Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
BUDGET BLOCKS IN TSIM SHA TSUI
CChuunggkiing Ma
g Mansiions
Say 'budget accommodation' and 'Hong Kong' in one breath and everyone thinks of
Tsui, exit F)
. Built in 1961, CKM is a labyrinth of homes, guesthouses, Indian restaur-
ants, souvenir stalls and foreign-exchange shops spread over five 17-storey blocks in
the heart of
Tsim Sha Tsui
.
According to anthropologist Gordon Mathews, it has a
resident population of about 4000 and an estimated 10,000 daily visitors. Over 120
different nationalities - predominantly South Asian and African - pass through its
doors in a single year.
Though standards vary significantly, most of the guesthouses at CKM are clean and
quite comfortable. It's worth bearing in mind, however, that rooms are usually the
size of cupboards and you have to shower right next to the toilet. The rooms typically
come with air-con and TV and, sometimes, a phone. Many guesthouses can get you
a Chinese visa quickly, most have internet access and some have wi-fi and laundry
service.
Bargaining for a bed or room is always possible, though you won't get very far in the
high season. You can often negotiate a cheaper price if you stay more than, say, a
week, but never try that on the first night - stay one night and find out how you like it
before handing over more rent. Once you pay, there are usually no refunds.
HK$320-490, d HK$380-680, honeymoon rooms HK$600-700, tr HK$530-620, q HK$560-680;
)
2316 7152, 9121 8072;fax 2316 7181;flat E1, 6th fl, E Block;s
HK$250-600, d HK$350-700;
)
2366 8930, 9489 3891;fax 2721 0840;flat E1, 8th fl, E
Block;s HK$150-240, d HK$180-240;
)
2368 1689;fax 2367 7889;flat A1, 15th fl, A Block;s HK$250, d
HK$450, without bathroom HK$200;
)
Mir
Miraddor Ma
r Mansiion
Tsui, exit D2)
- and not Chungking Mansions - where Wong Kar-wai filmed most of
Chungking Express(1994).
