TravelLawyer

I think there has been some removed - I specifically read a couple that I can no longer find on TA.

MBS MillionMiler

HK$20 or US$20?

Speaking of laundry...I'm genuinely curious, as my Asia trips are 2 weeks...I try to pack 7-8 days worth of clothes and try to do laundry at the half way point.

...I have a great fluff-and-fold place I used on HK Island, charges me about HK$50 for all of my wearables with 4-hour service--tough to beat...Since I'll be trying the HGI; those familiar with the hotel's area in Mongkok, is there a place nearby for reasonable laundry like this? Any recommendations will be appreciated!

TravelLawyer

No tips for nearby laundry, but the laundry room in the HGI consists of one washer and one dryer. You have to get tokens for the machines from the front desk and they cost $50 hkd per load per machine to get the tokens ($100 hkd total if you want to wash AND dry).

Axel Dresden

Stayed there the last 3 days..

- no fire alert at all
- upgraded to harbour view after asking friendly at check in
- good selection at the buffet
- more than 6 USB high power outlets in the room
- personally I liked the area around the hotel a lot

so i can recommend this new property

TravelLawyer

So I did send a complaint to corporate after my stay, and the HGI manager finally contacted me. He apologized for the issues (but put the blame on other guests - so it doesn't sound like they are actually addressing the problems) and offered for my inconvenience an upgrade to the next category room and 2 free breakfasts if I book at the hotel again. As these are benefits I should already be receiving as a diamond, I declined. It's a bit insulting to think that 1) the manager doesn't know what perks DM's have, or that 2) he doesn't actually care what we think. Unlike the prior poster above this post, I will not be staying again unless they can assure me the alarm and service issues are resolved.

While I typically book at the Conrad or IC in HK, as an IHG Spire, I was given the highest floor room, complimentary snacks, and acknowledgement as a valued customer (even on a reward stay) at the HIX down the street. It was night and day compared with the service and treatment I received at the HGI. And of course, no random fire alarms at HIX either.

TravelLawyer

And I have corporate's response, which is even worse than the one from the hotel! If you have any doubt about Hilton not caring about its elites, it's right here:

"As Guest Assistance Specialists, we are appointed by the Executive Team of Hilton to handle complaints and escalations on behalf of the CEO and his senior team; our responsibility is to handle any issue and our decisions are final.

On behalf of the Hilton Garden Inn Hong Kong, please again accept our sincere apologies for the obvious inconvenience and anxiety suffered as a result of the two fire alarm activations that occurred during your stay. Although these activations were not in response to a fire, the legally mandated Fire Alarm system did functioned as it was designed to do. Once activated, only the Fire Chief is allowed to give the "All Clear" allowing our guests to return to their rooms. The announcement that is made is scripted from our Fire plan, and our guests are advised to follow the instructions on the back of your guestroom door. Since the fire alarm system is in place for the safety of all of our guests; consequently, we do not make any form of compensation for providing what we are morally and legally obligated to do.

The safety and security of our guests is of paramount importance and we make every effort to ensure that our properties comply with all laws and building codes. We also continually review our standards and procedures to ensure that our properties continue to be safe and comfortable for our guests.

Please be assured that we do appreciate your feedback and hope that you will continue to make Hilton Worldwide your first choice when traveling, based on the high level of service, quality and the diversity and value that each of our distinctive brands offers all of our guests.

Thank you for your understanding!
MC"

lululee

This was our first time staying at a Garden Inn, we weren't really sure what to expect. But thanks to all the previous posts, it helped manage our expectations beforehand. Basically, we had similar experience :

- no Diamond recognition
- no upgrade (we were already on a high floor)
- Diamond amenity was a choice of either 750 points or breakfast. We took breaky which was alright.
- room is small-ish, but comfortable bed and decent shower

Luckily, we did not run into any fire alarm during our stay, but there must have been some minor constructions going on still, as we kept hearing hammering noise which stopped around 5pm to 6pm.

PS: MillionMiler - we saw a laundromat called Sunshine Laundry (63 Soy street - the hotel is on 2 Soy street), not sure if it's self-serve or if they do drop-offs. There're also a number of small mom and pop laundry places around that block.

Modo

Beat me to it. Soy Street one mentioned here is fine. And as stated several others within about 200m. I stay at the HIX about 10X per year and know the area well - but still not tried HGI.

MBS MillionMiler

Thanks to you both!

If prices are similar to HK Island, they'll do my laundry for me for less than what one load at the HGI charges! If there's 'a number of...', I'm sure I'll find one that suits my needs, and use the overpriced HK$100 wash and dry as a backup! I will pack appropriately (light!).

khkchan

The typical rates for a 6-8 lb laundry on a mom and pop laundry shop in HK (you dropped off in the morning, and get them back washed and dried in the afternoon) is around HKD$ 60 - 80. I would do that instead of coin laundry at HGI.

Skimanant

Anyone got contact email info here? I want to email and ask about the possibility of a rollaway.

TravelLawyer

I don't think you understand how small the rooms are. I had to walk sideways to get to the side of the bed. There's no room for rollaways unless you are booking a suite.

Skimanant

That's useful info.

I was hoping (outside chance I know) to be able to book a room for 20K points, and then the hotel say in advance about upgrades......

Choices are 2 rooms here at 20k each, suite here at 67k, or room at Conrad 60k?
Conrad has lounge, possibility of high floor , nice upgrade etc. I am open to any advice you can give, and thanks in advance.

Alternatively I could go down the IHG or Accor route?

Flyingboy200

The hotel states that an airport shuttle bus is offered from Jan 1st. does anyone have any experience of this? Is it the Viator airport-hotel bus service that you can book in the arrivals hall?

I will be arriving into HKG at 6:20aer a long intercontinental flight. do you think as a Dond they will allow me early check in?

TravelLawyer

I personally really like the Conrad much better, but I don't know if it's worth 60k points if you technically need more beds, and the HGI is definitely NOT worth 67k, so don't book the suite there! I'd say your best bet is probably the 2 rooms at 20k points each at the HGI if you don't mind the far walk to the MTR and other issues previously mentioned. You will also not get a suite as an upgrade. So far Diamonds (including myself) have only gotten higher floor or better view. If those things are concerns then book the Conrad. At the very least there's a lounge and they can fit a rollaway in the room (but ask ahead of time! They ran out once and my son had to sleep in our bed).