The Backpacking Freelancer - Part VIII

Golden Crown is housed on the same building as Yiufai. Did you find it weird that I opted for number 3 instead of number 2? It's not such a mystery really when you consider the websites of these top-rated but cheap accommodations in Hong Kong.

I was more impressed with the Golden Crown Guesthouse website. Content is indeed king there. The site is packed with comprehensive and useful information on not only the guesthouse itself but on nearby attractions as well.

The only inquiry you will ever want to make is whether the rooms are available and if you can get them at standard rates. You see, the guesthouse adjusts its rates during peak season too. Rooms are at least 100 HKD higher whenever there are expos and exhibits held in Hong Kong.  

My favorite part of the website is the user-friendly and interactive reservations form. Unlike other hostels and guesthouses which leave you hanging about the status of your request, Golden Crown Guesthouse gives very prompt feedback and updates. Only the first page of bookings is displayed. You will have to log into the site to view the request details, check if the payment has been reflected and print the confirmation page.

The Backpacking Freelancer - Part VII

Yesterday's blog post directed the limelight on Trip Advisor recommended accommodations in Hong Kong. Should you trust the positive feedback ratings and shining reviews?

The final decision is entirely up to you, but it is wise to sift through the pile of testimonials and weigh all positive and negative aspects carefully. 

How do you make sense of them? You might want to put yourself in the shoes of the persons writing the review. In addition, you must also consider the posting guidelines set by Trip Advisor. The ideal review sums up the guest's overall experience in the hotel, hostel or guesthouse. The rating is based on factors such as level of service, cleanliness, location, sleep quality, room and pricing.

I tend to read the average and negative points first to see how tolerable they are. I have jotted down a few notes below. See if yours match mine:

• Hello Inn - 44 reviews, 100 percent positive feedback
  
  
  Clean and artsy rooms (all with a private bathroom), and a nice owner seem to be the place's main selling proposition. All reviewers said they would recommend Hello Inn in a heart beat and "definitely return." The only detail that will probably merit some second thoughts is that Hello Inn is located in Mirador Mansion, which is just slightly better than the seedy Chungking Mansion. Additionally, some backpackers may not like the deposit and refund policy.
  
  Rate/night: 350-380 HKD (single), 400-450 HKD (double)
  Deposit: full amount for stays of less than 3 days
  Refunds: 10 percent withheld as service charge, 7 days' notice required
  
  Reservation:
  - E-mail helloinnhk@gmail.com for room availability.
  - Send the deposit via PayPal.
  - Receive a confirmed booking number from the staff.