best hotel in Hong Kong
Dec 2, 2018, 1:05 am
#1276
Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: Hilton, Hyatt House, Del Taco
Posts: 5,378
I don't entirely disagree with you. We have no problem staying on the Kowloon side either and even if we stay on the island, often end up in Kowloon.
Admittedly, one good make the case that there is a better selection of luxury properties on the island though.
I never understand why people get so "religious" and dogmatic about things like this...
Admittedly, one good make the case that there is a better selection of luxury properties on the island though.
I never understand why people get so "religious" and dogmatic about things like this...
As for 5-star hotels, yeah the island has more. The island has Four Seasons, MO, Landmark, Shangrila, Conrad, JWM. Kowloon has Peninsula, IC, RC.
But Kowloon actually has a better selection of 4.5-star type places (Grand Stanford, ICON, Mira, Langham, W, Hyatt Regency, Shangrila) as opposed to the island.
Dec 2, 2018, 3:18 am
#1277
Join Date: Aug 2018
Location: Stockholm, Sweden
Programs: HH Gold, SPG/Marriott Plat
Posts: 72
I've been to HKG over a dozen times, have mostly stayed in TST or Admiralty. If I were to live in HKG, sure I'd rather live on the island side. But as a vacationing person, I don't get this notion that Kowloon is the wrong side. In fact, I personally think a first-time visitor (like ak64) is better off staying in TST. The harbour view is HKG's top attraction, and it's so much more striking and classic from the Kowloon side. TST has its share of great restaurants. I've been staying in Admiralty in recent years (due to my loyalty program), but I always end up hanging out on Kowloon side each time.
Although I've never stayed at RC, the location is too isolated for me. IC is a fabulous hotel. I've been staying at Conrad recently only due to Hhonors benefits. But IC's rooms are at least on par with Conrad's, harbour views are much more impressive, breakfast is better, and the infinity jacuzzi is fabulous. Peninsula is just a mesmerizing experience. It's on a different level than IC, Shangrila, Conrad imho. But if IC with harbour view and club access is the same price as Pen without either, then I'd have to go with IC.
Although I've never stayed at RC, the location is too isolated for me. IC is a fabulous hotel. I've been staying at Conrad recently only due to Hhonors benefits. But IC's rooms are at least on par with Conrad's, harbour views are much more impressive, breakfast is better, and the infinity jacuzzi is fabulous. Peninsula is just a mesmerizing experience. It's on a different level than IC, Shangrila, Conrad imho. But if IC with harbour view and club access is the same price as Pen without either, then I'd have to go with IC.
Dec 2, 2018, 4:34 am
#1278
Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: Hilton, Hyatt House, Del Taco
Posts: 5,378
If you're a tourist seeing all the sites, you'll notice quickly that the vast majority of them are on the island side. If you're a foodie, most of the top restaurants are on the island side. If you're a shopaholic, the best stores are on the island side. Kowloon has the views and a market or two, what else is there to do there (serious question)?
What do Landmark and Pacific Place have that Harbor City doesn’t have that’s of interest to most HK visitors? Kowloon’s got most of the markets.
You may be right that there is a bigger number of famed restaurants on HK side. But TST alone has more than plenty.
It’s really matter of opinion. In the beginning I liked Kowloon more. Now I like HK side a bit more, but specifically Admiralty (because I like HK Park and Bowen Rd) and would still prefer TST over CAuseway Bay or Wan Chai or even Central.
You’re talking about attractions, shopping, dining as the reasons for recommending the island. But I guarantee you that’s not why most people might refer to Kowloon as the wrong side. I think that sentiment is based on either popular bias or elitism. And so I just think one should not be shooting down Kowloon as a hotel base to someone who’ll be a first time visitor.
