Rent-a-Room - the cheapest Long term stay or daily use you can ever found in Hong Kong

Rent-a-Room is well located at Jordan, just next to Jordan MRT, within walking distance TST. With plenty of restaurants and Temple Street night market nearby. All rooms have air-con, fridge, private phone line, electronic safe.

Room rate:
The daily rate for Single Room with Single bed range from HK$400 to HK$600.
The monlty rate for Single Room with Single bed range from HK$5500 to HK$6000.

They have big rooms like 3 to 4 beds for a big family. However, for the monthly rate, the price exclude the electricity (this is the most cases for other long term stay). And for monthly stay, they have excluded the internet access, you got to pay for that.

Other optional charges:
The self-service laundry is HK$200 per month for unlimited access.
The internet is HK$200 per month for unlimited access.

The photos are contributed by reader, so they are "live" photo. But you can see from the price, so don't expect it to be as "nice" as the rest. The winning point of this is at the price and location.

Hong Kong guy arrested due to uploading two movies to BT

There is this 38-year old jobless guy upload two movies 《十級颶風》及《故園風雨後》to the BT network. At first, he seeds the movies for only half an hour to an hour, and no one finish the download. But he becomes offline so as to hide his identity. Another day, he seed again, and soon he disconnect when someone finish the download. However, his actions are all being monitored, and he was arrested, as someone has already successfully download the movie 100% from him. This is the 2nd case in Hong Kong, last year Sept, a girl also arrested due to the same reason.

被捕的三十八歲中國籍男子，上周五（二十四日）在家中透過互聯網，將兩套懷疑侵權的外國電影的BT種子檔案，發放到海外網站，然後在本地討論區開帖刊登超連結，更向網民表示「有回應才有分享」。海關人員隨即展開調查，追蹤涉案電腦位置。

該男子當日發放種子檔案的時間只有一小時至個半小時，沒有網民能完整下載，估計他的做法是想隱藏身分，減低被執法人員偵測機會。至前日，該男子再登入BT上載檔案，當時約有一萬三千多人正等候下載電影。約十五分鐘後，不少網民電腦已完成了下載，該男子迅速離綫。海關見時機成熟，即時掩至疑犯灣仔家中採取拘捕行動，並檢獲一台桌上電腦及有關周邊設備，總值約一萬元。

海關在○七年三月開始使用「網綫監察系統」，二十四小時自動監察網上的侵權活動，特別是本港各熱門網上討論區的活動，但系統並無監測FOXY。自推出以來，海關已偵破兩宗在互聯網上載侵權電影案件。第一宗案件於去年九月中，一名二十七歲女收銀員同樣以BT上載兩套外語電影供人下載，被「網綫」監察洞悉，該女子其後被拘捕。

Source at Yahoo News. So really think twice when you are going to seed next time.

Hong Kong over hundred years historical building - 香港百年歷史建築伯大尼博物館

This building has a long history, but now, it is renovated, and part of it being developed as a museum and opened to public.

經過三年的修復工程，香港百年歷史建築伯大尼修院，成為演藝學院的“古跡”校園。伯大尼博物館對香港市民和遊客開放。伯大尼博物館位于伯大尼修院的地下酒窖，館藏包括由巴黎外方傳教會借出的聖物、早年由納匝肋印書館出版的珍貴書籍及在復修時在地下發掘的出土文物，主要闡述有關伯大尼修院及附近的歷史，包括巴黎外方傳教會、伯大尼修院及鄰近伯大尼修院的納匝肋印書館(現為香港大學大學堂宿舍)。

位于香港薄扶林道、毗鄰中華廚藝學院的伯大尼修院已經有逾百年歷史，由巴黎外方傳教會于一八七五年建成，作傳教士休養之用。經過多年荒廢後，伯大尼修院及毗鄰的牛奶公司舊牛棚于二00三年獲香港特區政府斥資七千多萬港元復修，成為香港演藝學院電影學院的第二校舍及小劇院。

伯大尼復修後，於○六年正式開放，現為演藝學院電視電影學院校舍，內設兩個表演場地、一個展覽廳、小教堂，及由地下酒窖改建成的法國巴黎銀行伯大尼博物館。 伯大尼获联合国颁发亚太区文物古迹保护奖。是香港唯一申报的古迹，哥德式建筑，于一八七五年由巴黎外方传教会建成，作为传教会士的休养之所，修院运作百年后关闭成为政府建筑物，一九八一年被列入二级历史建筑。

Hong Kong Affordable Long Term and Short Term stay - The Nest

This nicely decorated "hotel" provides both monthly rate and daily rate. Most rooms are decorated with 70s posters, but don't worry, the furniture are new, the bath room are modern as well. This could be a good alternative to the hotel no matter you are visiting Hong Kong in long term or short term.

