Anne Black Guest House

If location isn’t important then consider the YWCA-run Anne Black Guest House stuck out in Mongkok. The rooms (either with private or communal bathrooms) are basic but clean with air-conditioning, TV, and telephone.

• 5 Man Fuk Rd, Kowloon

• 2713 9211

• www.ywca.org.hk

• $$

Booth Lodge

Air-conditioned rooms with shower, fridge, phone, bath and TV are merely adequate but the location and prices are great at this Salvation Army-run hotel.

• 11 Wing Sing Lane, Yau Ma Tei, Kowloon

• 2771 9266

• www.boothlodge.salvation.org.hk

• $$

Caritas Bianchi Lodge

Like Booth Lodge next door, there’s only a chapel and restaurant-cum-café to amuse yourself here. Still, the rooms are large by any standards.

• 4 Cliff Road, Yau Ma Tei, Kowloon

• 2388 1111

• www.caritas-chs.org.hk

• $$

New King’s Hotel

Well situated but in something of a chaotic, scrappy and noisy area. Rooms are neat but small, and the views unlovely.

• 473 Nathan Rd, Yau Ma Tei, Kowloon

• 2780 1281

• $$

Holy Carpenter Guest House

A pleasant alternative to the dingier guesthouse offerings in Chungking and Mirador, but stuck out in boring old Hung Hom. Facilities in double and triple rooms are basic but include TV, phone, bathroom, shower and air-conditioning.

• 1 Dyer Ave, Hung Hom, Kowloon

• 2362 0301

• $$

Bradbury Hall Hostel

As you might expect from such a remote hostel, basic, barrack-like dorms are the order of the day. Those with tents may want to walk on and pitch camp at Tai Long Wan’s lovely beaches nearby.

• Chek Keng, Sai Kung, New Territories

• 2328 2458

• $

Bradbury Lodge Youth Hostel

This very pleasant hostel by the reservoir makes for a good base or stop-off for walkers exploring the beautiful Plover Cove area. Air-conditioned singles, doubles or dorms are available.

• Tai Mei Tuk, New Territories

• 2662 5123

• www.yha.org.hk

• $

Pak Sha O Hostel

Lying in the heart of the country park, this is a functional hikers’ over-night stop with dorm beds. The views are great and it’s also possible to camp.

• Pak Sha O, Hoi Ha Rd, New Territories

• 2328 2327

• $

Sze Lok Yuen Hostel

A very basic hikers’ crash-pad, Sze Lok Yuen is close to the summit of Tai Mo Shan, Hong Kong’s tallest peak. The views are spectacular but its dorm rooms are pretty basic with no fans or air-conditioning. The altitude cools things down though in all but the hottest months. Camping is permitted.

• Tai Mo Shan, Tseun Wan, New Territories

• 2488 8188

• www.yha.org.hk

• $

Chungking House, Chungking Mansions

Staying at the mansions is a badge of honour to some budget travellers, an unpleasant necessity to others (see Chungking Mansions). The dingy hallways and semi-squalor contain dozens of guesthouses offering cheap, boxy and usually stuffy accommodation in an excellent location. Oppressive and fascinating at the same time, Chungking Mansions is a warren of small-scale commerce and Hong Kong’s cultural melting pot. Chungking House is probably the best option, with larger, more comfortable rooms than else-where in Chungking Mansions.

• Block 4A/5F, 40 Nathan Rd, Tsim Sha Tsui

• 2366 5362

• $$