The Peninsula, Hong Kong
COST: $$$$
Since 1928, this Hong Kong institution has defined the luxury hotel experience, and although certain kinds of travelers (especially lovers of sleek, high-tech minimalism) may find the Peninsula too old-world, there’s no denying it’s a serious class act. The fleet of 14 customized Rolls-Royce limousines is just the first clue to the hotel’s glamour factor; then there’s the lobby, where the bellboys sport immaculate white pillbox hats and uniforms, a string quartet plays classical music, and a queue forms daily to partake of the afternoon high tea. A grand staircase leads to the mezzanine level, and tucked-away elevators whisk guests to the 300 guest rooms—all decorated in formal English-country-manor style, with gleaming dark wood furniture, brocade fabrics, and Chinese ceramics and wall art. On the top floor is the Philippe Starck-designed Felix restaurant, which still packs them in more than a decade after its opening; here, captains of industry can be found tucking into Tasmanian salmon and Boston lobster.
Insider’s Tip: Ask barman Johnny Chung at The Bar how Clark Gable showed him how to mix a screwdriver back in 1953, when he was filming Soldier of Fortune (after mistakenly thinking the movie star was in need of the Phillips-head variety).
Room to Book: A corner suite, where you can drink in the sheer-glass view of Victoria Harbour from your soaking tub. If money’s no object, go for the renowned Marco Polo suite on the sixth floor—which comes with its own Rolls-Royce Phantom and driver.
As Featured In...
From Travel + Leisure, Sep 2006
“A Rolls-Royce transfer from the Hong Kong airport to the Peninsula...” MORE>>
From Travel + Leisure, Jun 2006
“The telescopes in the suites at the Peninsula Hong Kong exploit the hotel's Kowloon views to the fullest—and are a beautiful, antique brass and teakwood retro touch in an otherwise totally automated environment....” MORE>>
From the T+L 500
Grand 1928 Neoclassical-style hotel on Victoria Harbour, minutes from Tsim Sha Tsui's museums, the MTR, and the Star Ferry.
- Stats:
- 300 rooms; 7 restaurants; 1 bar.
- Competitive Edge:
- Old-world grandeur: the lobby is one of the most elegant meeting places in Hong Kong.
- Rooms to Book:
- Grand Deluxe Harbour Views on floors 17 through 27 have superb panoramas of the town.
- Don't Miss:
- Philippe Starck's avant-garde design and views of the city skyline at Felix restaurant on the 28th floor.
lastArticle = 9/2006 and lastAward = 01/2008