Dec 2, 2018, 12:52 pm
#1279
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: IAD/DCA
Posts: 31,797
note regent (1980-2001) kowloon fans. peninsula only renovated 'recently' and has tourists in lobby and some questionable views, RC appears to have raised service level quite dramatically - in other words not originally - although there may still be some mixed reviews and it is so high its often in clouds and some prefer other design style
entry level at Pen (pre renovation) and IC may not encourage repeat, less so at RC
some avoid hotels as old as Pen (some are 'younger' guests)
('older') regent fans let down by change, vs not having stayed
IC delayed start of renovations from 2019 to early 2020
IC apparently had adjacent construction at least in past
many longtime MO & FS brand regulars, like chain hotel regulars
FS service peaks were extremely high vs all / almost all others
some said best city hotel for LMO , UH (cant recall MO , FS)
one thread >
rosewood kowloon >
= UH (conrad, island SL, JW) which has had many regulars here since opening
how much does Pen charge for sedan vs $185 phantom ? (they have fleet)
entry level at Pen (pre renovation) and IC may not encourage repeat, less so at RC
some avoid hotels as old as Pen (some are 'younger' guests)
('older') regent fans let down by change, vs not having stayed
IC delayed start of renovations from 2019 to early 2020
IC apparently had adjacent construction at least in past
many longtime MO & FS brand regulars, like chain hotel regulars
FS service peaks were extremely high vs all / almost all others
some said best city hotel for LMO , UH (cant recall MO , FS)
one thread >
Location (and the overdone decor) is the deal breaker at the RC for me. IMO there's virtually nothing there for a leisure visitor except ICC, and all those shops can be found...I'd love to see some stats on how many days per year that spectacular view is actually visible.
how much does Pen charge for sedan vs $185 phantom ? (they have fleet)
Last edited by Kagehitokiri; Dec 2, 2018 at 5:43 pm
Dec 2, 2018, 4:38 pm
#1280
Join Date: Jul 2000
Location: AUH
Posts: 8,266
Staying for a night at The Murray. Hard product is very much my style, but F&B and service is just amateur - not fit for purpose. Will not return.
Service
- Staff generally lack any polish, seem to prefer to mill around rather than engage guests
- Poor response to a discrepancy between TA and hotel re. $100 F&B credit
- Repeated calls (3+) to the room within ~2hrs during the day while sleeping
- Returned to the hotel, blanked by two porters and a staff member without a hint of greeting
Lunch at Guo Fu Lao
- Seated next to the main entrance and kitchen service door, despite arriving with only 1.5h of lunch service left and many tables available inside
- One manager had an unfortunate smell issue (strong smell of sweat/damp cloth whenever serving or passing nearby)
- Poor service generally - no polish, forgotten items, etc
- Price point very much up there with the best in HK ($1300 for two without alcohol), but price was the only thing in common
Breakfast
- Congee very bland, lacked flavour. Brought without any condiments
- Dim sum brought without chopsticks
- French toast more like a steamed eggy mess
- Really bad coffee
- Staff congregating and chatting loudly
Service
- Staff generally lack any polish, seem to prefer to mill around rather than engage guests
- Poor response to a discrepancy between TA and hotel re. $100 F&B credit
- Repeated calls (3+) to the room within ~2hrs during the day while sleeping
- Returned to the hotel, blanked by two porters and a staff member without a hint of greeting
Lunch at Guo Fu Lao
- Seated next to the main entrance and kitchen service door, despite arriving with only 1.5h of lunch service left and many tables available inside
- One manager had an unfortunate smell issue (strong smell of sweat/damp cloth whenever serving or passing nearby)
- Poor service generally - no polish, forgotten items, etc
- Price point very much up there with the best in HK ($1300 for two without alcohol), but price was the only thing in common
Breakfast
- Congee very bland, lacked flavour. Brought without any condiments
- Dim sum brought without chopsticks
- French toast more like a steamed eggy mess
- Really bad coffee
- Staff congregating and chatting loudly
Dec 3, 2018, 12:06 am
#1281
formerly known as deathscar
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Hong Kong
Programs: Virtuoso | Four Seasons Preferred Partner | Rosewood Elite | Hyatt Prive - and more
Posts: 2,096
Staying for a night at The Murray. Hard product is very much my style, but F&B and service is just amateur - not fit for purpose. Will not return.
