Hong Kong: FS or LMO as first time tourist
Dec 30, 2016, 8:50 am
#31
Join Date: May 2012
Location: Here, there you know how it goes.
Posts: 1,518
Ummm... which property are you referring to? Many are being discussed here. Quoting posts in your responses helps keep things clear.
If referring to the FSHK, I guess that is what makes a market and we can happily agree to disagree because during our stay the hotel was not at all "quite tranquil" but perhaps we have different definitions of tranquil.
Regards
If referring to the FSHK, I guess that is what makes a market and we can happily agree to disagree because during our stay the hotel was not at all "quite tranquil" but perhaps we have different definitions of tranquil.
Regards
I agree, the lobby area was somewhat busy, but did you just camp out there? Why spend any time there at all?
The rest of the property was definitively relaxed, with maybe only one other person using the spa facilities, perhaps two other chairs taken up at the pool, etc.
Perhaps we just got lucky.
Dec 30, 2016, 10:52 am
#33
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: AUS
Programs: BAEC Gold, AA PPro, Hyatt Globalist, Amex Plat
Posts: 7,126
Yes, I realize I did not include the hotel ... and yes, I did mean FS.
I agree, the lobby area was somewhat busy, but did you just camp out there? Why spend any time there at all?
The rest of the property was definitively relaxed, with maybe only one other person using the spa facilities, perhaps two other chairs taken up at the pool, etc.
Perhaps we just got lucky.
I agree, the lobby area was somewhat busy, but did you just camp out there? Why spend any time there at all?
The rest of the property was definitively relaxed, with maybe only one other person using the spa facilities, perhaps two other chairs taken up at the pool, etc.
Perhaps we just got lucky.
I'm not going to keep trying to justify my perspective. I've tried to state several times it's merely my perspective and since I pay my hotel bills my perspective turns out to be pretty meaningful to me. That's what makes a market.
Regards
Dec 30, 2016, 11:18 am
#34
Suspended
Join Date: Aug 2013
Location: Southern California, USA
Programs: Marriott Ambassador and LTT, UA Plat/LT Gold, AA Gold
Posts: 8,764
I grew up in and still live in Hong Kong. I've been here since I was 3. There's a reasonably large populace of young people who enjoy the expensive things in life (without being of the means to afford the kind of lifestyle). The Peninsula is the worst for it, but the Four Seasons gets a reasonable crowd like that too.
The FSHK lobby is more busy and frenetic compared to its peers, and it's not because HK youth are more impressed by wealth; it's because it's a much larger hotel attached to a mall and is just a busier place than some here want to admit. Regardless, it isn't unusual for some luxury hotel lobbies in many cities to be traps for more "masses"--no matter their age, income, or home address--whether the hotel be in Hong Kong or Paris or New York or London.
No one questions that some might like the energy of the busier lobby at the FSHK, yet plenty are defensively trying to make excuses for that fact. Most wanting a luxury hotel are not looking to share it with the local or tourist masses.
The fact still remains that the FSHK lobby feels more like a busy conference center hotel lobby than that of a luxury hotel in this peer group. FS advocates are defensively trying to ignore or downplay this fact. I love TUH, but you don't see me ignoring the fact that it doesn't has a pool or spa.
Last edited by bhrubin; Dec 30, 2016 at 12:56 pm
Dec 30, 2016, 12:14 pm
#35
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: UK
Posts: 1,648
For what it's worth, the busy lobby thing first struck us at the Oriental Bangkok back in the 1980s. It was humming with local people - and by local I don't mean street vendors but by affluent Thais, with a lot of young couples out for a splurge. Or a birthday or a wedding. It was the same at the Shangri-La in Singapore, at the MO in KL and most especially at the (then) Regent in Hong Kong. It was noisy, buzzy and exciting. Walk into Claridge's and you might be in an undertaker's. We just love the vibe in these Asian hotels and, yes, at the FSHK you can retreat to the sensational pool deck or even to your room to escape the 'natives.'
Resorts like Amanpuri or Amanpulo are a world away from this . . . but I like both, especially on the same trip.
Resorts like Amanpuri or Amanpulo are a world away from this . . . but I like both, especially on the same trip.
