Hong Kong is famous for many things, including high prices for accommodations. This means that you could end up blowing your travel budget for a hotel room the size of a closet! In an expensive city like Hong Kong, you definitely want to find ways to make your travel budget go further. After all, experiencing what this city has to offer is the whole point of traveling there!
While we have reviewed a number of Hong Kong accommodations, ranging from hostels & budget hotels, to mid-range and luxury hotels…there are also numerous unique alternative places to stay in Hong Kong. So check out these recommendations as you plan your visit to Hong Kong.
These places will not only give you a totally different experience during your visit, but they will also help you to keep some money in your pocket.
Stay at an Airbnb in Hong Kong
As some of our readers may know, we are huge fans of Airbnb. If you have never heard of it, Airbnb is a service that lets people rent out their available space. From spare bedrooms in their shared apartments, to private apartments and guest houses!
We’ve stayed in Airbnb’s from New York to Hawaii, and love the personalized B&B feel of them — plus they can be much more affordable, as well as feeling more local! From our experiences, our Airbnb hosts give us great pieces of local advice, and tips on where to eat and where to go. They can steer you off the beaten path from most guide books!
It’s a cool way to see the city like a local.
In Hong Kong, there are no shortage of Airbnb properties. In fact, it’s almost overwhelming because there are so many to choose from! If you have never used Airbnb before, be sure to check it out and claim your Airbnb discount here!
Indulge Your Spirit by Staying Among a Monastery & Renowned Buddha Statue in the Mountains
How about waking up early, soaking up the fresh mountain air while strolling to see the world’s largest outdoor seated Buddha high up on the mountain. The YHA Ngong Ping SG Davis Youth Hostel (Lantau Island) provides this unique experience.
Nestled high in the mountains on Lantau Island, the hostel is in a tranquil setting, surrounded by wilderness and within walking distance to the Buddha and Monastery area. The nearby “Wisdom Path” gives you a chance to get out and walk around the hills, taking in the quiet beauty of the landscapes. And for a truly unforgettable experience, get out early and climb to the peak of Lantau Mountain for a sunrise you will never forget (about a 1.5 hour hike).
Stay with a Local for FREE – Go Couchusurfing in Hong Kong!
For those of you who are unfamiliar, “Couchsurfing’ is an online community of like-minded people who love to travel, and / or host travelers in their homes. The concept is similar to when you visit family and friends, they put you up in a spare room…or simply the couch.
This is a FREE type of accommodation, and sleeping conditions may vary. The goal here is to get place to stay and meet some cool new people.
We have couchsurfed before, and it was a great experience! While we have not yet couchsurfed in Hong Kong, we know other people who have. There is an active couchsurfing community in Hong Kong, and some of the accommodation options are really nice!
So couchsurfing is a great option to consider if you are trying to save some cash during your visit, and you want to experience what it’s like to actually live in Hong Kong like a local.
Camping on the Beach in Hong Kong
Some people are surprised to hear that you can go camping in Hong Kong…but it’s quite true! In fact, one of the many things that we love about Hong Kong is just how much of an outdoor community they have. Hong Kong is full of endless hiking and biking trails, water sports opportunities, beaches…and yes, even camping!
There is a whole different side of Hong Kong that doesn’t include the crowded city, including the different islands and beaches. In fact, Lantau Island (the largest of all Hong Kong’s islands) is popular for outdoor enthusiasts because most of the island is designated as parklands. So it’s full of trails and camping locations.
I had actually heard about camping on the beaches in Hong Kong a few years ago, but we have never had the chance to actually do it for ourselves. So we were happy to hear recently that our friends, Jazza and Lesh at Nomadasaurus actually wrote a post about their experience camping on a beach in Hong Kong.
So if it’s something you are interested in doing, be sure to check out their post.
Housesitting in Hong Kong
Another option for some people is to actually housesit in Hong Kong! This may seem strange to some, but housesitting is quite a popular way for travelers to live in a city. It’s best suited to those with flexible or extended travel plans, since often the owners are looking for people who can watch over their place for a while.
This option isn’t for everyone, that’s for sure. But it’s something to look into. We actually have a profile on Trusted Housesitters, and we have housesat in a variety of places, including Thailand and Shanghai. In both of those cases, we were actually pet-sitting too – but we stayed for a month or so typically, and it was a nice and inexpensive form of accommodation. Plus, we LOVED the pets!!!
Make Your Hong Kong Travel Budget Go Further
These alternative budget accommodations in Hong Kong, will not only help you to have a unique travel experience, but you can also make your travel budget go further. So save some money, and be able to see and do more during your visit to Hong Kong!
Planning a Visit to Hong Kong? Check Out Our Complete Travel Guide!
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Thanks for the tips, were heading there soon and accommodation looks so pricey.
Thanks so much Rossi! Yeah, it can be a spendy place. But it’s good to know that there are budget alternatives out there for people who are willing to be creative, and do some research. We love it in Hong Kong — and especially love it when we can save some cash and have a cool, unique experience.
Enjoy your trip!
– Liz
love the monastery! I would definitely sign up for that hostel program! What a unique experience!
With the camping, I like the idea but doesn’t that pull away from the experience of Hong Kong? I mean you camp in Yosemite not New York City! Plus who goes camping and then gets all dressed up to go into town leaving their gear and clothes in the tent on the beach?
Thanks for reading Eric, and for the comment. There are definitely some great experiences to be had in Hong Kong. I think one of the biggest misconceptions is that Hong Kong is like NYC — but it’s actually quite different. There are many miles of beautiful, quiet beaches, hiking trails, water falls, and national park lands. Hong Kong is actually and outdoor-lovers paradise. So for some people who aren’t into getting dressed up and exploring the city, they may have a wonderfully peaceful experience camping on a beach in Hong Kong. It definitely depends on your interests – but that’s what’s great about Hong Kong…there’s something for all types of travelers!
Cheers!
Liz