Sydney <-> Hong Kong F or J

[Daver6]

Hi all,

Looking at heading to Hong Kong (for the first time) around early May next year. Thinking I'll try for a MASA F ticket (on the A380). Looks like the flight there is a day flight and return is night.

If I get F, this will be my first experience. If I was to go F only one way and J the other, general thoughts on which way for which? My thinking is the day time flight in F (assuming the degustation is available?) and pretty much just hit the hay for the night flight in J. Interested in other peoples' thoughts though.

As for Hong Kong, thinking about a week should suffice to eat some good food, drink some good wine and do some sight seeing.

As for hotels, I'll look at the Conrad/Hilton offerings. If anyone has any suggestions on other options I might want to consider, I'd love to hear some thoughts.

Thanks

David

 

[Limewood]

I'd go 1st over J back.

Check out Marco Polo Hotels, rooms can be larger and their club floors are excellent, I'll be back there end of next week. C Close to waterfront in Kowloon where there are many restaurants & bars if you like. Jump on ferry to HK island 15 min trip. A week is perfect, so much to enjoy and see.

 

[amaroo]

Agree, F over - J back.....just make sure you book the A380 and not the 747:shock:

Depending on budget.....you can't beat FS (Four Seasons) IMO. If you don't stay take a look at their two fantastic 3* Michelin restaurants - definitely worth a reservation.

 

[Paddy55]

First over would give Flounge access if you're not WP or above - and pretty much guaranteed access to the Spa for a treatment.

However, as good as J is on an A380, F will spoil you forever :shock:

 

[boomy]

I think F on the way there is a good idea so you will enjoy the full experience. The J bed on the A380 is comfortable enough for a good night sleep on the way back.

Last time in Hk I stayed at the Sheraton. It's a good hotel with great location in Kowloon.

If you have a week in Hk I would recommend to visit Macao for a day or two.

 

[Princess Fiona]

As the others have said, definitely F on the way over. If you want to stay with the Hilton portfolio then the Conrad Hong Kong is superb IMO.

 

[marki]

As the others have said, definitely F on the way over. If you want to stay with the Hilton portfolio then the Conrad Hong Kong is superb IMO.

Stayed at the Sheraton near the Harbour and SoGo very central but was not overwhelmed by the stay there. So definitely will give the Conrad a go next time.

 

[FuzzyAUS]

Ill be the odd one out if you can afford the points, go F both ways..!!

F on the way over is great, but with the size of my upper body and the way I like/normally sleep I cant get my arms into position in the J Sky Beds so bugger all sleep on the way home...

 

[kody]

Assuming you have to choose due to lack of points, I would book J and then call back and have it changed to F with cash if they have F available around when you want to come home (assuming this can still be done with the new system, the last time I did this was just before the removal of the online booking) I have never done J on the A380 but just did F in September and it really is quite special. Make sure you take full advantage of the F benefits departing from Syd like having the host come and meet you at kerbside, and definitely book a spa treatment. Have stayed at the Intercon on the harbour and it was really nice and their breakfast buffet is one of the best in the world in my opinion. its a bit pricey but might find a good rate with the Friends and family rate. Friends and Family Discount Rate | IHG just print out the voucher and take a long I've had 2 hotels ask for it but most don't ask. Would also suggest a trip to Macau, the peak and good shopping at city gate outlet shopping. I think there is a tourist attraction out there as well some big buddha thingy. You should enjoy Hong kong and Qantas First!

 

[Daver6]

Thanks for all the advice so far

I have the points for F both ways. Just a thought that if I'm pretty much going to sleep on the way back, is it worth spending the extra 25k points each. Will be travelling with SWMBO who is a WP. So F lounge access both ways regardless.

In terms of location. Is HK Island or Kowloon the better option? Given the subway connects them as I understand, getting around is simple.

 

[Princess Fiona]

Thanks for all the advice so far

I have the points for F both ways. Just a thought that if I'm pretty much going to sleep on the way back, is it worth spending the extra 25k points each. Will be travelling with SWMBO who is a WP. So F lounge access both ways regardless.

In terms of location. Is HK Island or Kowloon the better option? Given the subway connects them as I understand, getting around is simple.

