Commune

The room had a nice view and felt spacious for four people. I also liked having the toilet separate from the bathroom. The room wasn’t very clean, though. The shuttle buses to Tsuen Wan station were handy, and the stay was better than I expected overall.

I lived at Commune for 2.5 years. The staff and front desk were kind and accommodating, and the 24/7 gym, housekeeping and shuttles to the MTR stations were useful, subject to any Covid government restrictions. It can be a reasonable place to start if you’re comfortable living farther from the city. The rooms are basically dorms, though, so privacy is limited. Sharing with people you know and get along with would help. The reason I’m giving two stars is that the place stopped feeling welcoming. Residents used to be able to access “The Link,” the lounge and study area, but later they restricted it to students. As a non-student, I was paying more rent and getting fewer benefits, which didn’t make sense to me, especially when places like Weave Living let everyone use their lounge and study rooms. The final incident started when Commune staff told me at short notice that I had to move to another room. I had no choice. That evening, after moving my things by myself, I put them in the space I’d been assigned. I hadn’t finished unpacking and was exhausted, so I took a quick nap, planning to get back to it after an hour. I woke to an older woman, apparently my new roommate, whose bed was next to mine. I introduced myself and tried to be friendly, but she glared at me and accused me of taking “her” bed, even though Commune staff had assigned it to me and her things were in her own area. She pointed rudely at my suitcase and two boxes. I said I was resting before finishing unpacking. She said, “I'm speaking to the manager about this.” I was confused and concerned when she came back with a Bay Bridge manager on the night shift and another friend, who was supposedly the other roommate. Before I could explain, the manager took their side and reprimanded me for having my suitcase and two boxes in my assigned space beside my bed. I explained that I’d just moved in and was taking a short rest before unpacking. Her friend pointed at my things and asked, “don’t you think this is disrespectful though?” When I asked why moving in and keeping my belongings in my assigned area was disrespectful, she had no answer and seemed to be trying to save face. After they left, the woman and her friend moved to another room without telling staff, which isn’t allowed. I later tried to speak to the woman directly, but she rolled her eyes and wouldn’t take responsibility for what she’d put me through over nothing. She kept telling me to “speak to the manager downstairs.” I told her she was a grown woman, twice my age, and couldn’t act like a “Karen” and a baby at the same time by expecting someone else to sort it out. She ignored how upset I was, scoffed, and acted as if nothing had happened. When I reported the manager’s unprofessional behavior to other staff, he then admitted that she’d given him a “completely different” story. I was astounded by how unprofessional he’d been, and it made me question whether Commune was as welcoming as I’d thought.

The harbour is a lovely place to jog, and there’s a city beach nearby. The rooms were spacious and well planned, and the place had the feel of a five-star resort. Probably the best hostel I’ve ever stayed in, with nice staff too.

A nice, comfortable spot to relax over a holiday. The price is reasonable, and it works well for booking a party or gathering. Very nice!