Hostel Review: Yha Mei Ho at Sham Shui Po Hong Kong

By atmnl
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03 Aug, 2018
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'Charge it to experience' is something we usually hear from someone who's willing to spend more money for the sake of experiencing #travelgoals. But for practical reasons involving staying in the middle, atmnl doesn't want you to overspend and regret the experience afterward. This is why we're here to give you tips and help you experience the unforgettable - like staying in a hostel!

Here are a few reasons why you should stay in a hostel like Yha Mei Ho.

1. They’re cheaper

To cut costs, hostels like Yha Mei Ho forgo many of the usual room amenities that non-business travelers rarely use anyway. You probably won't find luxury items such as telephones, flat iron, coffee makers, or hairdryers. You will, however, find a TV, laundry service, and other important stuff in the common area of the hostel so everyone can share. The savings for unnecessary luxuries is passed on to guests.

2. It has a unique character, personality, and a social environment

Hostels like Yha Mei Ho offer most of the usual comforts of a hotel. To add to that, this hostel has a unique character, personality, and a social environment you'll definitely enjoy.

Their mission:

"To provide safe, simple, and affordable hosteling services to young people and travelers from all over the world. Our hostels also serve as educational platforms that allow travelers to broaden their horizons, to learn about different cultures, and to be in touch with nature and heritage conservation."

3. The social atmosphere in a hostel is totally unique

For instance, in Yha Mei Ho, they believe that "backpacking or self-guided tours have become a new mode of travel for the young generation" thus..

Travel does not only mean fun and entertainment, but also means breaking through limits and exploring the world.
Travel is not exclusive for the rich. Everyone can enjoy the satisfaction which travel brings about.
Youth hostels are established to provide safe and simple accommodation for travel lovers and young people of limited means.

Similarly, hostels are often far more social than their hotel counterparts. Common areas serve as a catalyst for meeting new friends from all over the world! This is perfect for getting good recommendations or tips on tourist spots or other places you want to visit.

4. In contrary to #3, you don’t always have to share

*"me, myself and I - time" at their inhouse cafe*

Many hostels in Asia offer private rooms with options for either private or shared bathrooms. How much you interact with other guests will be entirely up to you.

In Yha Mei Ho, they have private rooms such as:

But you can share... so they have bunk beds too! (A total upgrade!)

We've tried the 8-Bedded Female Dormitory Room and here's what it looks like:

*4 beds in one room -- connected to another room with 4 beds*

*The baggage locker -- it can fit a 24" to 27" luggage bag (wheeled totes)*

5. You’ll get tips from the hostel staff!

Some might have exclusive local knowledge while some others are travelers just like you. Similar to hotels, they offer advice and ticketing services at the desk. In Yha Mei Ho, they also offer food, laundry services, full bars, and other services or activities that can make your travel more memorable.

You can try their Paddling Under Starry Night activity, YHA Summer Camp and Tree Climbing activity.

6. Hostels are more inclined to accommodate the local neighborhood

Yha Mei Ho offers discounts to students and members of the youth community, and they also have membership perks.

They have activities and projects like The Hong Kong Jockey Club Community Project Grant: Mei Ho House Hong Kong Spirit Learning Project where they developed a learning programme that encourages the younger generations to learn from the Hong Kong history and the striving and resilient spirit that constitutes to the success of Hong Kong.

But you don’t have to worry! Just like many hostels in Asia, Yha Mei Ho was started by former travelers. These experienced business owners know how it feels to be far away from home. In short, they know what travelers need. So they are not totally biased.

7. Less hidden fees

Many hotels throughout Asia tack service charges of up to 15 to 20 percent on your bill upon checkout. Despite a lack of tipping in most Asian cultures, the staffs in upscale hotels have actually become conditioned to receiving gratuity. But this usually isn't a problem in hostels.

8. Potential downsides... but can we probably just “charge it to experience”? ;)

atmnl wants to reiterate that not all hostels are equal. Some are noisy, hot, and don't actually offer quality amenities in the common area. Payment may not be as convenient as well, as some simply won't accept payments via credit cards.

Fortunately, Yha Mei Ho allows reservations and online payments.

Additional helpful tips for first-time travelers booking in Yha Mei Ho

If you're staying in the dormitory room type, don't forget to bring your own padlock.
Don't expect a grand breakfast or a cheap-priced meal. If you want to eat or just simply drink water, we recommend you to buy from a convenience store - it's way cheaper.
Don't worry about security. They have 24/7 security and CCTV cameras all over the place.
Don't be surprised if they ask you to return the bed duvet and pillowcase in the front desk. This is part of their system.
Be quire and respect the people around you. Again, the social atmosphere in a hostel is unique. It can transform your trip from a sightseeing tour into a more meaningful experience. But you have to act like a normal human being, not the butthole kind. ;)

Do you have a similar experiences or learnings from a hostel? Share them with us!