Peninsula Hong Kong - site inspection report
Oct 11, 2014, 3:19 pm
#1
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Peninsula Hong Kong - site inspection report
When I first saw the Peninsula Hong Kong in 2007, I described it as the classic old grand hotel on Kowloon; my original Hong Kong site inspections are here. What a difference seven years and a renovation (completed in 2013) can make. The hotel felt old in 2007. It feels fresh and elegant in 2014.
In my first site inspection, I did not even write about the lead-in rooms, and I have discouraged clients from booking them. Located in the original, 1928 building, the lead-in room categories (Superior, Deluxe, Deluxe Courtyard) felt dated. The interiors were tired. The walls were plain, and the white crown moldings and pendant light (if I recall these details correctly) only emphasized the very high ceilings, making the room feel small.
We spent our one evening in Hong Kong in a Deluxe Courtyard room (#432) at the Peninsula, and I can report that the renovation is brilliant: new carpeting throughout the hotel, an elegant beige color scheme, a creative interior design concept that makes the high ceilings an asset, completely up-to-date bathrooms, and a digital bedside tablet that made sense. I could turn the lights on and off without having to put on my reading glasses. And the bed the most comfortable mattress I can remember sleeping on. We requested soft, thin pillows, and the pillows were perfect.
Courtyard rooms look over the front courtyard entrance to the hotel. The windows were absolutely soundproofed; we could not hear anything from the street.
We also saw a Grand Deluxe Harbour View room, a Grand Harbour View Suite, and a Grand Deluxe Harbour View Suite. These are located in the tower, high enough to see over the museum directly across Salisbury Road. But because ceilings in the tower are a "normal" 8 feet, these higher room categories ironically did not seem quite as elegant as the Courtyard room in which we stayed but that's the trade-off if you want a view.
My take-away the Peninsula is now the most elegant of the traditional hotels in Hong Kong. If you want to be on the Kowloon side of the harbour, I highly recommend it.
In my first site inspection, I did not even write about the lead-in rooms, and I have discouraged clients from booking them. Located in the original, 1928 building, the lead-in room categories (Superior, Deluxe, Deluxe Courtyard) felt dated. The interiors were tired. The walls were plain, and the white crown moldings and pendant light (if I recall these details correctly) only emphasized the very high ceilings, making the room feel small.
We spent our one evening in Hong Kong in a Deluxe Courtyard room (#432) at the Peninsula, and I can report that the renovation is brilliant: new carpeting throughout the hotel, an elegant beige color scheme, a creative interior design concept that makes the high ceilings an asset, completely up-to-date bathrooms, and a digital bedside tablet that made sense. I could turn the lights on and off without having to put on my reading glasses. And the bed the most comfortable mattress I can remember sleeping on. We requested soft, thin pillows, and the pillows were perfect.
Courtyard rooms look over the front courtyard entrance to the hotel. The windows were absolutely soundproofed; we could not hear anything from the street.
We also saw a Grand Deluxe Harbour View room, a Grand Harbour View Suite, and a Grand Deluxe Harbour View Suite. These are located in the tower, high enough to see over the museum directly across Salisbury Road. But because ceilings in the tower are a "normal" 8 feet, these higher room categories ironically did not seem quite as elegant as the Courtyard room in which we stayed but that's the trade-off if you want a view.
My take-away the Peninsula is now the most elegant of the traditional hotels in Hong Kong. If you want to be on the Kowloon side of the harbour, I highly recommend it.
Oct 12, 2014, 12:08 am
#2
Join Date: Dec 2003
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However, during the day, the Grand Deluxe Harbour View room was filled with light while the Deluxe and Deluxe Courtyard rooms in the original building felt a little dark.
We were upgraded to the Grand Deluxe Harbour view room and the views were stunning. But I think I like the Harbour views from the IC across the street even more...
We were upgraded to the Grand Deluxe Harbour view room and the views were stunning. But I think I like the Harbour views from the IC across the street even more...
Mar 13, 2015, 10:09 pm
#4
Join Date: Nov 2014
Location: Kuwait
Programs: WoH Globalist
Posts: 601
Here is my review about my experience with The Peninsula this week?
http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Rev...Hong_Kong.html
To add insult to injury, I have asked them to redeem my Qatar Airways Qmiles account, but received the following response from them:
http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Rev...Hong_Kong.html
I stayed in this hotel for 1 night exclusively to experience the Rolls Royce ride. To keep my report organized I will mention the pros and cons during my stay.
