Hong Kong hotel and flight update

vonlance

thanks Miken.

its 8 days til i fly out now and i can't wait!

so i can spot the airport express once i'm thru the immigration desk?

H2, ok will remember that!

did you get an octopus card?

also are you saying you can check in to your flight home at any time?

how was the flight?

were BA any good?
did you get upgraded?

quite a few questions i know!

thanks!

miken

You cannot miss the Train, just come out of the Arrivals hall and its just in front of you. Try looking at the HK Airport website. They have a lovely map which shows you how easy it is.
I had an Octapus card (borrowed) and it is very useful. You do not need to worry about change, just wave it over the pad at the entrance and it gives you a balance, then tells you how much it will deduct. You can also use it on the Star Ferry, Underground, Trams, some shops, vending machines, tram to the Peak etc etc etc. Well worth getting.
Good flight there, packed in but pleasant. Cold on the return and the excuse for a blanket is of little help. Upgrade, not much if any chance. You get what you pay for so I suppose I was lucky not to be stuck in the loo.
Worth getting a guide book from the library, I found it helpful.
Fancy a good Italian meal (why go to HK) try Fat Angelo's. Beware the portions are huge, Americal size, small feeds 2-4 people.
Go to the Ladies Market, best one we visited.
Hope that answers your queries, if not please ask away and I will give you my view on things.

margaret_3

Hi miken
I have a couple of questions for you if you don't mind.
Firstly, I'm only in H.K. for two nights on my way to Australia. Where is the best district to stay in? I fancy Kowloon.
Secondly, the guide books I've bought mention the Ladies Market bt they don't say what is sold there. Can you give an idea please?
Many thanks
Margaret

miken

Margaret, I do not think it matters which side you stay as transport is so cheap and easy. The Peak is on HK Island (a must visit) but the market is on the Kowloon side. The Star Ferry 2.3HK$ (14p) is quick easy and runs every 10 mins. The tubes are very efficient, cheap, clean and safe so just choose a nice hotel. Get a map from any of the tourist centres (one in the airport)
The Ladies Market now sells everything. Particularly good are Bags (Channel, Gucci etc etc). They may invite you into a back room some where but it is safe and the choice hidden at the back is great. Watches, tshirst,sweatshirts, rings, belts, jeans,etc etc. A realy great market that runs for 3 blocks. At the end double back and try the parallel streets, great atmosphere, plenty of good shops.
The bus trip to Stanley market (sit top deck, front seats if poss) is really worthwhile. The market is a bit of a tourist trap but a nice atmosphere.
You will have a great time.

margaret_3

Thanks a lot miken. I have saved your reply. I wondered if the bags that you mentioned were authentic or fakes. It all sounds really good.
Thanks again.
Margaret

miken

My daughter and her friends could not see any difference so what ever they are, its worth the money.

raeble

They may invite you into a back room some where but it is safe and the choice hidden at the back is great.

I was reading on the virtual tourist site that you should not do this. Apparently the back rooms are raided by the police frequently and the people running them, will ensure that you are left to deal with the police. Local's don't go into the backrooms . If it's that good you should ask them to bring it out to you.

margaret_3

Thanks again miken.

blindman

Margaret I've PM'd you.

I have just returned from HK (the Island Pacific 4th Feb -9th) and will post a tips report here later (work is getting in the way!).

Robin7667:
The hotel is FANTASTIC.

Very easy to get to, easy and cheap to get around. The rooms are very nice

Robin7667:-You need to get out more

Whilst not a bad hotel, this is not IMHO fantastic and could be easier to get to.

I'll post more later.

meinnit

Did no one choose the Ritz Carlton? That was in Central.. cannot beat that for location!