Dec 30, 2016, 2:18 pm
#37
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: Enroute to ? & likely flying in ' A ':)
Programs: TPPS, UA, EK ...; Marriott BONVOY , HH, GP, GC..
Posts: 4,227
For what it's worth, the busy lobby thing first struck us at the Oriental Bangkok back in the 1980s. It was humming with local people - and by local I don't mean street vendors but by affluent Thais, with a lot of young couples out for a splurge. Or a birthday or a wedding. It was the same at the Shangri-La in Singapore, at the MO in KL and most especially at the (then) Regent in Hong Kong. It was noisy, buzzy and exciting. Walk into Claridge's and you might be in an undertaker's. We just love the vibe in these Asian hotels and, yes, at the FSHK you can retreat to the sensational pool deck or even to your room to escape the 'natives.'
Resorts like Amanpuri or Amanpulo are a world away from this . . . but I like both, especially on the same trip.
Resorts like Amanpuri or Amanpulo are a world away from this . . . but I like both, especially on the same trip.
FWIW , I often get to FSHK via the Lane Crawford entrance . It ' s more like Claridges then
, get my tranquility all the way then plus the sea views across to Kowloon .It is the norm to hold wedding banquets at hotels with large ballrooms . The guests usually exceed 300 , 1000 is common
Dec 30, 2016, 8:22 pm
#38
formerly known as deathscar
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Hong Kong
Programs: Virtuoso | Four Seasons Preferred Partner | Rosewood Elite | Hyatt Prive - and more
Posts: 2,098
I don't doubt it. But we are speaking about how the local ordinary or even local wealthy masses might frequent the luxury hotel lobby--regardless of age, income, or home city! A lobby is busy whether it's full of lots of hotel guests or lots of young impressionable locals or lots of local rich people or lots of tourists of any age or income. Hong Kong isn't so special or unique as is being depicted here to defend the FSHK!
The FSHK lobby is more busy and frenetic compared to its peers, and it's not because HK youth are more impressed by wealth; it's because it's a much larger hotel attached to a mall and is just a busier place than some here want to admit. Regardless, it isn't unusual for some luxury hotel lobbies in many cities to be traps for more "masses"--no matter their age, income, or home address--whether the hotel be in Hong Kong or Paris or New York or London.
No one questions that some might like the energy of the busier lobby at the FSHK, yet plenty are defensively trying to make excuses for that fact. Most wanting a luxury hotel are not looking to share it with the local or tourist masses.
The fact still remains that the FSHK lobby feels more like a busy conference center hotel lobby than that of a luxury hotel in this peer group. FS advocates are defensively trying to ignore or downplay this fact. I love TUH, but you don't see me ignoring the fact that it doesn't has a pool or spa.
The FSHK lobby is more busy and frenetic compared to its peers, and it's not because HK youth are more impressed by wealth; it's because it's a much larger hotel attached to a mall and is just a busier place than some here want to admit. Regardless, it isn't unusual for some luxury hotel lobbies in many cities to be traps for more "masses"--no matter their age, income, or home address--whether the hotel be in Hong Kong or Paris or New York or London.
No one questions that some might like the energy of the busier lobby at the FSHK, yet plenty are defensively trying to make excuses for that fact. Most wanting a luxury hotel are not looking to share it with the local or tourist masses.
The fact still remains that the FSHK lobby feels more like a busy conference center hotel lobby than that of a luxury hotel in this peer group. FS advocates are defensively trying to ignore or downplay this fact. I love TUH, but you don't see me ignoring the fact that it doesn't has a pool or spa.
I'm not defending the Four Seasons lobby at all - as nice of a hotel as I'm sure it is, I don't see the appeal for it personally (beyond the 'brand' and the fantastic pool - I'll give that one!). It's a very business-like hotel that lacks soul/character with very bland rooms. There are good food options, but both Caprice and Lung King Heen are highly overrated; there are better options in Hong Kong, for accommodation and food. The location is in the midst of a crowded shopping mall, but it is a convenient place for overnight visitors who would be taking the Airport Express out of town the next day.