There is private toilet and shower in the room. The monthly rate is abount HK$6,900 is nett. For single-bed room, it is about 100 sq ft net and the half-month security deposit is non refundable. To find out more, visit http://www.thenest.com.hk/

Hong Kong jobless rate record high BUT long queue buying house

Hong Kong jobless rate is highest since 38 months (i.e. nearly 3 years time). However, the property market is getting hot recently. There are more than over 10,000 transactions last month. But some experts say that many of the house buyer are investor, they buy the house now and expect the price rebound within the next few years.

失業率5.2%創38個月以來新高

政府公布最新失業率為5.2%，上升0.2%，創38個月以來的新高。

失業率上升主要見於建造業、運輸業、住宿業和金融業。

就業不足率方面，下跌主要見於零售業和裝修及保養工程業，這抵銷了製造業和倉庫及運輸輔助服務業的上升。

樓宇買賣本月料重上萬宗

樓宇登記數目大為上升。最新數據所得，四月上旬樓宇買賣共錄得逾四千六百宗登記，較上月大幅增加三成三。預料本月註冊量有機會繼去年六月以來，再度衝破一萬宗關口，並且是去年十一月金融海嘯打擊後錄約三千七百多宗的谷低數字後新高。

反映上月樓市處於季節性傳統旺季，一手交投熾熱，二手成交亦上升。

市場人士表示，近日樓市交投暢旺，皆因發展商以貼市價推盤，成功催谷銷情，推動買家入市，惟短期內樓市是否持續暢旺，仍要視乎經濟大氣候，市場目前存在不明朗因素。

新春過後，銀行放寬借貸，令整體樓市回穩，而近月發展商紛紛以市價推盤，刺激用家入市，錄得不俗的銷情，不但用家入市，投資者亦有見銀行存款利率偏低，加上見股市波動，寧願將資金轉投相對較為穩健的物業，從而帶動一手及二手銷情。

近日九龍區開售的一個新盤，六成買家選用建築期付款，顯示該盤以投資者為主，他們看好後市，希望從買賣物業獲利，惟眼光是否準確依然是未知之數。

Long term stay in Hong Kong - Studios Studio, H Studios, W Studios

At the moment, they have a total of 8 different buildings in the districts of Causeway bay in the vicinity of Times Square, Wan Chai at 320 Lockhart Road and North Point in front of City Garden Hotel. Almost all of their locations are within 2 minutes walk to the nearest MTR station. Their studio sizes in Causeway bay and Wan Chai range from the following approximate prices:

Rent Range : HK$ 6500 – HK$ 12000
Unit Size : 180 sq.ft. – 320 sq.ft.
Minimum rental is 2 months,

A Deposit of HK$3,000 is required for guaranteed booking and it's not refundable if you cancel it, will be refunded upon the completion of the agreement.

Their Amenities:
A/C
TV / DVD
No Tax
Private Bathroom
Internet (Unlimited access)
Direct Phone Line
Pantry with electric hot plate, fridge, microwave and utensils
Weekly cleaning with linen service
Serviced Laundry
Cable TV in most location.
Gym Membership Card in special Rate Basis
Fully Furnished
All Utilities are Inclusive

Websites:
Studios Studio: http://www.studiostudio.com.hk/
H Studios: http://pluff.net/
W Studios: http://www.wstudios.com.hk/

Long term stay in Hong Kong - City Loft

Here is another long term stay choice at Hong Kong - City Loft. They have the locations at Sheung Wan, Central, Wan Chai, and Causeway Bay. Mainly at the Hong Kong Island. Depending on the size and location of the room, the rental range from HK 6k to 13k per rmonth. Include all the furniture, broadband, electricity and water. Weekly housekeeping and linen service. And most of the locations are within walking distance to the MTR subway station.

So lets see some of the room (quite pretty renovated) and the prices (prices may not upto date).....

Causewaybay : No. 4 Cannon Street
200 s.f., HK$7,500 per month / 250 s.f., HK$8,500 per month

Causewaybay : No. 8 Kingston Street
180 s.f., HK$7,000 per month / 230 s.f. ,HK$8,000 per month

Central : No. 158 Wellington Street
220 s.f., HK$8,500 per month / 260 s.f., HK$10,000 per month

Central : No. 158 Wellington Street
260 s.f., HK$9,500 per month


Contact:
Office : +852 2881 7979
Mobile : +852 9262 1994
Email : info@cityloft.com.hk
website : http://www.cityloft.com.hk/.

Please note that they also have a limited number of California Fitness Membership cards.