If you have an abundance of points and want a good sleep then I think the 25K points is worth it with the caveat that I would only do this on the A380.
I sleep much better in the A380 F seat than either of the old 747 F or Skybed Mark I / II

 

[kody]

If you have an abundance of points and want a good sleep then I think the 25K points is worth it with the caveat that I would only do this on the A380.
I sleep much better in the A380 F seat than either of the old 747 F or Skybed Mark I / II

I'd have to agree if you have the points it's a no brainier F all the way the sleep quality on A380 F is well worth it not to mention the overall experience

 

[33rpm]

If you have the points, do F both ways. 25K points each way is a bargain when you take into account the cash value of such an upgrade.
Hong Kong Island side versus Kowloon side depends on what you want to do. Much of a muchness although the better hotels tend to be on the island side. A good hotel on the Kowloon side is the Langham Hotel.

 

[cmon0005]

Sheraton HK was good, maybe a little bit tired decor wise, but food was good service was great plus good location.

 

[Mr_Orange]

Much of a muchness although the better hotels tend to be on the island side. A good hotel on the Kowloon side is the Langham Hotel.

Let's not forget Langham Place, the Ritz-Carlton (in the ICC) and I've heard the Royal Plaza is good too. These are all Kowloon side hotels.

 

[Limewood]

In terms of location. Is HK Island or Kowloon the better option? Given the subway connects them as I understand, getting around is simple.

Kowloon every time. its where most of the action is plus shopping at the many markets there, Lades market at Monkok, Temple St and Stanley, latter on HK Isl. 10min ferry ride, need to haggle on price).

Make sure you get return rail ticket at airport plus an Octopus card for MTR trains under HK/Kowloon, cash it back in on way out and you'll get a refund for what's not used!.

On HK departure to airport can check luggage in a Kowloon Air Terminal.

A few street touts are flogging suits, they hang around waterfront mostly, don't engage them just ignore and walk on.

 

[davec]

Just make sure you're on an A380, not the 747! F there and J back would be my suggestion - trying to do it myself in about 2 weeks!

However I'm not sure (someone here will correct me if I am wrong!) if they have the degustation option to/frpm HKG - I don't think it was there a few months ago sadly...

And the Kowloon Shangri La is a great hotel - very 'old school'. The Horizon Club (ie their executive floor/s lounge) has amazing evening views (and happily they have a 'two hours of power' with included drinks and nibbles).

Enjoy!

 

[Daver6]

Will def be aiming for the A380

So is the general consensus stay in Kowloon over HK Island? Or just pick the hotel and not worry about it too much?

Mainly intend to sample lots of food and do some hiking there. Having to hop on a train is all part of the adventure for me. Also walking around is part of the experience.

 

[Flying mermaid]

Hi all,

Looking at heading to Hong Kong (for the first time) around early May next year. Thinking I'll try for a MASA F ticket (on the A380). Looks like the flight there is a day flight and return is night.

If I get F, this will be my first experience. If I was to go F only one way and J the other, general thoughts on which way for which? My thinking is the day time flight in F (assuming the degustation is available?) and pretty much just hit the hay for the night flight in J. Interested in other peoples' thoughts though.

As for Hong Kong, thinking about a week should suffice to eat some good food, drink some good wine and do some sight seeing.

As for hotels, I'll look at the Conrad/Hilton offerings. If anyone has any suggestions on other options I might want to consider, I'd love to hear some thoughts.

Thanks

David

No-one is mentioning the Peninsula - stayed there in August and thought it was great . Would definitely have a few nights in Macau as well. You can land in Hong Kong and get a ferry over to Macau without clearing immigration or picking up luggage. We weren't interested in casinos so stayed at the Mandarin and had a wonderful 2 days exploring the old city. You then get a ferry back to Hong Kong or Kowloon - all very easy. Enough time to eat lots of Portugese tarts as well. I would go F both ways - We were unlucky to have a 747 substituted for the A380 on the way back, having gone to a lot of effort to try and ensure A380 both ways. While service and food just as good on both, the 747 is pretty tired and tacky by comparison, but you will love F in the A380.