The Peninsula, Hong Kong
The ‘Godfather’ of luxury hotels. Synonymous with opulence, aristocracy and celebrity. This is the quintessential five star hotel. Originally built in the roaring ’20s, The Peninsula Hong Kong, or the “Grand Dame of the East,” remains one of the world’s most magnificent hotels to this day
There may have been a flurry of ‘perceived’ 6 and/or 7 star hotels opening in the past decade; but as I’ve discussed in a past post ‘What makes a great five star hotel?’ the world ranks hotels up to five star and no further. End of story.
The Peninsula, Hong Kong has always been my favourite hotel in the world. It illustrates all that I love about the hotel industry. It has class, pedigree and a glowing; well deserved, reputation. Hong Kong’s oldest hotel, The Peninsula has been voted the world’s best hotel on several occasions, and is widely regarded as one of the region’s legendary properties.
The Peninsula before WWII
It was opened in Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon, Hong Kong in December 1928, built with the idea that it would be “the finest hotel east of Suez.” The location of the hotel was extremely strategic, as passengers arriving in Hong Kong by ocean liner disembarked onto the quays of Kowloon, directly opposite the hotel. Kowloon was also the last stop on the trans-Siberian rail link that brought travelers from Europe. As such, the Peninsula hotel was ideally situated to take advantage of the increasing number of wealthy visitors to the area.
Rolls Royce Phantom
Today it has a fleet of 14; yes I said 14, Rolls Royce Phantom’s used to transfer their guests around the city. These cars are painted in a distinctive shade of green known as “Peninsula green”.
The Peninsula, Hong Kong gave Rolls Royce their largest order in history, when in 2006 they replaced their fleet of Rolls Royce Silver Spurs. These vehicles, and the hotel as a backdrop, were used in the “Bond…James Bond” film ‘The Man With The Golden Gun’
Pool with a view
The Peninsula has all the elements of what draws people to spend their time in luxury hotels. From a collection of highly acclaimed restaurants, beautifully appointed public areas and suites to their world class health spa and indoor swimming pool with a view of Hong Kong Harbour; it’s difficult to imagine what this grand old dame lacks.
Crystal Steam Room
What it has managed to achieve, is maintaining their hard earned reputation through a World War, The Battle of Hong Kong, a military enforced name change, British colonial rule and the latest of worldwide recessions. No mean feat.
