The Peninsula Hong Kong may have earned the moniker the ‘Grande Dame of the Far East, but the years have been kind to this distinguished lady. With a fleet of Rolls-Royce Phantoms, its own helipad, and one of the most opulent penthouse suites in existence, you would be hard-pushed to find a swankier stay. The Peninsula Suite offers eye-popping views of Victoria Harbour and the Hong Kong skyline. The Peninsula Hong Kong Then And Now Since opening its doors in 1928, The Peninsula Hong Kong has seen its fair share of historic events. Founded by the Kadoorie family from Baghdad, the hotel was built with the intention of creating the ‘finest hotel east of Suez’. The decision to base the hotel opposite the quays in Kowloon, and not on Hong Kong Island itself, was no coincidence. Back in the day, this was the disembarkation point for both the trans-Siberian Railway and the ocean liners that brought passengers from faraway lands. In the years that followed, ‘The Pen’ went on to play a key part in Kowloon’s burgeoning reputation as a hospitality, shopping and cultural destination. Over the decades, the hotel’s illustrious guests have included Emperor Haile Selassie, Princess Margaret of Great
Britain, Ronald Reagan, Tennessee Williams, Julie Andrews, Elizabeth Taylor, Elton John, and many, many more. The Lobby dining room at The Peninsula Hong Kong. A Luxury Stay Like None Other These days, The Peninsula is a flawless blend of classic luxury and contemporary comfort, cementing its position as one of Hong Kong’s most sought-after stays. In a city with a hospitality offering that is arguably second to none, this is no mean feat. The hotel counts two Michelin-starred dining destinations among its eight drinking and dining establishments. Gaddi’s French fine-dining restaurant has remained one of the hottest tickets in town since opening in 1953, while Spring
moon continues to set the standard for Cantonese fine dining. As for the location that was once considered controversial, the hotel’s setting on the waterfront in Kowloon’s Tsim Sha Tsui offers guests unobstructed and unrivaled views of the Hong Kong skyline across Hong Kong Harbour and Central. The latter can be reached in a matter of minutes by cab, subway, or—a slightly slower but infinitely more romantic option—catching the Star Ferry across the bay. Sunset of Victoria Harbour, with Tsim Sha Tsui in Kowloon, facing Central. Hong Kong Public transportation aside, guests staying at The Peninsula also have the option of traveling around the city in unparalleled style. One of the hotel’s trademarks is its fleet of 14 Rolls-Royce Extended Wheelbase Phantom limousines, available for guests wishing to book envy-inducing airport transfers or private tours of the city. The Peninsula Suite As for the grandest room of all, the 4,111 square-foot Peninsula Suite , a stay here comes with access to one of these ultra-chic rides included, subject to availability. But that’s not all. Bathroom with a view in The Peninsula Suite. This palatial accommodation on the 26th floor of The Peninsula Tower offers the most eye-popping views of Victoria Harbour and the Hong Kong skyline from its panoramic floor-to-ceiling windows and its private landscaped terrace. The elegant interior is a striking mix of contemporary and antique furnishings, original artworks worthy of an international gallery, and over-the-top features. On entering, the first thing you will notice is a fluid wooden sculpture by Chinese artist Sun Yi, as the room opens up to reveal the expansive living and dining areas with their soaring ceilings featuring a hand-blown Lasvit Bohemian glass chandelier, suspended as if in flight, and a baby grand piano. One of the hotel’s trademarks is its fleet of 14 Rolls-Royce Extended Wheelbase Phantom limousines, The suite has a sumptuous master bedroom and dressing area, with textured leather-finish wall panels featuring delicate sculptural reliefs by London-based designer Helen Amy Murray, a 10-seat dining room with adjoining kitchen, and a gym. There is also a private cinematic screening room complete with a wall-to-wall Panasonic 85-inch, flat-screen, Blu-ray plasma television, Klipsch surround-sound speakers, Denon amplifier and Velodyne subwoofer, as well as automated, reclining seats. As for anything else your heart might desire, rest assured the 24-hour butler service has every need covered.