A hostel that isn't 1 star in Hong Kong! (Youth Hostels in Hong Kong)

Member Name: AK_1988

Product:	Youth Hostels in Hong Kong
Date:	15/08/09 (45 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Location location location

Disadvantages: Street noise

I visited Hong Kong in the summer of 2009 while exploring the Far East. Like any student my bank balance is often less than healthy, so when I visited Hong Kong staying in Youth Hostels was my only option. I stayed in the Ah Shan Hostel for approximately £10 a night. I choose it because of its good rating on the TripAdvisor website. I think the 1 star my fellow reviewers have given is a bit harsh, you do not go to these hostels expecting 5 star luxury, in Hong Kong that will be hundreds if not thousands of pounds a night.

Firstly, I must say it is very difficult to find! Based on Argyle Street, it is a short walk from Mong Kok MTR station. However, as it is in a residential block there are no signs for it, I'd advise you to ask local shop keepers for directions. It is useful to have the address in Chinese and English for this purpose. Once you find the right door to go into there is a very helpful doorman you will direct you to the lift and ensure you get to the right level. Make sure you go to floor 14 as there are many small hostels about who I'm sure would be willing to take your money off of you but how safe they are who knows. On the 14 floors you get an appreciation of life in Mong Kok, it has a population density of 130,000 people per square kilometre! One evening next door from the hostel office, there was even a choir practice going on.

The hostels office is close to the lift where the owner who speaks little English will happily help you to your room. I stayed in a room of 4 with two bunk beds, a television and a telephone. There was also a toilet (thankfully a Western style toilet in a country where a hole in the floor is common place) and a shower, both in a very small room so be sure to put the toilet seat down while you have a shower. All rooms have air-conditioning, a must in Hong Kong. There is bed linen provided and the rooms and bed where cleaned daily. The rooms do not have a safe so ensure you do not leave any valuables in your room. I would advise a money belt and carry money and your passport around in that even if your room has a safe. The hostels main office provides free internet access.

The main benefit of this hostel is its location. It has a variety of shops close by, it is also opposite the famous Ladies Market and it also has a few 24hr McDonalds to satisfy Western tastes. However, Hong Kong is a city with a population of over 7 million and it this 24hr lifestyle means it never sleeps. I would advise in a good pair of ear plugs or ensure you get a room that is near a road as you should otherwise be prepared for some noise throughout your stay.

Summary: A decent enough hostel for the money spent.