

Hong Kong is the most tourist friendly city I have visited, hands down. Enjoy.

I decided to,stay at the YMCA just checked in a few hours ago. Have a single room it's nice and clean. The location seems amazing near higher end hotels and the harbour. Easy to get to from the airport using the train and shuttle bus.

It's the Salisbury YMCA. I stayed there about 5 years ago. It's more like a 4-star hotel than any YMCA. Great location.

Another vote for the Salisbury YMCA. I stayed there for a few days and it is much more like a nice hotel than the typical image of a "Y." Great location, health club amenities, restaurants, nice staff. Pay a little more for a view of the harbor - it's spectacular. They fill up fast, so make a reservation soon!

I usually stay in Wanchai when I'm in Hong Kong. Lots of good places to eat and easy access to MTR, ferries, and tram.

DJ

even if you don't use the MTR, taxis are dirt cheap. and walking to the markets really isn't that far.