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Don’t be put off by the initials. For value, views and location, the always-popular YMCA, next door to the posh Peninsula, can’t be beaten. The well-furnished rooms are spacious, equipped with fax/laptop ports, satellite and cable TV. A large swimming pool, sauna, gym and indoor climbing wall round off the facilities. Family suites are terrific. A few excellent up-market dorm beds, too.

The boxy rooms with ugly 80s wallpaper have smallish beds, but the place is clean, efficient and can be cheap, and has lovely views over Kowloon Park.

Right in the increasingly smart centre of Wanchai, the Wharney offers decent surroundings, a revamped gym and pool, sauna, business centre and a couple of restaurants. Rooms are well appointed but on the small side.

Definitely the poor relation of the Grand Hotel Group’s hotels, the Wesley’s saving grace is its central location and low rates. That said, the fittings are tired and the rooms small. There’s no pool or gym and only a modest café.

Given the location, the prices aren’t bad, and even better for long stays (two weeks plus). The décor is depressing 80s and the rooms smallish. Discounts of 30 to 50 per cent are often available in low season.

The rather severe lobby opens directly onto Nathan Road, and the dishevelled lifts lead up to some big rooms with satellite TV, a/c and telephone.

This modest Chinese YMCA-run hotel charges a hefty premium for the location given the basic rooms, although low-season discounts are available. Bathtubs are only big enough for very supple adults.

With pleasant rooms, a good Central location and excellent views across the Zoological and Botanical Gardens to the city and harbour, Macdonell Road offers good value for its position. Rooms have all the basics plus kitchenette. Long-stay packages are available (see Long-Stay Hotels)

Marooned between the area’s two main roads, the Empire is right in the heart of Wanchai so you’re paying for location rather than luxury as the cheap, nasty fittings will constantly remind you. Still, prices are competitive, the service isn’t bad and there’s a small but adequate rooftop pool plus gym and broadband Internet access.

One of Hong Kong’s newest hotels, this self-styled “cyber boutique hotel” offers reasonable value. The look is sleek and modern, and the technology up to the minute. Small but well laid out rooms include broadband connection.