The Peninsula Hong Kong Exudes Five-Star Hospitality with Old-World Charm.

The Peninsula Hong Kong with all the trimmings. Lux Nomade’s Hong Kong-based contributing writer Faye Bradley checks in to the luxury hotel for a weekend staycation which includes a Rolls Royce transfer, dining credit, and more.

The Grande Dame of the East—also the Peninsula flagship—is the oldest hotel in Hong Kong. With a long-standing reputation, serving celebrity clientele since 1928, the Peninsula Hong Kong sustains its five-star hospitality and colonial charm in an impressive setting. Guests can expect to be taken care of from start to finish, and catered for every need—be it for a personal shopper, a poolside breakfast, or indulge in the spectacular views from the rooms.

Location

Perched on the edge of Victoria Harbour, the waterfront location reigns in stunning views from every room. With a throne-like exterior, The Peninsula welcomes guests to arrive via Rolls-Royce transfers, or for even more exclusivity, by helicopter transfer. The hotel is conveniently in Tsim Sha Tsui district and is within close proximity of nearby shopping (K11 MUSEA only across the road), dining options, and the Star Ferry which takes you directly to Central—another high-end district in Hong Kong.

Hotel Design

Originally a six-story hotel built in 1928, the property extended its square feet by building an additional 30 floors in 1994 to invite in even more guests and facilities. The design is undeniably regal and opulent—think high columns and East-meets-West elements. Chinese lions are painted on the lobby doors to pay homage to Chinese philosophies whilst an opera stage is perched in the corners of each room as a Western tradition. A breathtaking fleet of fifteen Rolls-Royces (including one vintage 1934 Rolls-Royce Phantom II) resides at the entrance of the hotel and pageboys welcome you into the hotel. The crowd varies and attracts a discerning mix of ages and groups—families, couples, elderly—there is no differentiation for those who know to appreciate the colonial glamour of The Peninsula.

The Grand Deluxe Harbour View Room

Contrasting slightly against the hotel’s colonial design, the rooms, in fact, take a more modern approach. Renovated in 2013, the rooms are sleek and contemporary, of course, but still ultra-luxe and keep the soft browns and leathers used around the hotel. We stayed in the Grand Deluxe Harbour View Room which held stunning views of the waterfront and skyline. Facilities include tech elements from the touch-screen tablets to the bedside light devices. Local and international calls are free for those coming from abroad and the in-room Nespresso machine serves instant coffee whenever you need your fix. The marble-clad bathroom has a spacious bath, shower and two separate counters for him and her. Amenities are from Oscar de la Renta, a luxury fashion house. 

It’s the personal touches that I was most impressed by during our stay (with many other things), and upon entering the room, I was greeted with several welcome letters from the spa, the manager and the marketing team. The hotel excels in warming hospitality and it was evident from the moment we stepped in.

The Peninsula Spa

After check-in, I was told I can change into a bathrobe and slippers and go straight to the spa for my scheduled treatment. So I changed and took the lift down to the spa to try the signature Margy’s Monte Carlo 90-minute Stem Cell Revitalising Facial (HK$3,500) at the Peninsula Spa. Margie Lombard (behind Margy’s Monte Carlo) hails from Monaco and her award-winning treatments are indulged in by royals and celebrities alike, with rejuvenating options from the red-carpet-ready Ultimate Radiance Aesthetic Facial (HK$6,800) to the Signature Anti-Cellulite Massage (HK$2,470). 

Located on the 9th floor, the Peninsula Spa welcomes you to the spa lobby first, before being escorted via private lift to the treatment rooms. I was introduced to the lovely spa manager then left to unwind with a cup of hot ginger tea whilst filling in the consultation form to indicate my skin type and any problem areas. I was taken to the lift and into the spa, which was decked in elegant earthy tones and oriental interiors. The therapists generously upgraded me to try the couples’ suite (additional HK$1,400), a harbourfront double room which includes a photogenic private jacuzzi, steam room, shower and rest area (and the treatment room in the room next door). I was left for an hour to make the most of these luxurious facilities and I took the time to soak in the bubbling jacuzzi whilst gazing over the panoramic view. Drinks and fresh fruits are also included so I took a few sips of the coconut water, then sat in the steam room to cleanse my pores, pre-treatment.

I prepared for my treatment and already felt refreshed and relaxed. My therapist greeted me and gave an introduction to the brand, Margy’s, and the facial steps, which consisted largely of face massaging and motion. I lay down with hot towels at my feet and she began the treatment. The facial consisted of a concentrated blend of Swiss apple stem cell properties which encourages powerful age prevention.

I was completely relaxed and she combined three facial massages, two masks, and a tension-melting scalp, neck and shoulder massage. It was so interesting to try the facial massages—my therapist was extremely rapid in her movements and it helped to uplift my overall complexion. When the treatment finished, my skin felt bouncier and healthier and I was given complimentary post-treatment products to pursue the results at home. I would definitely recommend visiting the spa during a visit—it’s a different world and the service is exquisite, in line with The Peninsula’s five-star ethos.

Dining at Felix

The Peninsula is home to eight dining and drinking spots, celebrated for their years of culinary excellence. The Lobby is for breakfast and afternoon tea—a truly British-influenced element core to the hotel’s heritage. Daily breakfast is served from 7:00 AM to 11:00 AM and we tried the Peninsula Breakfast and the Chinese Breakfast for an east-meets-west tribute. Both were exquisite—we opted for in-room dining on Sunday morning for a decadent experience from the comfort of our own room.

We dined at Felix, an avant-garde bar and restaurant with floor-to-ceiling windows showcasing the harbour views in all its glory. With a cocktail pairing, we tried the set dinner (Felix Experience Menu – HK$1,788 including cocktails) with highlights including the French Chicken Consomme and the Hokkaido Scallop. For mains, the Chargrilled Iberian Pork Pluma was a tender and delightful dish. Other restaurants at The Peninsula include Gaddi’s for French fine dining, Chesa for Swiss cuisine, the Michelin-starred Spring Moon, The Verandah for continental bites, Imasa for Japanese and The Bar for lounging and drinks.

Facilities

Guests can make use of the Roman-style indoor swimming pool which includes an outdoor terrace for those who want a bit of sunshine. The gym is well-equipped and guests can also choose to run on the recommended track in front of the hotel along the waterfront.

Overall

My expectations for The Peninsula were exceeded and it was more than evident that the hotel continues to thrive in its five-star hospitality and luxury service. The Staycation package was an escape from city life for the weekend and allowed me to explore the hotel in a way that has never been done before. The spa and dining during our stay were excellent and I would recommend utilising the hotel facilities as much as possible on a visit to experience the full package.

For more information and booking https://www.peninsula.com/en/hong-kong/5-star-luxury-hotel-kowloon