Sunday, July 29, 2012

HKG & Macau Hotel Recommendations

A friend recently asked me for some hotel recommendations for HKG and Macau so I've listed the below for those who might be interested also.
For room bookings and deals, I normally just email the hotels directly to get deals and promos. Let me know if there are any ones that you (the readers) would want to recommend also. :)

HKG Hotels:
1.) Metro Park Hotel (Tin Hau, HK Island)
http://www.metroparkhotelcausewaybay.com/index.php

2.) City Garden Hotel (North Point area, Fortress Hill MTR station, HK Island)
http://www.sino-hotels.com/City_Garden_Hotel/en/default.aspx
http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g294217-d305364-Reviews-City_Garden_Hotel_Hong_Kong-Hong_Kong.html

3.) Regal Hotel (Causeway Bay, HK Island)
http://www.regalhotel.com/Regal-Hotels-International/Main/Hotel-Home.aspx

4.) Novotel Citygate (Tung Chung MTR line, Lantau?) -- outlet stores and near Disney.
http://www.novotel.com/gb/hotel-6239-novotel-hong-kong-citygate/index.shtml

5.) Lan Kwai Fung Hotel (Central, HK Island) -- I read this up and might be a good option for you also.
http://www.lankwaifonghotel.com.hk/contact.asp
Reviews: http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserReviews-g294217-d582208-r7665105-Hotel_LKF_By_Rhombus-Hong_Kong.html

6.) Cosmopolitan Hotel (Wan Chai, HK Island) -- also a recommendation by travelers
http://www.cosmopolitanhotel.com.hk/hong-kong-hotel-rooms.html
http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g294217-d483282-Reviews-Cosmopolitan_Hotel_Hong_Kong-Hong_Kong.html

Macau Hotels:
1.) Holiday Inn (Rua De Pequim, Macau)
http://www.holidayinn.com/hotels/us/en/macau/qmpch/hoteldetail

2.) Holiday Inn (Macau Cotai Central, Macau) --> where my mom recently stayed in
http://www.holidayinn.com/hotels/us/en/macao-sar/mfmma/hoteldetail

3.) Galaxy Macau -- where I recently stayed in twice
http://www.galaxymacau.com/en/promotions/hotel?utm_source=google-ph&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=GH&gclid=CPmngq-mwLECFaMaQgodShwABg

Warning: I'm not an expert on Macau so can only recommend the ones that me or my family have gone to.
You might want to consult also TripAdvisor for Macau hotels on a budget to get more choices.

Wednesday, July 25, 2012

HKG: Disneyland HKG & Taxi / Limo Rental Contact Numbers

A few friends were asking recently on some recommendations regarding what hotels/motels that would be near Disneyland HKG. On this, you want to try Novotel Citygate HK.  It's near the airport and is a subway or two from Disneyland Monorail/Train to Disney. It's also located at Citygate Outlet Mall that might be of interest for the whole family since there's something for everyone in this mall.

Also, the below are some recommendations on taxi/limo services for booking one's own pick-up from either the airport and back or if you have a big group.


1.) Contact Tony at 6341-8555. He's native english speaker with a VAN! A friend, Angela , referred me to him for you. He can maybe give u a good deal.

2.) http://www.hongkonglimoservice.com/index.htm

3.) http://www.elephant-van.com/index_main.html

4.) https://sites.google.com/site/vanhirehk/

5.) http://hongkong.angloinfo.com/af/469/hong-kong-car-hire-and-vehicle-rental.html

Thursday, July 12, 2012

HK Staycations - Family Oriented



Hiking, boating, eating, go-carting, sunning...nice life.  Stick around with the family for a lovely weekend in Hong Kong.  The best part?  No airports.  Little Steps has you covered with easy peasy family-friendly staycation itineraries.  Just go!


OFF THE BEATEN PATH
Cruise to Espace Elastique to take advantage of Tai O’s historic fishing village in a stylish cozy way.  For the sporty types, take a sampan from Cheung Chau to Island Club You will find a lovely beach, water sports, rock-climbing, veggie farm, bbq pits and tent rentals!  The Mui Wo Inn in Lantau is a fab budget-friendly option right on the beach, with a retro 60’s vibe going on.  Go on now...

