Hotel Skycity

I usually review only places that feel above and beyond, but this stay made me rethink that. I’m astonished this place has three stars on Google and 4.5 on Trip Advisor. It was the worst place I’ve stayed, and that’s saying something. The location was already a problem. Despite what Google Maps shows, it’s inside Chungking Mansions, not on the fashionable side of the street. I would never have booked it if I’d known. Once inside, finding the right bank of elevators is a hassle, with separate long lines for even and odd floors. There was confusion at check-in too. I checked in at Skycity, then was led without explanation to ‘Rich Hotel,’ in a different part of the building. The room was tiny, with just enough room for the bed. The blankets were stained, and I’ll leave it at wondering how anyone could have felt comfortable getting intimate there. It was late, so I tried to make the best of things. I bought six local beers and went to put them in the mini fridge, but it smelled as if something had died inside. There was food left in it from a previous guest, and who knows when the room had last been cleaned. I figured I’d just drink quickly. Then big cockroaches started scurrying across the bed. That was enough. I booked a room at a real hotel and left. I would have complained, but there was no one to talk to. I could have hauled my bags through the crowded building to another elevator bank and waited in line for ten minutes, but I just wanted out. I tried to save a few bucks and ended up paying for two places. I understand some people have tight budgets, but there are cheaper options in Hong Kong, and I can’t imagine they’re worse than this.

The room was much more cramped than the online pictures made it look, far too small for two people. At least we were only there for two days. When we came back on the second day, someone had cleaned the room and taken the towels without us asking for service, and had used the bathroom. It smelled really bad. Getting there was a mess too. We booked Hotel Sky Star, but on arrival they took us to Sky Lark, a couple of floors up. The receptionist told us to come back in two hours, even though we’d just arrived after a long, tiring flight. When we returned, he said to take all our luggage to another block. We eventually reached Hotel Skycity. It was a terrible first experience in Hong Kong, and I’ll be more careful next time.

It’s centrally located, only about three minutes from Tsim Sha Tsui Station, and cheap for a budget traveller. The hotel is inside a building, though, so it can be hard to find. Look for lift B, or you may end up walking around the building. I’d come back if I had the chance.

A small, comfortable room with friendly staff and a good location. A decent place to stay if you’re on a budget.