Cosmic Guesthouse

Cosmic Guesthouse is a little old and dated, but clean and in a great location with an abundance of things to do.

The Location

The hostel is located on the twelfth floor of an older-style building in the heart of Tsim Sha Tsui in Kowloon. There are a number of different businesses operating from the same floor, including a tailor, and it is patrolled by security officers after hours. The building in general is a little rundown and old, but seemingly typical of the area and feels quite safe. It is very easy to get to -- the Mass Transit Railway (MTR) station is situated just below the building as well as a bus stop that services thirty-seven bus lines, some of which go to and from the airport. Nearby is the Kowloon gardens, complete with public pool, as well as all kinds of shopping from street markets to more upmarket shopping malls. There are also an abundance of places to eat to suit all budgets.

Rooms and Bathrooms

There are a variety of rooms to choose from, starting from a single en-suite to six-person room (a double, two singles, and two bunk beds) all with en-suite. There are also two-bed, three-bed, four-bed, and five-bed options. The cheapest option is a four-bed coed dorm without en-suite. The rooms are quite dated and small, but clean and bright.

The en-suite is very small but probably typical in size for Hong Kong, with a removable shower head over the toilet. There are no shelves or hooks inside the en-suite, however there is a rack just outside. They too are quite old but also reasonably clean. The shower works well and could be adjusted to suit. Each room has a key lock, and the corridor leading to the room also is locked with access via a card given at check-in. This card also connects/disconnects the power inside the rooms when places in a holder behind the door. There were several signs around warning guests to not leave valuables in rooms, and the guesthouse will not take responsibility for theft. Every room has a shower, colour TV, wireless internet, air conditioning, and a telephone with a direct line.

Common Spaces

There are no common spaces at Cosmic Guest House. There is an internet computer, however guests must purchase a card with a certain amount of hours of access rather than the time they use. You are unlikely to meet many people in this guesthouse, however on the plus side it is quiet and relaxing. There is the option to leave luggage at the front desk, however if left after 6 p.m. they will charge a small fee. You cannot smoke in the rooms, but there are people smoking in the hall balconies that open up into the internal courtyard.

Summary

Cosmic Guesthouse feels a little gritty but at the same time authentic. If you are looking for generic Western-style accommodation then this might not suit you. However if you can appreciate that you are in a Hong Kong guesthouse, it can be a comfortable, budget-conscious stay. The rooms are clean and the staff helpful. The location is fantastic, you will not run out of things to see and do (and eat!), it is easy to get to, and has fantastic public transport connections.

— Exclusive Hostelz.com Review
May 2009