Commute time from Midlevels to Taikoo Shing - and where to live near Cityplaza?

[bibbju]

I'm moving to HK from the UK next week - arriving Tues, starting new job on Thurs - and just discovered that I'm going to be based in a different office location to what I expected (and planned for lol).

I thought I was going to be based in Central but it seems I will be based in Cityplaza at Taikoo Shing. My new employer has booked me into 2 Macdonnell Road for 6 weeks. I haven't been to HK before, and will only have one day to find my feet before starting my new job, so can any of you tell me the quickest way to get to Cityplaza from 2 Macdonnell Road. I'm assuming getting the bus/walk into Central and then MTR to Taikoo Shing? How long will that take? Is 40 mins about right?? I need to be at my new office by 8.30am....can't be late on the first day so need to build in some getting lost time ;-)

Also, I had been looking at living in Sheung Wan (or Kennedy Town as a back-up) but the Cityplaza location has blown this plan out of the water. Any recommendations for good buildings (preferably with clubhouse) for a 2 bed with a net area of 500+ sq ft costing up to 25k that are handy for Taikoo Shing? I considered Grand Promenade in the past but was told it was "too far out" from Central but I'm guessing it might be worth looking at again? Is The Floridian crazy money?

Really appreciate all your help, thank you!!!

[dengxi]

Looking at their website they've got a shuttle bus in the morning at 07:40, you could take that to the first stop, walk to Central, about 15 minutes from there to Taikoo, all in you'd probably get there just about on time. You probably don't want to walk at this time of year, you're half way up a hill and it's hot.

[jimbo]

From Central MTR to Taikoo it's 17 minutes, Citiplaza is right on top of the MTR
I work in Citiplaza so can show you the area and where to go for lunch once you're settled.

Lots of older type buildings in the area but you can get something decent for your budget, Approximately 22k for 600 sq feet.

[bibbju]

Cheers guys, I appreciate it. 17 mins from Central is good (I've found a personal trainer in Central and was feeling mightily peed off that my new office location might interfere with my fitness regime...shallow but true!). Yes, the heat at the moment is a concern....I'm so used to walking/running everywhere that avoiding walking is going to be a real culture shock...not sure if that will be better or worse for my stress levels ;-)

Thanks for the offer jimbo, I'll definitely take you up on that once I get settled. Just looking at GoHome.com.hk so I can get an idea of what to expect (and no doubt be disappointed that everything costs twice as much in reality lol).

[Pookee]

I live in Tai Koo and pay about 14k for a 2 bedroom apartment. Takes 15 min to central by mtr.

[charleyw]

I live on Macdonnell Road and work in Taikoo shing, right now i've been getting a cab or the bus (from Macdonnell rd) to Central or Admiralty (about 5 mins) and then the MTR to TaiKoo. I aim to leave home at 8.20-8.30 and am in the office by 9am.

In the winter I walked to Admiralty through Hong Kong Park, its a nice walk and a great start to the morning although it obviously takes a bit longer.

Hope that helps.

[bibbju]

charleyw, that's perfect, thank you so much!