YHA Mei Ho House Youth Hostel

For starters, the YHA Mei Ho House is more hotel than hostel. The majority of its rooms are private units, and even the few dorms found here are far nicer than what's on offer in some of the more central neighborhoods in Hong Kong (or anywhere, really). But beyond that, this hotel has had a fairly large role in the history of Hong Kong, a story that's documented in the cool interactive museum that's found on-site. During our visit, the staff walked us through the exhibition, explaining how the current hostel was once a government housing block that helped house the 100,000 citizens that were displaced by a major fire on Christmas Day 1953. What remains of the dozens of former public housing blocks that sprung up after the fire has been converted into this thoughtful, lively hotel. Expect to see local murals in the stairwells, and a wide range of tourists coming and going throughout the day. The hotel also hosts commemorative events and dignitaries during special occasions to mark the anniversary of the fire as well as the property's role in the city's history.

Sham Shui Po isn't exactly the neon-lit commercial hub that many travelers might imagine when they arrive in Hong Kong. However, you will get a glimpse into local life here. There's easy access from the hotel to an authentic neighborhood with bustling street life, casual eateries, and a wet market. Two MTR stations are under a 10-minute walk from the hotel: Sham Shui Po and Shek Kip Mei. Both offer easy connections to Kowloon's more well-known neighborhoods, like Mong Kok, though only the Sham Shui Po station provides is on the line the passes Tsim Sha Tsui and on to Hong Kong Island without transfers. Expect a 20-minute ride to Tsim Sha Tsui and 25 minutes to Central. It will take about 30 minutes to reach the airport by taxi, or an hour by MTR and Airport Express Train. 

Compared to some of the dismal budget hotels and hostels that pack the more central neighborhoods in Hong Kong, the rooms here are spacious, fresh, and bright. Clean interiors are relatively modern, with simple pops of bright green and cool Hong Kong photographs illustrating local landmarks and street scenes adding personality. Configurations vary from private doubles and themed family-friendly rooms to four- and eight-bed dorms (only the latter have bunk beds). All units feature en-suite bathrooms, which is a bonus in a city where space is usually a premium. Other features include free Wi-Fi, electric kettles, safes, air-conditioning, and closets. Dorms have lockers, but only private rooms feature flat-screen TVs. Bathrooms are clean and up to date, with stall showers, basic toiletries, towels, and a bit of counter space. 

Without a doubt, one of the standout features of this hostel is its museum, which features cool interactive displays and provides a fascinating insight into Hong Kong's history. Most of the exhibitions focus on the current hostel's former role in helping to house the 100,000 people displaced by a massive fire in 1953. The public housing blocks that sprung up -- of which the hostel is one -- were home to international celebrities like Hollywood director John Woo. The museum is really a gem, and offers a cool glimpse into Hong Kong's history even for people who aren't staying at the hotel. Otherwise, the Mei Ho House has a restaurant that serves all three meals as well as a two-for-one happy hour that's popular with guests. There are several lounge areas, some of which are tricked out in characterful decor. A communal kitchen was spotlessly clean and modern during our 2018 visit, and has storage for guests. There's also a laundry room. An on-site garden adds charm, and hostel employees use the produce themselves, while a terrace looks out onto the small hill behind the hostel where small shrines dot the hillside. Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel.