Travel Jams

on Friday, November 4, 2016

I know, I know. I said before that Hong Kong isn't exactly at the top of my places-to-visit list. Maybe it's because it is too popular that I think it could be a little overrated. I never understood why many tourists keep coming back to Hong Kong... until I spent 5 days there. Hong Kong might be small in area, but you could easily spend 5 days and still feel there's a whole lot more to experience! It has an unexplainable charm, and it's not easy to not love it. I seriously contemplated to live in Hong Kong for maybe a couple of months. And I know I'd love to live in Stanley.

Stanley is a town located on a peninsula on Hong Kong Island. It's a charming place away from the hustle and bustle of city life. Although it is a popular tourist destination, it has a kind of 'chill' vibe, perfect for a relaxing staycation.

While there is no MTR route that serves the area, Stanley is extremely easy to reach by bus and taxis.

Mini Studios

The same company (Eton Properties) that runs Mini Hotel Causeway Bay also owns Mini Studios. Like the hotel, they have stylish with minimalist rooms equipped with an in-room safe, private toilet and bath with hot and cold shower, water heater, hair dryer, HD LCD TV, and landline phone. Tenants also get to enjoy complimentary wireless high-speed internet access and weekly residence cleaning service. It is basically like long-term hotel living at cheaper rates.

Price

Monthly rental is at 5,000 HKD (~645 USD; Php 31,185). And you know what makes staying at Mini studios even better?

Waking up to a beautiful view!

Room

Here are more photos of the rooms we got to check out:

Common Areas

While rooms have somewhat limited space, Mini Studios have common areas for the tenants' use for work or recreation.

There are Internet-connected computers you can use.

See? I fit in perfectly. I can really live here. ;)

Of course, those who work hard, play harder. How would you like to have pool and football tables in your living room?

If you're concerned about food storage, there's also a common kitchen with refrigerator, toaster, and microwave oven.

Common kitchen

There's also a gym and a swimming pool (under renovation).

And let me throw in a picturesque view of Stanley from the roofdeck as well:

There's just too many things to love about Stanley... and too many reasons to stay at Mini Studios. :)

About Mini Studios

Situated in the hidden part of Southside Hong Kong, Mini Studio-Stanley is an ideal option for long term staying. Offering 100+ stylish & simplicity designed rooms, we are the perfect choice for those searching for a getaway from the bustling city life of Hong Kong and to reside in a serene paradise along with our attentive service and sophisticated views.

Address: No. 2 Tung Tau Wan Road Stanley Hong Kong

Website: http://www.ministudios.net/

Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/Mini-Studio-Stanley-1743837132504181/

Email: info@ministudiohk.com

Phone: (852) 3793 3793

I know, I know. I said before that Hong Kong isn't exactly at the top of my places-to-visit list . Maybe it's because it is too...

on Thursday, November 3, 2016

It is no secret that space is a luxury in Hong Kong. Rental rates are so high, it makes you wonder how start-up businesses survive. One thing I found out during our recent trip to the city is that while space is typically expensive, there are buildings like SOLO that focuses on helping out local entrepreneurs. We visited SOLO in Causeway Bay and found quite a number of local businesses housed in a prime location in the shopping district. The units are approximately 3-4 sqm in area, but with smart use of space, this is enough for an office or mini-showroom.

solo causeway bay hong kong | traveljams

At the ground floor (near the lift), there's a spot with brochures from the different shops. It serves as a directory as well of all the businesses in the building. We had a chance to visit a couple of shops.

Constance showing us one a bag designed by a creative local.

We met Constance, an expat who is a graphic designer by profession and a business owner by passion. She runs Amazing Creative Boutique, an e-commerce site selling items made by local designers who usually sells at bazaars. The shop, she says, serves as an office and a mini-warehouse, especially when there are no bazaars in the area.

While sales can be completed online, some shoppers would want to check the products before purchasing. The shop is where buyers can actually see, feel, (and smell!) the products.

There are bags, accessories, bookmarks, and other creative items for sale.

We also visited Echoes on Earth. It is a lifestyle and fair trade store. The shop promotes fair trade as it supports underprivileged producers, pays fair price to producers, and more importantly, respects people and nature.

They sell a variety of products -- from organic teas, coffee beans, aroma oils, rice and herbs to hand-made accessories and decors. It is a very lovely shop, I tell you.

Other shops at SOLO Radio City

There are many other shops in SOLO. There are make-up and nail art shops, camera stores, gadget stores, and others that sell fashion items.

For my next visit in Hong Kong, I think I'll drop by here:

About SOLO

SOLO offers a quick start-up and cost-effective office and shop spaces located at prime locations. They have stylish renovated and facilitated office/workshop with broadband Internet access and professional security system. Entrepreneurs can simply move in, plug in and start growing their business immediately.
More info here: http://www.solohk.com/

It is no secret that space is a luxury in Hong Kong. Rental rates are so high, it makes you wonder how start-up businesses survive. On...