I have to jump in again ...
yes, you can see HK as a place where you have to spend lots of money. That's what most establishments WANT you to think, so no surprise it's the predominent view expressed in this thread too.
The REALITY is HK is a place of extremes, with only a vague relationship between price and value. You can go to an expensive place that's shit, and right next to it is an excellent place that's cheap.
This means, more than in other cities in the world:-
1. research pays off handsomely. You typically only have to talk to 3 or 4 providers to start finding much better value.
2. have the balls to negotiate. Even the $700+ places discount heavily. Except at peak periods (typically when there's a trade show) when all rooms are full, you can get late-check-in rates, special deals, and other discounts.
In a similar way, guest-houses are a great alternative to hotels, and don't let anyone tell you otherwise. Yes lots of them are shit-holes, but it really doesn't take much effort to find one that's clean and well-run, with a private bathroom, 24-hr security, etc. and for the savings it's well worth the time it takes. There are plenty out there.
Good luck!!
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Last edited by DArtagnan at 11-7-2009 10:58 ]