Espace Elastique, 57 Kat Hing Street, Tai O, Lantau, Hong Kong,info@espaceelastique.com.hk
Island Club, Cheung Chau, Hong Kong, +852 9350 8664 (Shirley Chan)
Mui Wo Inn, Tung Wan Tau Rd, Silvermine Bay Beach, Lantau, Hong Kong, +852 2984 7225


JUNKS & BOATS

Fancy waking up to the sound of gentle waves and birds?  Saffron Cruises will set you up with their various options from luxury motor cruisers and sailing yachts to junks with camp beds, taking you to remote North Sai Kung or the Soko Islands for their pristine calm waters.  Consider going for a few nights and island hopping! If you would rather junk by day and camp by night, check out day junk options.

PALM BEACH LANTAU
Surfing, paddle boarding, kite boarding, body boarding, kayak surfing, skin boarding and windsurfing are the main attractions at this Lantau beachside sun-spot.  Oh – and the teepees! Ranging from 12-26 feet and accommodating 4-20 people, it makes for an exciting night under the stars with the family.
Palm Beach, Cheung Sha, Lantau Island, +852 2980 4822

HISTORY AND STYLE AT TAI O HERITAGE HOTEL

Tai O Heritage Hotel is the perfect chilled out getaway.  The converted 100-year-old police station in sleepy Tai O is now a chi chi boutique hotel, a retreat for burned-out city slickers seeking fresh air. This nine suite gem features a gorgeous alfresco restaurant, greenhouse-style roof, restored gardens and bunkers turned into wine cellars.
Tai O Heritage Hotel, Tai O, Lantau, +852 9546 1514
Catch a ferry from Central Pier 6 to Mui Wo, then take a taxi or bus number 1 to Tai O

CHEUNG CHAU CHARM
A pirate’s cave and bed & breakfast?  Cheung Chau Bed & Breakfast is a great place to take the family for a night or two, with free breakfast and cozy rooms. Take a 20 minute walk along the shore to the West Bay, and then walk another 10 minutes to Cheung Po Tsai Cave, the former hang-out of a local pirate.  Head to Tung Wan Beach for some R&R, and then go to San Hing Praya Street for a seafood feast.  Yum!
Cheung Chau Bed & Breakfast, +852 2986 9900

DISNEYLAND HOLIDAY

Micky and Minnie welcome you with open arms for an overnight stay just around the corner! Dine and dress up with the characters, go on the rides, see the fireworks and more!  Hong Kong’s Disneyland Resort is the perfect spot for kids and adults that never want to grow up. Rooms are spacious and come with everything you need.  Be sure to enjoy some playtime at Inspiration Lake too. 
Hong Kong Disneyland Hotel, Lantau Island, + 852 3510 6000

THE MANDARIN ORIENTAL
The ultra-chic Landmark Mandarin Oriental combines style, technology and comfort with a fabulous location in Central. A staycation here is all about glamorous wining, dining and shopping, followed by a decadent treatment at the award-winning spa. Amber has retained its 2 Michelin stars for 2012 and MO Bar remains the talk of the town as ever. The worst part? Checking out!
The Landmark Mandarin Oriental, 15 Queen’s Road Central, Central, +852 2132 0188,

STANLEY ORIENTAL HOTEL

Super luxe short- and long-stay residences with stunning views in Stanley – the Stanley Oriental Hotel has heaps of style in an awesome location.  You’ll have to super-size your staycation as the minimum stay is 1-week. Opt for a 1-bedroom, 1,200 sq ft suite with a private balcony overlooking Stanley Bay and kick back and relax with evening sundowners.
Stanley Oriental Hotel, 2/F, 90B, Stanley Main Street, Stanley, +852 2899 1688

MACAU
Take the ferry to our sister SAR, Macau, for your fill of delicious Portuguese fare and culture, dynamite adventures and entertaining shows! Between Ice World at the Venetian, go-carting on Coloane Island and hanging with the Giant Pandas, the family is in for some fun! Looking for some new digs this time around? Check out the Holiday Inn Macau and Conrad Macau Cotai Central!