City Econo Guesthouse – cheap, centrally-located and comfortable.

Here’s the first of my many posts about my recent vacation in Hong Kong.
Don’t worry, one of these is definitely the revelation of my PHP15,000 Vacation Challenge as mentioned in my previous post. I will just finalize the tally of the total expenses and I’ll be all set to reveal if I am indeed successful.

First, I’d like to give credit where credit is due. I stayed at the City Econo Guesthouse, located on the 5th and 6th floors of Cumberland House in Nathan Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon — exactly parallel to exit C of the Jordan Station of the MTR.

I found the guesthouse during a harried, lodging-scouting period where most of the boutique hotels and guesthouses were booked due to the October conference month. Tired after being rejected by about six accommodations, I quickly searched PinoyExchange and found it as one of the recommended places by Filipino budget travelers. I fired a quick email to Jenny, the property owner and received a prompt reply the next day. Suffice to say, I was able to book the room without any deposit, but with strict instructions to confirm reservations three days before the trip.Email correspondence with Jenny is very quick and efficient–hence, I honestly don’t think you need to pass through a third-party agent.

We were given instructions to take the A21 Cityflier bus from the Hong Kong International Airport and alight at the Prudential Centre stop, roughly the 11th bus stop from the airport. The hotel is just across the road. I recommend you take the back entrance (along Bowring and Pilkem Street) to avoid the narrow and steep stairs facing Nathan Road. Upon check-in, go directly to the 6th floor and look for Jenny who will assist you during the whole check-in process. You will also be asked to settle the entire bill during check-in.

the narrow but very clean hallways leading to the bedrooms

Room Comments
The rooms were basic: clean, comfortable and safe — just what we needed after a long day of sight-seeing. We really didn’t stay much indoors. We are pretty much out of the room by 9AM, only to return by 10 or 11PM. We were tired, cranky and just ready to sleep.

City Econo Guesthouse provided us what we need minus the frills and without the hassle.

Double Room for mum and dad. Our room was just across the hall.

our spacious quadruple room and with the equally spacious bathroom. and these three are my constant room mates!

the spacious T&B for the quad room

We were given six bottles of free mineral water upon check-in, but these were not replenished during our four-day stay. Didn’t bothered us though because we also decided to stock-up on water following a visit on the supermarket located at JD Mall.

The room was roomy and airy, did not smell that old building smell (common on guesthouses) and seemed newly renovated. Wifi was free but spotty, plus there’s also telephone and working TV (with 4 channels only). At noon (most likely) someone comes in to tidy the place, throw the thrash and replenish the tissue paper inside the bathrooms. There were also shower gels and shampoo provided, as well as towels which are freshly changed everyday.

Now for some obvious realities: the building being old, we noticed that the tiles inside the bathroom were fixed (it showed) and the cracked ones repaired (it showed). The shower curtains were also old, but still does the job (and it didn’t smell) plus there’s hot water available for those who hate cold showers.

Being a family-run establishment, you can sense the care and the sense of dedication of its owners. After we have checked in, Jenny dragged her son to change the light bulbs inside our room and have it checked to ensure all things are in order.

Service
Jenny and her husband, along with their son, handle the day-to-day operations of the guesthouse. They are quick and efficient, hospitable yet professional. They also offer tours and tickets to some of HK’s attractions. In fact, we were able to buy Disneyland tickets at City Econo Guesthouse at HKD20 off. Talk about savings!

Location
One of the best things about City Econo Guesthouse is its location.
It’s right beside exit C of the Jordan MTR and smack at the middle of Nathan Road in TST. Located on the next street is the Kowloon Park and directly across Pilkem Street is the famous Temple Street Night Market (named after the temple in the middle of the road).

After visiting the Avenue of Stars and the Symphony of Lights, we decided to walk from the corner of Peninsula HK to our hotel. It was just a good four blocks away and about 15 minutes by foot. There were a few “safety spots”, but the rest is simply too overwhelming and bright and fun, considering the many-colored billboard along TST.

So, if you’re the type who’s rather spend their hard-earned money shopping than splurging on a hotel room you won’t get to see much anyway, try to consider City Econo Guesthouse. It’s money well spent.

NOTE: This is not a paid advertorial. I paid for both rooms during our four-day, three night stay. They do not accept credit cards, please bring cash.