Salisbury Road, Kowloon, Hong Kong.
It’s not the 80-odd years of history, the fleet of Rolls-Royces, nor the colonial building imposing quiet elegance and reassuring comfort in the midst of chaotic Kowloon that makes the Peninsula the quintessential classic hotel. The glamour of a bygone era is there as soon as you step through the doors – opened by immaculately attired pageboys – and later as you enjoy afternoon tea, which is something of a Hong Kong institution. However, the hotel known as the Grande Dame of the Far East also displays elements of the stylishly ultra-modern. Upstairs is Felix, the Philippe Starck-designed restaurant that remains on most hip travellers’ must-see lists more than 10 years after its opening. The hotel also has arguably the most fabulous men’s and women’s bathrooms in Asia, with views across the harbour and Kowloon. The rooms are the epitome of luxury and the helipad on the roof affords a great escape for the super-rich. Tycoons and movie stars have stayed here and it is not difficult to see why.
See full article: Hotels: Classical splendour
Source: Qantas The Australian Way November 2007
Updated: July 2008