the luxury hotels of Hong Kong

Upscale travelers visiting Hong Kong have the choice of many luxury hotels. This is a brief review of six 5 star hotels, each of which is a member of the Virtuoso network. Virtuoso guests benefit from special negotiated rates and receive significant amenities that include complimentary daily breakfasts, upgrades on arrival if available, and more.

Hong Kong or Kowloon? Your most basic decision is that of location. Business travelers tend to stay in Hong Kong as it is the location of financial institutions and the convention center. Kowloon is the choice of many leisure travelers. Just a short and inexpensive ride away by the Star Ferry or subway, Kowloon offers a stunning view of the Hong Kong skyline. After dark, especially, the view of the lights of Hong Kong over the harbour is simply stunning, and the shopping malls stay open much later. In fact, you can shop well into the early hours of the morning at the Night Market and the Ladies Market.

For visitors who choose to stay in Hong Kong...

The Mandarin Oriental offers the grandeur of a classic hotel that recently completed an extensive renovation. From the moment you enter the lobby, you will be struck by the elegance of the black marble floors and ornate gilded Oriental carvings. With 502 guest rooms, the Mandarin Oriental offers great dining; its restaurants located on the top floor provide stunning views of the harbour and city. My favorite room categories are the Premier and Harbour rooms. Some will prefer the more contemporary styling of the Verandah rooms; be sure to mention this preference to your travel consultant.

The Landmark Mandarin Oriental offers a modern, contemporary feeling. The sister property of the Mandarin Oriental, the hotel is directly connected to the Landmark shopping mall. As with the MO, you can walk to the rest of the Central district via enclosed, air conditioned walkways. I loved the clean elegance of this property. Guestrooms feature floors of hardwood and black marble. The L600 Deluxe and L600 Spa Corner rooms are absolutely wonderful Jr. Suites. Beautiful bathrooms feature circular jacuzzi tubs, separate showers, and dual sinks. There is a spacious sleeping area and discrete living room as well. New in 2008 are some great amenities including a VIP greeting at the aircraft gate upon arrival at the Hong Kong airport, and this is just the beginning. Contact me for a complete description of the Virtuoso amenities.

The Four Seasons Hotel is a third wonderful choice in Hong Kong. With a location convenient to the financial center, this is the property of choice for many business travelers. The building features stunning contemporary architecture, an atrium 30 meters high, a Club Lounge with the most amazing view of the harbour, and rooftop swimming pools with a full view of the harbour and Kowloon.

For visitors who choose to stay in Kowloon...

The Langham Hotel is the value leader of the luxury properties of Kowloon. The property is just about to open its newly refurbished Grand Rooms. From the moment you enter through their burled wood doors, you will be struck by the clean, elegant styling of the brand new decor. These rooms offer complimentary broadband internet and all the Virtuoso amenities at a very attractive price. Others may prefer Club Floor rooms which include Club access and complimentary one-way airport transfers. (Warning: the Club has a freezer full of Haagen-Dazs personal-sized ice cream cartons!)

The Inter Continental is located right on the harbour and offers absolutely perfect views of Hong Kong's skyline and Avenue of Stars from the windows of Harbourview rooms. A great outdoor pool area provides guests with a resort feeling, and the property offers great restaurants. Virtuoso guests at the InterContinental receive complimentary access to the biggest buffet breakfast I have ever seen. For an additional charge, guests receive Club access which provides all-day grazing rights (including Dom Perignon champagne).

The Peninsula is the classic old grand hotel on Kowloon. This property has the traditional feeling of a British colonial hotel, presents a beautiful Afternoon Tea, and provides Rolls Royce limousines for its guests. I was impressed by the Grand Deluxe Kowloon View guest rooms with very interesting views of the city. Then I was blown away by the Deluxe Harborview corner suites. Ask for one of these suites on the western side of the property, and enjoy a view of the harbour from your living room, bedroom, and soaking tub.


copyright (c) 2007 by David J. Ourisman. All rights reserved. If you have comments on this column, or questions about booking travel, email me or visit my website.
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