ANOTHER BUDGET HOTEL TO CONSIDER: 
YWCA - ANNE BLACK GUEST HOUSE, Hong Kong

BY: Ysabs Villaflor

LOCATION: it's in the quiet part of the most densely populated place on Earth, Mongkok.  It's a few minutes walk to Nathan Road (try 15 minutes), 3 Night Markets which include the Ladies Market and Langham Place the newest high-end mall in MongKok.

FEEL:  it's basic, simple and no frills

PERSONAL: I was there last November 2010 with a friend for my nth time in Hong Kong and first time in Macau


THE WELCOME MAT: very basic with comfy couches for the guests to check their email since there is ready Wifi in the lobby.

THE ROOMS: Standard with enough room for luggage and storage for clothes.  The beds are comfortable and it's clean.  It doesn't have carpet so it doesn't have that stuffy smell or feeling.
We had a great view of the hotel across the street, The Metro Park.


My only complaint is that the Air-Conditioning unit that was in the room was giving out conking noise but, I only realized it when I wasn't dead tired from going out.

sorry for the mess! hehehe

THE BATHROOM: has a separate area for shower and toilet, shower curtain, with toiletries, It has hot and cold.  I'm pretty satisfied with the bathroom since it's clean and bright (mainly due to the frost-effect windows in the bathroom)

THE COST: We paid around US$ 63 or around Php 3,087 per night for TWO (which means US$31.5 or Php 1,543.15 each person per day).  This is a good place to stay if you just want to sleep after going out.

THE FOOD:  there is no complimentary breakfast but there is a restaurant which serves international cuisine.and free wifi services in the shop.

THE SERVICE: we had no problems checking in with the hotel since we pre-booked our rooms via agoda.com.  The service was swift and friendly.

OTHER AMENITIES: a lobby with wifi, a basketball court outside, a pool.

RATING: 3 out of 5.  The location can be a great draw but you can do better around Nathan Road.

_______

Click HERE if you want to know what are the places to see in HONG KONG.

Click HERE if you want to know places to EAT on CANTON ROAD, HONG KONG.

Click HERE if you want to know about another place to STAY in HONG KONG.

Click HERE for SHOPPING destinations and HERE for shopping HAULS from HK and Macau.

HOTEL REVIEW: ROYAL PACIFIC HOTEL, Kowloon, Hong Kong

Canton Road, Kowloon, Hong Kong

BY: Ysabs Villaflor

the facade of the Royal Pacific fronting Canton Road

LOCATION: in the heart of luxurious Canton Road where you can find LV, Dior, Gucci, Prada, Coach, Armani Exchange, DKNY etc. all in one street.  It's also near Harbour City Mall where the ferry is located going to and from Hong Kong- Kowloon Island, and is connected to Macau-HK ferry terminal.  It is only a few minutes (around 5 minutes) to Nathan Road, the main street in Hong Kong

FEEL: Laid back, Muted, Accessible, showing signs of wear and tear.

PERSONAL: My family and I booked 6 Standard twin rooms.  We were surprised that 4 were upgraded to a suite when we checked in.  All the rooms were on one floor.   However, we weren't able to get a no-smoking floor even though requested prior the trip.  A non-smoking room was essential since we were travelling with kids and with people who have asthma. 

THE ROOMS:  (Standard) The rooms are spacious, with enough space for luggage, well-lighted, with a view of the tower in front of the hotel.  There was also a dresser and a lounging chair with ottoman.  There was an LED television, an Ipod dock doubling as alarm clock, radio and music speakers..There was also a safe, complimentary water.  The cabinets for storage are huge!

above and below, the Standard Rooms with twin beds

(Suite) The rooms are spacious, with an additional few more areas of space and a little entertainment area fronting the quiet side of the street.

the Suite Room of the Royal Pacific. note the entertainment area

THE BATHROOM: it has a tub, a separate area for showers, a hair-dryer, toiletries, towels which are replaced everyday.  The bathroom was spacious with enough to go around

THE COST: a little pricey but well worth the amount since it is in a prime location.  And is recommended if travellers are going to and from HK-Kowloon side or if you're going to Macau after Hong Kong.  The hotel is connected to the Macau-HK terminal without need of going out the hotel. Plus, it has complimentary buffet breakfast.

THE FOOD:  the Cafe on the Park's Complimentary Breakfast Buffet is above average in terms of flavor and choices.  It's one of the highlights of this hotel.  It is modern interiors and cozy clean lines and amazing view of Canton Road below make up for a very enjoyable experience. Good morning indeed!

having our breakfast at Cafe on the Park 

Our view from Cafe on The Park with friends from Hong Kong,
Photo credit: Juvie Villaflor

THE SERVICE: is friendly, and willing to help which ever way they can. The bell boys have great memory of the guests and would often direct you to the right direction.

OTHER AMENITIES: connection to another mall going to Macau-HK ferry, outlet stores on the side, Satay Inn Restaurant a must try.



MY RATING: 4 out of 5 for great location!