Service
- Staff generally lack any polish, seem to prefer to mill around rather than engage guests
- Poor response to a discrepancy between TA and hotel re. $100 F&B credit
- Repeated calls (3+) to the room within ~2hrs during the day while sleeping
- Returned to the hotel, blanked by two porters and a staff member without a hint of greeting
Lunch at Guo Fu Lao
- Seated next to the main entrance and kitchen service door, despite arriving with only 1.5h of lunch service left and many tables available inside
- One manager had an unfortunate smell issue (strong smell of sweat/damp cloth whenever serving or passing nearby)
- Poor service generally - no polish, forgotten items, etc
- Price point very much up there with the best in HK ($1300 for two without alcohol), but price was the only thing in common
Breakfast
- Congee very bland, lacked flavour. Brought without any condiments
- Dim sum brought without chopsticks
- French toast more like a steamed eggy mess
- Really bad coffee
- Staff congregating and chatting loudly
Service
- Staff generally lack any polish, seem to prefer to mill around rather than engage guests
- Poor response to a discrepancy between TA and hotel re. $100 F&B credit
- Repeated calls (3+) to the room within ~2hrs during the day while sleeping
- Returned to the hotel, blanked by two porters and a staff member without a hint of greeting
Lunch at Guo Fu Lao
- Seated next to the main entrance and kitchen service door, despite arriving with only 1.5h of lunch service left and many tables available inside
- One manager had an unfortunate smell issue (strong smell of sweat/damp cloth whenever serving or passing nearby)
- Poor service generally - no polish, forgotten items, etc
- Price point very much up there with the best in HK ($1300 for two without alcohol), but price was the only thing in common
Breakfast
- Congee very bland, lacked flavour. Brought without any condiments
- Dim sum brought without chopsticks
- French toast more like a steamed eggy mess
- Really bad coffee
- Staff congregating and chatting loudly
Dec 3, 2018, 12:39 am
#1282
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: Parts Unknown
Posts: 10,053
Staying for a night at The Murray. Hard product is very much my style, but F&B and service is just amateur - not fit for purpose. Will not return.
Service
- Staff generally lack any polish, seem to prefer to mill around rather than engage guests
- Poor response to a discrepancy between TA and hotel re. $100 F&B credit
- Repeated calls (3+) to the room within ~2hrs during the day while sleeping
- Returned to the hotel, blanked by two porters and a staff member without a hint of greeting
Lunch at Guo Fu Lao
- Seated next to the main entrance and kitchen service door, despite arriving with only 1.5h of lunch service left and many tables available inside
- One manager had an unfortunate smell issue (strong smell of sweat/damp cloth whenever serving or passing nearby)
- Poor service generally - no polish, forgotten items, etc
- Price point very much up there with the best in HK ($1300 for two without alcohol), but price was the only thing in common
Breakfast
- Congee very bland, lacked flavour. Brought without any condiments
- Dim sum brought without chopsticks
- French toast more like a steamed eggy mess
- Really bad coffee
- Staff congregating and chatting loudly
Service
- Staff generally lack any polish, seem to prefer to mill around rather than engage guests
- Poor response to a discrepancy between TA and hotel re. $100 F&B credit
- Repeated calls (3+) to the room within ~2hrs during the day while sleeping
- Returned to the hotel, blanked by two porters and a staff member without a hint of greeting
Lunch at Guo Fu Lao
- Seated next to the main entrance and kitchen service door, despite arriving with only 1.5h of lunch service left and many tables available inside
- One manager had an unfortunate smell issue (strong smell of sweat/damp cloth whenever serving or passing nearby)
- Poor service generally - no polish, forgotten items, etc
- Price point very much up there with the best in HK ($1300 for two without alcohol), but price was the only thing in common
Breakfast
- Congee very bland, lacked flavour. Brought without any condiments
- Dim sum brought without chopsticks
- French toast more like a steamed eggy mess
- Really bad coffee
- Staff congregating and chatting loudly
Dec 3, 2018, 5:24 am
#1283
Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: Jakarta
Programs: Krisflyer PPS, SPG, Hyatt GoldPassport, Shangri-la Golden Circle, British Airways ExecClub
Posts: 1,245
Staying for a night at The Murray. Hard product is very much my style, but F&B and service is just amateur - not fit for purpose. Will not return.
