Hotels in Hong Kong are not known to be cheap, nor spacious. With the exception of Tokyo, most hotels here can barely fit 2 persons comfortably. Likewise, Holiday Inn Express Mongkok measures only at 19 square meter, it can be pretty challenging if you have many luggage with you. Despite its petite size, this hotel is not exactly shabby.
Located within the popular district of Yau Tsim Mong (made up of combinations of Yau Ma Tei, Tsim Sha Tsui and Mong Kok), this is a popular district for many tourists due to its popularity as a shopping and food haven. The hotel is located at the entrance of Dundas Street; hence it is next to a major trunk road. However, noise was not an issue as the room’s soundproofing was fairly good. The nearest MTR station is Yau Ma Tei, which is about 10 minutes walking from the hotel. One can also walk westward towards the Olympic Station.
There is no drop off point, hence getting down or getting up a cab during peak hours and during rain can be very challenging! The hotel lobby is very simple, with a small check in desk, a small desk with a computer and a vending machine. There are 18 floors and the restaurant is located at 5th floor. Being Holiday Inn Express, the accommodation comes with breakfast. Instead of buffet spread, you will get a choice of 6 sets. Beverage is provided complimentary, comprising juices, hot beverages and water.
There is only one type of room available, single queen bed or 2 twin beds. As usual, the room came with a mini fridge, complimentary bottled water, tea and coffee and amenities. I am impressed that bath robe and slippers were provided by Holiday Inn Express as these items can be missing even in more upscale hotels in USA and Europe! The bathroom is rather unique; it is curved and divided into 2 sections – the shower area and toilet. The curved nature of the bathroom frees up a small space within the room (and making it aesthetically more pleasing). Instead of plaster wall, you get solid glass blocks. Although nice, the disadvantage is that the room will be lighted up when one goes to toilet (and this will certainly affect sleep quality). There is only one door, a shared door between the toilet and the shower room. Although the shower room is relatively large, the same cannot be said about the toilet.
There are 6 breakfast sets available, and it is the same every morning. The dining area is fairly small; hence expect a short wait during the 8am – 930am period. The wait however is not long as most people will leave once they are done with their breakfast. Don’t expect it to be great, but it is certainly edible. For those who are more adventurous, there are many eateries nearby (or going to one of the popular dim sum restaurants in Hong Kong).
For $160 per night (inclusive of tax), this hotel is certainly worth considering. The only blip during my stay was the music blaring through the in room speaker at 11pm till 12am on my last night of stay, disrupting my sleep. Despite calls, they were only able to sort out the issue after midnight.
That Time Of The Year! 