Dec 30, 2016, 10:14 pm
#39
Suspended
Join Date: Aug 2013
Location: Southern California, USA
Programs: Marriott Ambassador and LTT, UA Plat/LT Gold, AA Gold
Posts: 8,764
I never said the phenomenon is exclusive to Hong Kong - I just pointed out it exists in Hong Kong. I can't comment on lobbies in London, New York, Paris, Los Angeles, Milan etc; but top hotel lobbies in Hong Kong have as many (if not more) locals hanging around than tourists actually staying at the hotel - and not all (or even most) of those locals are those who can regularly afford to brunch/lunch/wine/dine at these places either; this is their way of splurging.
I'm not defending the Four Seasons lobby at all - as nice of a hotel as I'm sure it is, I don't see the appeal for it personally (beyond the 'brand' and the fantastic pool - I'll give that one!). It's a very business-like hotel that lacks soul/character with very bland rooms. There are good food options, but both Caprice and Lung King Heen are highly overrated; there are better options in Hong Kong, for accommodation and food. The location is in the midst of a crowded shopping mall, but it is a convenient place for overnight visitors who would be taking the Airport Express out of town the next day.
Now we've gone from general disagreement to complete agreement in the span of a single post. What will we do next.
Dec 30, 2016, 11:41 pm
#40
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: UK
Posts: 1,648
The FS lobby in HK -
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/up70mm/13714347695/in/photolist-mY24XM-mPdt3L-mYTrpK-mXv5s3-mMy4zf-mHwnLx-mYTCxz-mFwwVi-mL34S4-mHw8nV-mTTBLB-mVKFpR-mUgpFZ-mZxbiq-mZvwkc-mTVvTu-mVMpTC-mPkXVc-mJC3DM-mPm6di-mSfsdC-mRMc5A-mTFqUt-mFCSXa-mKzu8y-mMwynt-mKzz8d-mGhQpX-mHxX6N-mHvZgn-8Lzq8i-mzayWa-8LzqTi" title="Hong Kong"><img src="https://c8.staticflickr.com/4/3699/13714347695_3b0c569cdb_b.jpg" width="683" height="1024" alt="Hong Kong"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
I think maybe some Indian city hotels have a similar lobby culture?
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/up70mm/13714347695/in/photolist-mY24XM-mPdt3L-mYTrpK-mXv5s3-mMy4zf-mHwnLx-mYTCxz-mFwwVi-mL34S4-mHw8nV-mTTBLB-mVKFpR-mUgpFZ-mZxbiq-mZvwkc-mTVvTu-mVMpTC-mPkXVc-mJC3DM-mPm6di-mSfsdC-mRMc5A-mTFqUt-mFCSXa-mKzu8y-mMwynt-mKzz8d-mGhQpX-mHxX6N-mHvZgn-8Lzq8i-mzayWa-8LzqTi" title="Hong Kong"><img src="https://c8.staticflickr.com/4/3699/13714347695_3b0c569cdb_b.jpg" width="683" height="1024" alt="Hong Kong"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
I think maybe some Indian city hotels have a similar lobby culture?
Last edited by Pausanias; Dec 31, 2016 at 6:36 am
Dec 31, 2016, 6:56 am
#41
Join Date: Jan 2015
Location: England
Posts: 1,382
Well this thread has taken an interesting turn.
I know you've said "pseudo-suites", so I'm not arguing your point, just further expanding upon it, as for me a suite should be a separate living room and bedroom. The L600 Premier room that we had was just a continuous room, with no separation between the two, so it once again didn't really add much benefit to me. When I was in the FS Moscow, the basic room had a living area just behind the TV wall, so in essence was the same thing, but they would not have called it a junior suite. I'm surprised the room is as big as they say it is, as it doesn't feel well utilised, which is likely down to just how big the bath is.
I love The Connaught's lobby. I was staying there yesterday and sat in the Espelette Room (which closes in a few days for refurb), looking into the lobby, as you posted this. One of the things I love so much about The Connaught is in fact the buzz of the lobby, the ever presence of staff and people coming and going and conversations abound. In the evenings, with the doors opening from both bars as guests pass in and out, it can feel electric. It's perfectly designed to move people along, but feel very welcoming at the same time.
