Hong Kong impressions

Like any world-class international city, Hong Kong is an amalgamation of nationalities, cultures and people that is constantly coalescing with everything that touches it.

In my mind, the city reflects the vivacious personality of our own city – Mumbai – albeit a little more well-groomed, a tad more savvy, and with a lot more skyscrapers!

I was taken aback by the sheer volume of towering building in the city. It’s impressive. It is also necessary since land is at a premium. Unfortunately, air pollution in Hong Kong is a serious problem and the towers don’t help. They trap the polluted air that floats towards it from China, compounding the problem.

Towering inferno

Nevertheless, it’s an exciting city to visit and even to live in. It’s always buzzing; it is high on culture, night life is thrilling and the food is to indulge in. But mostly for non-vegetarians. As a vegetarian, I had a difficult time trying to savor the local cuisine. And the language hurdle doesn't make it easier.    

Vegetarian food isn't very easy to find. But there are a lot of Indian (read Punjabi) cuisine restaurants around.

Do the locomotive

Getting around is easy. MTR (underground trains) and double-decker buses are available everywhere – even from the airport going directly into the city. And tickets can be purchased from kiosks at the airport itself.

Ticket kiosk at the Hong Kong airport

If you’re travelling in a group of more than three, then taking a taxi is better and more economical.

Where to shack up

Kowloon, more specifically the Tsim Sha Tsui area, is the place where you want to be. It is fun, it’s exciting and it’s cheap(er). Park Hotel has a great location and is pretty decently priced. Alternately, one of the youth hostels is good too and it is where your Hong Kong dollar (currently at Rs 8) will go further. Check the Hong Kong Youth Hostels Association website for more.

A look back at Kowloon reminds me of our own city from the Bandra-Worli sealink

Things to see

It’s a bit clichéd but you can’t miss Hong Kong Disneyland, even if you're not traveling with kids! Keep an entire day for this. 

The Peak Tram is also a must-do; it has the best view and will give you a little perspective on the city. You can give the floating restaurants a miss but do visit Victoria Harbour to witness the Symphony of Lights show. It’s breathtaking!

View from the top

You can also make a day trip to Macau, which will take you around 60-75 minutes by ferry. Check this helpful About.com link for detailed information on the ferries. 

Macau has tons of casinos and has earned the moniker of ‘Las Vegas of the East’ for a reason! But it’s an expensive destination to stay so you might want to return to Hong Kong the same day if you're on a budget. Read my article on Macau here.

For more information on the city, visit the Hong Kong tourism board website. It’s very user-friendly.

A place of his own

Note: This article was written in August 2009 for Express Hospitality

With the popularity of ‘only women’ floors in hotels, can the ‘only boys’ concept be far behind? 'His Space' at the Hong Kong-based The Fleming has on offer all the boy toys including PlayStation, Xbox 360, in-room golf putting green, iPod entertainment and the latest men’s magazines.

The quiet side-street, in the heart of the Wan Chai business and entertainment district on which this 66-rooms business boutique hotel is located, belies the hip and the stylish hotel interiors. After launching the concept of ‘Her Space’ in February 2007, The Fleming has now introduced the ultimate room concept for men – and going by its manager Francis Lee, the first in Hong Kong to do so.

The 'His Space' concept has been designed as a gaming paradise with video consoles for Playstation 3, Xbox 360 and Wii, a golf putting green in rooms along with an iPod dock entertainment system, men’s magazines and a comprehensive DVD library. Of course, all this comes at a premium. The ‘His Space’ rooms are priced at HK$ 1,400 a night subject to 10 per cent service charge and a supplement of HK$ 300 for high season bookings.

“We also have an offer at the moment to promote this idea – a 50 per cent discount on selected imported beers, including Belgium brews, plus complimentary local calls, broadband internet and cable TV,” says Lee. Extras include an American breakfast, late check-out (until 3 pm) and access to California Fitness exercise classes. For a supplement of HK$ 400, guests can upgrade to executive rooms with fully-equipped kitchens, foot massage machines and multi-function fax facilities.

Nevertheless, according to Lee, Her Space is equally popular among female executive travelers if not more with amenities like the facial steamer and leg massage machines. “We continuously upgrade our amenities and services by improving both our hardware and software. This will ultimately win the loyalty of our guests,” says Lee.

A ‘home feel’ 

Working with the hotel since 2007, Lee says that the decision to incorporate the ‘His Space’ concept was taken by the hotel management as well as its PR team. “We thought that it would be something entirely different for male travellers to enjoy while staying in a standard hotel room. The games consoles will definitely add to the ‘home feel’. It was also following on from the success of our ‘Her Space’ floor,” he says.

Targeted at single male business travellers with a general interest in boy toys, the rooms are also open to families who may request to stay at His Space. “However, it is not recommended as the video games and magazines may display materials unsuitable for children under 18. But we can selectively arrange personalised products for families, such as the Wii room,” Lee adds.

His and Her Space will be marketed when the “new hotel image” is launched at the end of the year. However, Lee did not reveal what the new image is going to be. But the overhaul might be a strategy to overcome the slow market. Lee says, “With the difficulty that many hotel operators are facing at the moment, revising room rates and rolling out different promotions are key. His Space is definitely one of the strategies to keep The Fleming brand exposed and highlighting our oriented approach and keeping us ahead of the market.”

The Fleming was ranked on Condé Nast Traveller’s Hot List 2007 among the world’s best new hotels, and a finalist as Best Boutique Hotel of the Year 2007 in the SCMP/Harper’s Bazaar Style Awards. It is a member of Sterling Hotels, a collection of hotels from Preferred Hotel Group.