The Salisbury – YMCA of Hong Kong

The Salisbury is the hotel of the YMCA of Hong Kong, on Salisbury Road in Tsim Sha Tsui. It is a popular choice for travellers who want a central Tsim Sha Tsui location without paying luxury prices, and it sits on the same stretch of road as The Peninsula and Rosewood Hong Kong. The building is only a few minutes' walk from Tsim Sha Tsui MTR station.

The hotel has 372 rooms and suites, and the facilities are better than its price might suggest. There are indoor swimming pools, a jacuzzi and sauna, a fitness centre and indoor climbing walls, which are rare in a city hotel. For meals there is a dining room, a café and room service. The building also has conference and banquet rooms and a chapel, reflecting its role as part of the YMCA.

Rooms are practical rather than luxurious, and the location is hard to beat for the price. Wireless broadband is available in the rooms. It is a sensible choice for families, as the sports facilities give children something to do, and for budget-conscious couples and solo travellers who want to spend their money on experiences rather than the room.

Book as far ahead as you can, especially during holidays and big events, when central hotels fill up. Ask about rooms with harbour views when booking, as the outlook varies between room types.

The hotel is easy to reach from the airport by taxi, and public transport is a cheaper alternative if you are travelling light. Rates are among the most reasonable for this part of Tsim Sha Tsui, so it is worth comparing room types carefully rather than defaulting to the cheapest.

The location is the main advantage. The Hong Kong Cultural Centre, the Clock Tower and the Avenue of Stars are close by, and the Star Ferry pier is a short walk away for the crossing to Central. The Hong Kong Museum of Art is a few minutes along Salisbury Road, and Temple Street Night Market is a short MTR ride north. You can also have afternoon tea at The Peninsula nearby for a taste of luxury without paying for a room there.