I actually like the buzz you get in the lobbies and restaurants of city hotels in the Far East. When you enter the lobby of a luxury hotel in Europe the atmosphere is often sepulchral because only wealthy tourists and business people go there. In the Far East the hotels are used by ordinary locals as well, hundreds of them, and I like to see that. They are social hubs in a way that the Connaught or the George V never could be.
Dec 31, 2016, 7:10 am
#42
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: BKK
Posts: 6,741
I don't let lobbies bother me, as I very rarely spend any time in them. I usually just walk right through and go to my room/suite. I love FS HK, and it certainly does not need anyone to "defend" its position as a top hotel in Hong Kong. If I did not love MOHK even more, FS would be my first choice in Hong Kong.
LMO is a nice hotel, and I am sure the Upper House is too, but both hold zero appeal to me. Taste in hotels is very subjective, so the question should always be what the best hotel in any city is for oneself, and people can have different but equally valid opinions in this regard.
And, by the way, I do like the way certain hotels like FS HK and MO HK function as social hubs for a diverse crowd of locals. As a longtime resident of Tokyo, I used hotels in much the same way. As a staying guest I find that type of social scene to be a nice backdrop that makes hotels more lively and interesting. And if it ever bothers me, I can always ignore it.
LMO is a nice hotel, and I am sure the Upper House is too, but both hold zero appeal to me. Taste in hotels is very subjective, so the question should always be what the best hotel in any city is for oneself, and people can have different but equally valid opinions in this regard.
And, by the way, I do like the way certain hotels like FS HK and MO HK function as social hubs for a diverse crowd of locals. As a longtime resident of Tokyo, I used hotels in much the same way. As a staying guest I find that type of social scene to be a nice backdrop that makes hotels more lively and interesting. And if it ever bothers me, I can always ignore it.
Dec 31, 2016, 8:51 am
#43
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: UK
Posts: 1,648
In Hong Kong, I don't think anyone competes with this lobby at the Pen -
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/up70mm/13609461143/in/photolist-mY24XM-mPdt3L-mYTrpK-mMy4zf-mHwnLx-mYTCxz-mFwwVi-mL34S4-mHw8nV-mTTBLB-mVKFpR-mUgpFZ-mZxbiq-mTVvTu-mVMpTC-mPkXVc-mJC3DM-mPm6di-mSfsdC-mRMc5A-mTFqUt-mFCSXa-mKzu8y-mXv5s3-mZvwkc-mMwynt-mKzz8d-mGhQpX-mHxX6N-mHvZgn-8Lzq8i-mzayWa-8LzqTi" title="Hong Kong"><img src="https://c8.staticflickr.com/6/5580/13609461143_ddf8058e9d_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="Hong Kong"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/up70mm/13609461143/in/photolist-mY24XM-mPdt3L-mYTrpK-mMy4zf-mHwnLx-mYTCxz-mFwwVi-mL34S4-mHw8nV-mTTBLB-mVKFpR-mUgpFZ-mZxbiq-mTVvTu-mVMpTC-mPkXVc-mJC3DM-mPm6di-mSfsdC-mRMc5A-mTFqUt-mFCSXa-mKzu8y-mXv5s3-mZvwkc-mMwynt-mKzz8d-mGhQpX-mHxX6N-mHvZgn-8Lzq8i-mzayWa-8LzqTi" title="Hong Kong"><img src="https://c8.staticflickr.com/6/5580/13609461143_ddf8058e9d_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="Hong Kong"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
Last edited by Pausanias; Dec 31, 2016 at 2:14 pm
Dec 31, 2016, 3:25 pm
#44
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: Germany
Programs: Some
Posts: 11,591
Jan 1, 2017, 9:24 am
#45
Original Poster
Join Date: Apr 2010
Posts: 76
Thank you all! Just to close the loop we ended up staying at TUH as the hardware and the "Aman" feel convinced us. Service was very good and the restaurant and bar has amazing views. Breakfast being a la carte is also a great plus!
Side note on FS: we did have dinner at the Lung King Heen and have absolute zero idea why this place has THREE (or any at all!) michelin stars...
Side note on FS: we did have dinner at the Lung King Heen and have absolute zero idea why this place has THREE (or any at all!) michelin stars...