O.K., I know these hotels have been covered before, but I don't think a consensus as to which is better has ever been reached. I'm trying to decide between the Ritz and the Peninsula for a three-night leisure visit in August. Based on past experiences at Ritzs and Peninsulas, the choice would seem to be pretty easy: the Peninsula. But a lot of posts in this forum and on other travel bulletin boards indicate that the Ritz Hong Kong is a really nice property with excellent service. Posts on the Peninsula, while still very positive, indicate that it's become touristy lately and lost a bit of its luster. And, of course, the Ritz is less expensive.

Nonetheless, I had decided on the Pen because my wife and I will be visiting Hong Kong for the first time and it seemed as if we should experience it the old-fashioned way - Rolls Royce airport transfers and all. So I made the reservation and put in the request. This morning I received my confirmation email from the Pen, however, and they noted that certain guest rooms in the main building will be under renovation during our stay. I booked a room in the tower, so hopefully no need to worry about renovation noise and dust disrupting our stay. My concern, though, is that when one part of a hotel is being renovated, other areas usually aren't far behind, if they haven't been renovated already. Has anyone stayed at the Pen recently? Were the facilities in good (if not excellent shape)? Should I be concerned and switch to the Ritz (where for the same amount of $$ I can get a club-floor room)?

Any guidance on this would be great. Please note though that I've ruled out the other Hong Kong hotels for this trip. No other hotel has received as positive remarks as the Ritz and the Pen, notwithstanding positive remarks here and there for the Mandarin Oriental, Intercontinental, etc. I'm just trying to make the least risky decision.