Pros:
The Meet & Greet service was there at the airport upon arrival and I was escorted all the way to my car. My Rolls Royce car was there as promised. Upon arriving at the hotel my room was upgraded which gave me a good impression. Furthermore, I like the cinema atmosphere and the HD movies in my room. Watching movies in my room was really an exceptional experience which every one must have.
Cons:
Upon arriving at the hotel I was surprised that I was given a standard Rolls Royce car when there were other Rolls Royce cars with a curtain installed on the windows. In addition, the staff there from check-in to concierge seemed to be rushed and I did not get a quality information from the guy who checked me in neither the concierge. Furthermore, Neither the VoIP nor the toiler in my room were working. Finally, the staff in general do not seem to be interested in serving me. For example, I once asked in the swimming pool if I could get an extra apple, and instead of having him bring me the extra apple while I'm resting in my seat I had to get up and get one myself. This is definitely not what I expect from 5* hotels and services.
I mentioned my complaints to the front desk and received an e-mail from the hotel apologizing for the inconvenience caused. I replied back and told them that I was still in Hong Kong to work something out so that I would be pleased but the reply I got was the same message that was originally sent to me, which was an apology for the inconvenience caused. The e-mail admits that my toilet was indeed broken, and that it has been fixed.
I have asked to meet with the hotel management to work something out while I was still in Hong Kong but it seems that they were not interested in seeing me. I have also never received any form of compensation for the inconvenience caused during my stay. Other 5* hotels would provide me with a complimentary airport limousine transfer on the spot, but I received nothing from the hotel.
I would definitely not be coming back to this hotel, neither would recommend any one to stay there.
Pros:
The Meet & Greet service was there at the airport upon arrival and I was escorted all the way to my car. My Rolls Royce car was there as promised. Upon arriving at the hotel my room was upgraded which gave me a good impression. Furthermore, I like the cinema atmosphere and the HD movies in my room. Watching movies in my room was really an exceptional experience which every one must have.
Cons:
Upon arriving at the hotel I was surprised that I was given a standard Rolls Royce car when there were other Rolls Royce cars with a curtain installed on the windows. In addition, the staff there from check-in to concierge seemed to be rushed and I did not get a quality information from the guy who checked me in neither the concierge. Furthermore, Neither the VoIP nor the toiler in my room were working. Finally, the staff in general do not seem to be interested in serving me. For example, I once asked in the swimming pool if I could get an extra apple, and instead of having him bring me the extra apple while I'm resting in my seat I had to get up and get one myself. This is definitely not what I expect from 5* hotels and services.
I mentioned my complaints to the front desk and received an e-mail from the hotel apologizing for the inconvenience caused. I replied back and told them that I was still in Hong Kong to work something out so that I would be pleased but the reply I got was the same message that was originally sent to me, which was an apology for the inconvenience caused. The e-mail admits that my toilet was indeed broken, and that it has been fixed.
I have asked to meet with the hotel management to work something out while I was still in Hong Kong but it seems that they were not interested in seeing me. I have also never received any form of compensation for the inconvenience caused during my stay. Other 5* hotels would provide me with a complimentary airport limousine transfer on the spot, but I received nothing from the hotel.
I would definitely not be coming back to this hotel, neither would recommend any one to stay there.
Thank you for your email.
Please note that Qmiles could only be applied (based on the best available rate) prior to guest arrival and be redeemed upon departure.
We therefore regret to inform you that we are unable to proceed with your redemption for your previous stay with us.
Nevertheless we have registered your membership account into your profile in system.
Should you wish to enjoy the Qmile for your forthcoming visit, kindly advise us upon reservation stage so that we could alert corresponding department so as to proceed the redemption process.
Thank you for your kind attention and please do not hesitate to contact us if we can be of any further assistance.
Please note that Qmiles could only be applied (based on the best available rate) prior to guest arrival and be redeemed upon departure.
We therefore regret to inform you that we are unable to proceed with your redemption for your previous stay with us.
Nevertheless we have registered your membership account into your profile in system.
Should you wish to enjoy the Qmile for your forthcoming visit, kindly advise us upon reservation stage so that we could alert corresponding department so as to proceed the redemption process.
Thank you for your kind attention and please do not hesitate to contact us if we can be of any further assistance.