Service
- Staff generally lack any polish, seem to prefer to mill around rather than engage guests
- Poor response to a discrepancy between TA and hotel re. $100 F&B credit
- Repeated calls (3+) to the room within ~2hrs during the day while sleeping
- Returned to the hotel, blanked by two porters and a staff member without a hint of greeting
Lunch at Guo Fu Lao
- Seated next to the main entrance and kitchen service door, despite arriving with only 1.5h of lunch service left and many tables available inside
- One manager had an unfortunate smell issue (strong smell of sweat/damp cloth whenever serving or passing nearby)
- Poor service generally - no polish, forgotten items, etc
- Price point very much up there with the best in HK ($1300 for two without alcohol), but price was the only thing in common
Breakfast
- Congee very bland, lacked flavour. Brought without any condiments
- Dim sum brought without chopsticks
- French toast more like a steamed eggy mess
- Really bad coffee
- Staff congregating and chatting loudly
Service
- Staff generally lack any polish, seem to prefer to mill around rather than engage guests
- Poor response to a discrepancy between TA and hotel re. $100 F&B credit
- Repeated calls (3+) to the room within ~2hrs during the day while sleeping
- Returned to the hotel, blanked by two porters and a staff member without a hint of greeting
Lunch at Guo Fu Lao
- Seated next to the main entrance and kitchen service door, despite arriving with only 1.5h of lunch service left and many tables available inside
- One manager had an unfortunate smell issue (strong smell of sweat/damp cloth whenever serving or passing nearby)
- Poor service generally - no polish, forgotten items, etc
- Price point very much up there with the best in HK ($1300 for two without alcohol), but price was the only thing in common
Breakfast
- Congee very bland, lacked flavour. Brought without any condiments
- Dim sum brought without chopsticks
- French toast more like a steamed eggy mess
- Really bad coffee
- Staff congregating and chatting loudly
Dec 3, 2018, 5:29 am
#1284
Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: Jakarta
Programs: Krisflyer PPS, SPG, Hyatt GoldPassport, Shangri-la Golden Circle, British Airways ExecClub
Posts: 1,245
note regent (1980-2001) kowloon fans. peninsula only renovated 'recently' and has tourists in lobby and some questionable views, RC appears to have raised service level quite dramatically - in other words not originally - although there may still be some mixed reviews and it is so high its often in clouds and some prefer other design style
entry level at Pen (pre renovation) and IC may not encourage repeat, less so at RC
entry level at Pen (pre renovation) and IC may not encourage repeat, less so at RC
Here's another pic of the view
Dec 3, 2018, 7:51 am
#1285
Join Date: Aug 2018
Location: Stockholm, Sweden
Programs: HH Gold, SPG/Marriott Plat
Posts: 72
RC service esp if one books club level is quite good. I love the view, a true panorama of the entire Hong Kong Skyline from Kowloon to Central and beyond. The decor to be honest is actually very gaudy but I have gotten use to it. I might be a bit biased because I love skyscraper hotels.
Dec 3, 2018, 8:00 pm
#1287
Join Date: Aug 2014
Location: YYZ
Programs: Ex-Bonvoyed, Hyatt, Hilton, BR, AC, AA
Posts: 1,296
There's also another big advantage and that is the transportation means. The MTR which is directly under the hotel, goes directly to and from the airport, AND you can check-in your bags directly at the MTR-station instead of having to go to the airport with luggage and wait for check-in / bagdrops. I like it if I'm not flying first class (my direct flights only have business), and I also like not having to plan for traffic when I'm leaving or arriving.
I really like the property, especially its service, but I really wouldn't consider transportation a strong suit for RC. (Also the taxi situation outside the hotel can sometimes get awkward)
Dec 3, 2018, 10:08 pm
#1288
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: Parts Unknown
Posts: 10,053
Dec 4, 2018, 5:15 am
#1289
Join Date: Mar 2010
Posts: 2,592
RC is great for short stays if using MTR to get to/from airport, but the long walk through the mall and the subway stations get tiring (metaphorically and literally) quite fast.
I really like the property, especially its service, but I really wouldn't consider transportation a strong suit for RC. (Also the taxi situation outside the hotel can sometimes get awkward)
I really like the property, especially its service, but I really wouldn't consider transportation a strong suit for RC. (Also the taxi situation outside the hotel can sometimes get awkward)
Dec 4, 2018, 5:19 am
#1290
Join Date: Mar 2010
Posts: 2,592
There's also another big advantage and that is the transportation means. The MTR which is directly under the hotel, goes directly to and from the airport, AND you can check-in your bags directly at the MTR-station instead of having to go to the airport with luggage and wait for check-in / bagdrops. I like it if I'm not flying first class (my direct flights only have business), and I also like not having to plan for traffic when I'm leaving or arriving.
Is there any nice F check in at HKG (like AF in CDG or TG in BKK, etc ?) CX is average at best