Experience Hong Kong' unique Chinese Culture and Festivals

Hong Kong is blessed with numerous traditional Chinese Festivals during the coming months. Upcoming events include the:

Tin Hau's Birthday 天后诞: Tin Hau's birthday is celebrated to bring safety, security, fine weather and full nets during the coming year. There are celebrations at Tin Hau temples all over Hong Kong. 天后是香港渔民的守护神，每年的天后诞辰日，香港各区的天后庙均有庆祝活动。

Birthday of Lord Buddha: Worshippers show their devotion throughout the day by bathing Buddha's statue. 大屿山宝莲禅寺拥有全世界最高的户外青铜坐佛，是顶礼膜拜的重地之一，善信可参与浴佛仪式及享用美味素菜。

Tam Kung's Birthday: His birthday festival is celebrated with considerable devotion and fanfare at the Tam Kung Temple in Shau Kei Wan on Hong Kong Island, which dates from 1905. 谭公是另一位海上守护神，为渔民带来平安与快乐。谭公诞的庆典仪式与天后诞相似，渔民多向谭公祈求未来一年平安、丰收。

Cheung Chau Bun Festival 长洲太平清醮: The weeklong festival climaxes with a large, carnival-like street procession featuring costumed children on stilts held aloft above the crowd, lion dances and other colourful participants. 盛典的焦点是北帝庙前三个用竹棚搭成、挂满平安包的包山。会景巡游是节庆的高潮，飘色、醒狮及麒麟队在岛上巡游，孩童装扮成古今人物或传说中的角色，站在支架上，穿梭大小街道。由于包山的缘故，太平清醮又名“包山节”。

These festivals can be incredibly colourful and noisy affairs, attended by thousands of people and include festive feasting, lion and dragon dancers, Chinese opera, carnivals and parades - all creating a fantastic experience - that's uniquely Hong Kong! More Chinese Festival information (or Chinese version 传统节庆).

Hong Kong Food and Wine Year - 香港美酒佳肴年

Hong Kong has recently become only the second Asian city to be awarded its very own Michelin Guide. What better way to toast Hong Kong's rich gastronomic heritage and this wonderful achievement than by holding a sparkling array of events throughout the year. The Hong Kong Food and Wine Year is a marvellous opportunity for both locals and visitors alike to indulge in magical culinary experiences and to enjoy what is the city's favourite pastime enjoying truly great food in great surroundings with a wonderful atmosphere!

The highlights of this years culinary calendar include:
- The spectacular Hong Kong Wine and Dine Festival
- An engaging portfolio of gastronomic guidebooks
- A year filled with mouth-watering special offers

最近，香港成为亚洲第二个获得《米其林指南》所覆盖的城市。“香港美酒佳肴年”，正为旅客及本地居民提供一个绝佳的机会，让大家在美好的气氛中享受真正一流的珍馐佳酿，纵情欢享美妙绝伦的味觉体验，于这个城市尽享闲情逸致！

今年一系列美食活动中的亮点包括：
• 盛大的 “香港美酒佳肴巡礼”
• 一系列特色饮食指南
• 全年不绝的餐饮优惠

Long term stay in Hong Kong - YMCA

The Hong Kong YWCA (Young Women's Christian Association) offers 99 residences overlooking the city, all fully furnished, in some studio and suite unites are equipped with kitchenette. Those serviced residences are most ideal for those on extended Asian assignment, in a comfortable, convenient and homely environment.

All rates are inclusive of 10% service charge and utilities (electricity, gas, water, local telephone call & in room broadband access )

Services and Facilities for Monthly Residents

(1) Cleaning of Apartments
Cleaning of trash-cans is done once a day; and the apartments, including bathrooms, are cleaned once a week. The bed sheets and pillow cases in apartments are changed once a week

(2) Internet Broadband Services
Each apartment provide internet broadband service are available free of charge.

(3) Supplies for Apartments
Each apartment is supplied with bed sheet, blanket, blanket cover, pillow, pillow case and kettle. Residents have to prepare towels and other daily necessities for their own use.

(4) Lending Service
Iron and ironing board can be borrowed for using by residents at the Reception Counter.

(5) Local Telephone Service
Local telephone and in-house phone calls are available free of charge.

(6) International Direct Dial Service
Each apartment is equipped with IDD service. Residents have to pay the handling charge ( the sum of time used plus 20% additional administrative charge ).

(7) Laundry Service
There is self-assisted laundry service in the Lodge, and token coins, $20 each, for the service can be purchased at the Reception Counter.

Four Locations:

The Garden View – YWCA
No 1 Macdonnell Road, Mid-Levels
Tel : (852)2877 3737
E-mail:ywgv@ywca.org.hk

The Anne Black - YWCA
5 Man Fuk Road, Waterloo Road Hill
Tel : (852) 2713 9211
E-mail:ywab@ywca.org.hk

The Building - YWCA
38C Bonham Road
Tel : (852) 2915 2345
E-mail: ywbldg@ywca.org.hk

The Lodge - YWCA
66 Begonia Road, Yau Yat Chuen
Tel : (852)3443 1881
E-mail: ywlodge@ywca.org.hk