3 ()+1 

PLACES  TO EAT 

AT 

ON CANTON ROAD 

HONG KONG

By: Ysabel Villaflor

1.     DIN TAI FUNG RESTAURANT

is famous for its Xiao Long Bao. Xiao Long Bao are delicate steamed buns with goody-goody fillings which can be pork, beef or seafood. Xiao Long Baos are a lot more on the dumpling side than on the Siopao side.  It’s juicy, it’s so full of flavor, and it’s hot. Eat it with Chinese Vinegar, ginger slices and soy sauce.  (Just writing this, I’m imagining its taste on my mouth. Sigh.)  It’s such a hit that you would have to queue for around 30 minutes just so you can get a seat.    Why? Because it’s THAT good. Good enough to merit a Michelin Star (to foodies, that’s equivalent to REALLY REALLY GOOD FOOD).  This restaurant is worth the line and worth trooping to in the luxurious lane of Canton Road and a newly opened branch in Causeway Bay. It’s a little pricey but it’s worth it! And if that’s not enough chiding for you to try it while in town, just remember that The New York Times also included it in their World’s Top 10 Restaurants.  But then again, it’s still up to you. J

Tip: get your concierge to reserve seats before you go.  They can even give you a separate room if you’re in a big group. Be sure to be there on time. We got our separate room for 16 people when we went there.

Din Tai Fung

3F Silvercord, 30 Canton Road

Tel: 23304886.

1 Michelin Star Restaurant

Ready to be seated

Getting great seats at Din Tai Fung - a separate room with no extra charge

busy busy place for lunch

the xiao long bao are placed in steamers

the famous Xiao Long Bao dumplings - gimme some NOW!!!!

Soy Sauce and Vinegar (Yep, it's black!)

soup dumplings

beef noodles, soup dumplings and veggies with garlic! YUMMM

Drink of Choice - Tsing Tao Beer

the last piece syndrome - But not for long!

GONE!!!!

located at 3rd floor of Silvercord Mall

this was taken after we ate - around 3PM - STILL many customers!

take out!!!

2.  TAIWANESE NOODLE HOUSE

For foreigners, don’t be afraid of the Chinese writings on its façade. Or the apparent language barrier (which, I may add, was only temporary).  Or the stuff hanging in front of the house.  I repeat, DON’T be afraid.  You might as well be missing out on the best duck and noodles you’ll ever taste on this side of town! This little restaurant can be busy and a queue is quite common during lunch and dinner time.  Not only is the food superb, but the service and freebies are so going to make it more enjoyable.  We had free desserts of Mango Crepes – and the Crepes are also yummy!  Imagine our surprise when the manager suddenly appeared and got us free plates of the stuff.

Tip: Look for the manager, Raymond and book the day before.  Be prompt when showing up for the reservation or else, someone might just get your spot. :)

Taiwan Beef Noodles

G/F 78 Canton Road, Tsimshatsui

Tel 2926 3088

the signage along Canton Road

alluring food photographed for the visitors.  Menus have English translation

busy foodies and festive service staff

Goose --- FATTY but YUMMY!!!

Steamed BokChoy (Pechay)

Veggie and Mushroom Soup

the Famous Fried Noodles -- surprisingly heavy and filling but undoubtly GREAT!!

Sorry, forgot to take pics of whole Mango Crepe hehehe

3. SATAY INN 

This little place was a surprise for us.  We were supposed to be at another restaurant that day, but it happened to be full.  This was just right in front of our hotel (Royal Pacific) and we thought, why not? It looks quite cozy and new.  Boy, did we discover something! The restaurant serves Singapore-Malaysian treats and it was the best Nasi Goreng I’ve ever had. The satay isn’t that bad either! Yes, imagine our surprise!  Do try this if you want to taste another cuisine other than Chinese J The place isn’t bad for a couple of drinks too.

Tip:  If you’re a guest at the Royal Pacific Hotel, you get a 20% discount. Just be sure to reserve your seats via the hotel for you to get the discount.  Also, the restaurant doesn’t have a bathroom.  To access it, you need your room key to open the door leading to the Bathroom.

Satay Inn

The Royal Pacific Hotel & Towers: 

Shop 3, Tower 1, Podium Level, 33 Canton Road, China Hong Kong City, Tsimshatsui, Kowloon 

(852) 2738 2368

right across the Royal Pacific Hotel and Towers

Laid back trendy outdoor tables at the Satay Inn

Singaporean Chili King Prawns -- Lemme have it!!!!

Mix your own brewed Iced Tea

Sambal Soup - SPICY but YUMMY!!

the famous satay with peanut sauce

4.  CITY SUPER

What do you do when you want to eat Indian, and other members of the family want to eat Korean, Japanese, French and American?  Answer: go to City Super. City Super is a gourmet food court situated in posh Harbor City Square.  The international selection can sate any tummy problem.  The chefs display their chops by letting the customers see them at work and cook ala minute.    And oh, their food is great too.  Must try: Honeymoon Dessert for their out of this world crepes, Curry in a Hurry for authentic Indian!

Tip: It can get crowded during lunch and dinner time.  So be agile and patient.  to get your seats.  There are no reserved seating in this place.

City Super Food Court

Harbour City Mall, Tsim Sha Tsui

Welcome to City Super!

Dinner Rush

my Lamb Korma with Roti Cana, Basmati Rice and pickled veggies with Rice Crisp

Taiwanese Beef Noodle Soup

Japanese Beef Teppanyaki Sirloin

Vietnamese option

Japanese option

Indian Chef working it!

Korean Chapchae

From the Juice Bar - Fresh!!

MUST TRY: Honeymoon Dessert Crepes!!!

Honeymoon Dessert's famous Durian Crepe Ice Cream

Happy faces at City Super
Photo Credit: Juvie Villaflor

·         The writer wishes to thank Juvie Villaflor for introducing her to these yummy places.

:)