Last edited by RichardInSF; Mar 16, 2015 at 5:49 pm Reason: Consecutive posts by same poster
Mar 15, 2015, 9:49 pm
#5
Join Date: Jun 2000
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Posts: 2,180
Absolutely horrifying that some other people had marginally better Rolls-Royces than your Rolls-Royce, and that you had to get your own apple. That hotel definitely "sucks." You could not pay me enough to stay there (unless I were able to get the marginally better Rolls-Royce).
Mar 16, 2015, 4:35 pm
#6
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: May 2002
Location: YEG
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Posts: 56,451
IIRC the hotel used to have a 1930's vintage Rolls in its fleet but may keep it only for special occasions or VVIP's.
Mar 16, 2015, 4:37 pm
#7
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: In the air
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I was hoping this was a wind-up, but apparently not.
OP, some gentle feedback, the way you wrote that made you look completely unreasonable, whether or not that is actually the case.
OP, some gentle feedback, the way you wrote that made you look completely unreasonable, whether or not that is actually the case.
Mar 16, 2015, 4:39 pm
#8
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: France
Posts: 971
Sometimes I wonder whether I am overspoiled or just too much used to luxury as our expectations grew bigger over the years. And then I bump into threads like this one 
We had a terrific stay at Peninsula Hong Kong last December
We had a terrific stay at Peninsula Hong Kong last December
Mar 16, 2015, 5:05 pm
#9
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: Mem
Programs: Delta GM, Amex Reserve, Amex Plat, JP Morgan Palladium
Posts: 984
Where to begin? The agony of having to get you own apple must have been mortifying! And nobody should ever be forced to drive a RR without the correct curtains. I am not sure I could have managed the energy to even get out of bed after the degradations that the OP suffered.
Mar 16, 2015, 7:02 pm
#11
formerly declinespecificinformatiom
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: USA
Posts: 1,140
Mr. Aceboy:
It seems that all of your stays have been disappointing
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/marri...hong-kong.html
I would strongly urge you to contact one of the Virtuoso TA's on this board to get true VIP experience. They are always eager for clients and will be able to contact the hotel GM on your behalf to ensure that none of these issues ever happen again.
It seems that all of your stays have been disappointing
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/marri...hong-kong.html
I would strongly urge you to contact one of the Virtuoso TA's on this board to get true VIP experience. They are always eager for clients and will be able to contact the hotel GM on your behalf to ensure that none of these issues ever happen again.
Mar 16, 2015, 7:35 pm
#12
Suspended
Join Date: May 2014
Posts: 3,445
Absolutely horrifying that some other people had marginally better Rolls-Royces than your Rolls-Royce, and that you had to get your own apple. That hotel definitely "sucks." You could not pay me enough to stay there (unless I were able to get the marginally better Rolls-Royce).
Mar 16, 2015, 7:40 pm
#13
formerly known as deathscar
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Hong Kong
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Posts: 2,096
Mar 16, 2015, 8:17 pm
#14
Join Date: Aug 2010
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Posts: 2,589
Aceboy4, finding your report to be
Very interesting, to say the least ... I'm on TA and see your report on the Kowloon Hotel on Nathan Road. GM must be kowtowing to see their neighbor only getting 3 stars from you. Agency booked my solo trip back in the 80's when it was relatively new as I didn't know better, and handed me then a MCO for 5 nights ... never, never again, never since.
Very interesting, to say the least ... I'm on TA and see your report on the Kowloon Hotel on Nathan Road. GM must be kowtowing to see their neighbor only getting 3 stars from you. Agency booked my solo trip back in the 80's when it was relatively new as I didn't know better, and handed me then a MCO for 5 nights ... never, never again, never since.
Last edited by Letitride3c; Mar 16, 2015 at 9:10 pm
Mar 17, 2015, 2:27 am
#15
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Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: Germany
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Posts: 11,524
OK, doing a trip to HK/ the Peninsula only for the RR-ride is strange, but nothing I have to comment about. The fact that you got a RR without curtains is a real skandal, I ask myself whatīs comming next! Car without wheels? I fully understand as I always close the curtains while I drive through the city, it sucks to see all the things outside.
Even more shocked Iīm about the apple. You asked a guy to bring you an apple and he didnīt. OK, itīs really not great service but I woudnīt have asked. So I canīt see something really dramatic. You experienced nothing that justifies a compensation. Your Review at tripadvisor is that kind of review which I call totally useless.
Even more shocked Iīm about the apple. You asked a guy to bring you an apple and he didnīt. OK, itīs really not great service but I woudnīt have asked. So I canīt see something really dramatic. You experienced nothing that justifies a compensation. Your Review at tripadvisor is that kind of review which I call totally useless.