The Hong Kong Experience
Written: Sep 25 '04 (Updated Sep 26 '04)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Impeccable service, elegant atmosphere, great spa
Cons: Expensive, but still a good value (and worth every penny)
The Bottom Line: Its where every guide book sends you. Why not stay there?
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| ottley77's Full Review: The Peninsula Hong Kong |
My partner and I stayed at the Peninsula for two nights as part of a recent holiday to Hong Kong and Bali. The overall experience was charming and a welcome respite from the hectic city outside. The service was outstanding, the room was spacious and tastefully appointed, and the facilities and food were impressive at each turn. For our room, we paid a standard internet rate of 350 USD booked on the Peninsula website.
We opted for the Peninsula's Rolls-Royce airport transfer service, and it was a worthy indulgence. For 175 USD added, you will be graciously welcomed by a hotel reprensentive, ushered to your British green Silver Spirit, and effortlessly whisked away to the Peninsula (a 30 minute trip without traffic.) Complimentary offerings of Evian, cool towels, and newspaper helped us to tolerate the heat, humidity, and early hour.
The Peninsula is in Kowloon, across the harbor from Hong Kong island. This location was convenient for us, and we walked easily to the ferry. We did not use public transport, although there is a stop nearby. I have heard that it is preferable for leisure travelers to be outside of the hub-bub of the business district. There is still plenty of hub-bub in Kowloon (plus tons of shops, hotels, and restaurants.)
Upon arrival, we were met at the car by our personal check-in assistant who efficiently took care of the nitty gritty, and escorted us to our room, a city-facing king room on the 21st floor. We were treated to a welcome pot of Jasmine tea and daily fresh fruit offerings.
The room was approximately 400 square feet, with a separate entry foyer with banquette and closet, large bathroom, and bedroom with seating area.
The bedroom lacked no amenities. The room had international tv, DVD player (you can check out movies from their library), internet hookup, as well as electronic controls on each side of the bed for lights, drapery, music, alarm. The bed faces the window wall so we could take in the expansive view, with a small sofa and armchair and desk completing the suite. The furnishings were all tasteful with an Asian influence with a color palette favoring soft greens and neutrals.
The bathroom was large and clad in white and green marble. It consisted of two separate vanities/sinks, a separate shower room and toilet room, and a soaking tub. The tub had radio and television controls (a tv slides out of the wall). The toiletries are Molson Brown.
The hotel amenities were all flawless. Attached to the hotel is a two story shopping arcade featuring jewelery shops and boutiques (Prada, Chanel, Polo, etc.) which is convenient if you don't want to leave the building. The lobby sacrifices lounge areas for restaurant seating, but makes for an enjoyable backdrop for breakfast, dinner, or afternoon tea (all were enjoyable experiences.)
The Peninsula Spa is complimentary to guests and includes a private gym with helpful attendants, mens and womens separate changing rooms with hot and cold plunge pools, sauna and steam. We did not opt for treatments, but the overall experience was much more "spa" and less "hotel gym". Up one flight of stairs is the hotel pool with its amazing views of the Hong Kong skyline and Grecian ruin theme. Again, it is very tasteful. Spa waiters serve food or bring fresh drinking water. A sundeck is available for sunbathing, but I wouldn't imagine it much fun in Hong Kong.
The restaurants are typically located on the second level. There is a bar lounge, the Spring Moon (Chinese cuisine), a Swiss restaurant, and many others. None tempted us too much, but that was probably due to jet lag and malaise. I popped up to Felix on the penthouse level on the recommendation of the concierge. It was Phillippe Starck's fresh take on design in 1991, so if you've been to an Ian schrager hotel, you can skip it. But others did seem to find it quite dramatic. I only had a drink, so I can't comment on the food. Across the street, the Intercontinental Hotel has a lobby lounge with expansive panoramic views of the Hong Kong skyline. I recommend that instead. Room service was enjoyable, with delicious breakfasts and prompt, courteous service.
The concierge service was extremely helpful with recommendations, reservations, and purchasing. Overall service was always quick, courteous and attentive, if a little bit excessive at times.
Our only warning is that the add-ons quickly add up. We had a room rate of 350 USD and we quickly doubled that in extra munchies, etc. It's all worth it, but you may wonder where it all went at the end.
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
ottley77
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Reviews written: 8
Trusted by: 0 members
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