Kowloon or Hong Kong Island

[irv]

Planning is underway for the next adventure which will include Hong Kong. This will be our first visit so do we stay on Hong Kong Island or in Kowloon, your recommendations of which & why would be appreciated.

 

[opusman]

If I were you I'd pick by hotel; it doesn't take long to cross the harbour and you'll be doing that a bit no matter which side you stay on.

 

[Hvr]

If I were you I'd pick by hotel; it doesn't take long to cross the harbour and you'll be doing that a bit no matter which side you stay on.

Exactly right. The public transport system is fast and reliable with a working ticket system.

The Star Ferry is a tourist attraction in its own right as is the double decker tram.

 

[Mark3000]

We are planning the exact same thing. Cheaper hotels on Kowloon side and they can have stunning views of Hong Kong skyline.
We normally like to stay on the waterfront somewhere but google maps aerial views show almost contiguous construction along much of the waterfront, which would prevent relaxing strolls. Does anyone know if this is still ongoing? I'm not sure how old those google map images are

 

[RooFlyer]

I would choose the Kowloon side every time, and did so when I was with friends for their first visit. So much more within walking distance - the waterfront for views of the HKG skyline, especially at night, markets, shopping centres etc. Yes, the public transport is good, and yes there are these things on the Island as well, but sometimes you just want to get out and wander around, especially the first day.

Ideally, you'll choose a hotel that is on the route of the free shuttle bus at the end of the train in from the airport. When you get off at Kowloon station, (or Central), find the free bus counter. From Kowloon, there are 4 routes which cover many hotels (but far from all). Even if your hotel isn't one of them, you might get close to one of the stops. They leave regularly. Youshould find thecurrent routes and list of hotels on the web site I linked to.

However be aware that the return pick-ups are not always well spaced and can run behind, so leave plenty of time. You can of course check-in for your flight at the airport express stations Central or Kowloon. great if your flight is later in the day and you have to get out of your hotel. Go to the station, check in, then go back out and spend the rest of the day somewhere (as long as you can take a shower and change clothes when to get to the airport later!!).

 

[irv]

If I were you I'd pick by hotel; it doesn't take long to cross the harbour and you'll be doing that a bit no matter which side you stay on.

I like to do it the other way, work out where we are basing ourselves and then pick accommodation.

 

[esseeeayeenn]

I would choose the Kowloon side every time, and did so when I was with friends for their first visit. So much more within walking distance - the waterfront for views of the HKG skyline, especially at night, markets, shopping centres etc. Yes, the public transport is good, and yes there are these things on the Island as well, but sometimes you just want to get out and wander around, especially the first day.

Ideally, you'll choose a hotel that is on the route of the free shuttle bus at the end of the train in from the airport. When you get off at Kowloon station, (or Central), find the free bus counter. From Kowloon, there are 4 routes which cover many hotels (but far from all). Even if your hotel isn't one of them, you might get close to one of the stops. They leave regularly. Youshould find thecurrent routes and list of hotels on the web site I linked to.

However be aware that the return pick-ups are not always well spaced and can run behind, so leave plenty of time. You can of course check-in for your flight at the airport express stations Central or Kowloon. great if your flight is later in the day and you have to get out of your hotel. Go to the station, check in, then go back out and spend the rest of the day somewhere (as long as you can take a shower and change clothes when to get to the airport later!!).

Absolutely agree with everything RooFlyer has said (in this post).
Kowloon is full of life and the views are incomparable.
I like the view from the Intercontinental but it isn't on the route of the free shuttle buses. However, a taxi ride from the Kowloon Express station is cheap.

 

[BettyB]

Hong Kong side has better variety of accommodation in my experience.

 

[codash1099]

I originally preferred to stay on the Island, but more recently have switched to Kowloon - Tsim Sha Tsui mainly. There are plenty of good hotels in all grades, and for what I want, everything is a bit closer.

And I've given up on the shuttle buses. Taxis are cheap and convenient.

 

[yohy?!]

Be aware if staying in or around Mong Kok there is construction at present causing worse than usual congestion if taking a cab from Kowloon station.

That being said as a former resident Of Kowloon I'll add my vote for it over Hk island which is very overpriced by comparison

 

[Timtammi]

Interesting. It's the island for me everyone. I've tried staying on Kowloon side but I just prefer the island, more interesting, more historic, lots of good hotels and places to eat.

 

[Timtammi]

I meant the island everytime..

 

[Princess Fiona]

Interesting. It's the island for me everyone. I've tried staying on Kowloon side but I just prefer the island, more interesting, more historic, lots of good hotels and places to eat.

+1 for this. Love staying on the island.
Big fan of the MTR for when I want to visit Kowloon.

 

[kelvedon]

Kowloon for me.

 

[get me outta here]

I've stayed on both sides, and I don't think it really matters. I just make sure that I am close to an MTR station, or the hotel drives me there.

 

[Freq Flier 2013]

I usually stay in Kowloon at the Regal Kowloon Hotel. I email the GM and get breakfast and lounge access as an upgrade. Been staying there for over 5 years now. Good location and a nice hotel. I typically get a room with a view as well if available. PM and I can send the GMs email address.

 

[Dyslexic traveler]

I've stayed on both sides, and I don't think it really matters. I just make sure that I am close to an MTR station, or the hotel drives me there.

Im with you they both have there wonders, if I'm sluming it with the boys at the rugby 7s Island side, but if I'm with Sue, then it's Kowloon and the Peninsula Hotel. Also Kowloon is close to my tailor and glasses man.

 

[irv]

Plenty of time to decide, thanks for the feedback so far.

 

[Daver6]

I had this dilemma when I went. In the end, stayed four nights in Mongkok (Langham Place, but called something else now) and four in the island (Conrad). Both were great. In future, I'll stay based on the hotel I want. Its just so easy getting around.

 

[JohnPhelan]

Have stayed in both, much prefer Kowloon. I like a harbour view room in Kowloon (IC/Sheraton/Peninsula) - lovely views and a short walk to everything in Kowloon; a short ferry or MTR ride to everything on the island.