Review: The Peninsula Hong Kong

How did it strike you on arrival?
Let’s say you’re arriving by land and not by helicopter (though that’s an option, should you wish). The first thing you'll see is a colonial white facade attended by a fleet of Brewster green Rolls Royce Phantoms and pillbox-topped pageboys. A majestic lobby with gold-clad pillars lies beyond a wide glass doorway. Classical music from a live string quartet wafts throughout the space as you make your way to check-in.

Nice. What’s the crowd like?
The 90-year-old Peninsula Hong Kong is considered the grand dame of Hong Kong hotels. As such, it attracts a discerning crowd from all over the world. A crowd likely to be outfitted in Chanel, Graff Diamonds, and Ascot Chang—all of which can be found in the Peninsula Arcade.

The good stuff: Tell us about your room.
The Peninsula was revamped in 2013. Still-classic rooms combine warm brown woods and soft leather with techy complements—touch-screen tablets and bedside tablet devices that sync up lights, TVs, room service and free long distance VOIP calls, for instance. The entry-level Deluxe Courtyard Rooms face the courtyard, but we’d recommend upgrading to a Grand Deluxe Harbour View.

We’re craving some deep, restorative sleep. They got us?
We loved the beds, specially commissioned from Simmons. Comfy Muhldorfer pillows and high thread-count Quagliotti Egyptian cotton linens make for the kind of setup you wish you had at home.

How about the little things, like mini bar, or shower goodies. Any of that find its way into your suitcase?
In-room amenities, such as a welcome fruit plate and steaming hot tea, greet you on arrival. We appreciated the multi-pronged charging station that enabled us to juice our Kindle, laptop and phone (all which require different size plugs) simultaneously.

Please tell us the bathroom won’t let us down.
The elegant white-and-green marble bathrooms have built-in tubs and spacious rain showers. The pressure felt great, as did the cozy Frette bathrobes.

Maybe the most important topic of all: Wi-Fi. What’s the word?
The Peninsula provides free Wi-Fi in every room and a strong signal throughout the property.

Room service: Worth it?
The white-gloved service that's standard here extends seamlessly to room service. Expect a white tablecloth and a table fully set with silver utensils and pewter teapots. We highly recommend an in-room breakfast by the window. The experience includes fluffy croissants and homemade jams, a choice of mains, and French press coffee.

Staff: If you could award one a trophy, who gets it, and why?
The concierge team has a knack for snagging reservations at booked-out restaurants and directing you toward under-the-radar cultural excursions. Don't miss a chat with them on your first day to fill any holes in your itinerary.

Anything stand out about other services and features? Whether it’s childcare, gyms, spas, even parking—whatever stuck with you.
This is a dining destination that draws both travelers and locals alike. The hotel’s lobby has a destination for afternoon tea—a not-to-miss experience no matter where you’re staying in Hong Kong. Guests can make a reservation and skip the queue. Elsewhere, there’s classic French restaurant Gaddi’s, avant-garde bar and restaurant Felix, Swiss cuisine at Chesa, and delicious, authentic Cantonese at Michelin-starred Spring Moon. The 12,000-square-foot Peninsula Spa is an indisputable star and a sanctuary of serenity in buzzing Hong Kong. The relaxing heat facilities are reason enough to visit— try the dry sauna overlooking Victoria Harbour and the crystal steam room. On the same floor lies an indoor pool (designed like a Roman bath house with columns and friezes), as well as an outdoor terrace and fitness center. Those traveling with children will appreciate the junior guest amenities, which include complimentary cots, child- or baby-sized bathrobes, gentle shower products, teething rings, toothbrushes, kids' menus, in-room entertainment (like movies and coloring books), and babysitting.

What was most memorable—or heartbreaking—about your stay?
The pool area gets mixed reviews: Either you love the Roman-style design and indoor setting, or you long for a larger pool deck and outdoor swimming. Either way, the panoramic harbor views are hard to argue with. One other caveat: Steer clear of the lobby in the early afternoon (unless you’re sitting down for tea) as it’s often teeming with tourists passing through to take pictures or waiting for tea.

Bottom line: worth it, and why?
Combining an old-school Hong Kong feel with contemporary comfort, The Peninsula specializes in world-class service—whether your mission is business or pleasure.