Hong Kong: FS, Ritz, or Penn?
Jul 18, 2016, 6:48 am
#46
Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: Jakarta
Programs: Krisflyer PPS, SPG, Hyatt GoldPassport, Shangri-la Golden Circle, British Airways ExecClub
Posts: 1,245
Just posted a review of my recent visit to the Pen...Spoiler alert! I still love it!
http://www.flyertalk.com/hotel-revie...-far-east-1504
Also on:http://www.besvisor.com/blog/2016/7/...sula-hong-kong
http://www.flyertalk.com/hotel-revie...-far-east-1504
Also on:http://www.besvisor.com/blog/2016/7/...sula-hong-kong
Jul 18, 2016, 5:01 pm
#47
formerly htang333
Join Date: Apr 2014
Location: Wi-Fi
Programs: Virtuoso, Top Ranked: Four Seasons (Top 25 Advisor), AMAN (Top 50), Rosewood, Hyatt Prive, etc.
Posts: 1,455
Jul 19, 2016, 8:30 am
#48
Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: Jakarta
Programs: Krisflyer PPS, SPG, Hyatt GoldPassport, Shangri-la Golden Circle, British Airways ExecClub
Posts: 1,245
Thanks for the reply. This is about the only major luxury hotel in HK left that I have yet to try. Is there any truth to the rumours that the staff at the Peninsula can be quite snobbish and indifferent to guests unless one is decked out in bling? Any restrictive dress codes? Was the service personalised during your stay?
Last edited by BENLEE; Jul 19, 2016 at 8:39 am
Jul 19, 2016, 5:49 pm
#49
formerly htang333
Join Date: Apr 2014
Location: Wi-Fi
Programs: Virtuoso, Top Ranked: Four Seasons (Top 25 Advisor), AMAN (Top 50), Rosewood, Hyatt Prive, etc.
Posts: 1,455
Thanks for the reply. This is about the only major luxury hotel in HK left that I have yet to try. Is there any truth to the rumours that the staff at the Peninsula can be quite snobbish and indifferent to guests unless one is decked out in bling? Any restrictive dress codes? Was the service personalised during your stay?
No, I didn't feel that the staff was snobbish at all. The concierge was extremely friendly as well except for one member that I encountered briefly and seemed a bit arrogant to me. But mostly, it was very pleasant. People smiled and were eager to assist when needed. Nothing over the top, either. It wasn't like flying in Singapore Airlines' First Class
If you want to know more, I'd be happy to share more thoughts/details.
Cheers,
Jul 20, 2016, 7:57 pm
#50
Suspended
Join Date: May 2009
Location: DFW
Programs: AAdvantage Platinum, Hilton HHonors Gold
Posts: 2,863
I know a lot of folks who went to HK and never took the Star Ferry. Can't understand...
Jul 28, 2016, 1:11 pm
#51
Join Date: May 2004
Location: SNA, LAX
Programs: BA Gold, KrisFlyer
Posts: 350
I love the FS Hong Kong. The Club there is truly stupendous. Can't find many where they pour Ruinart champagne all day long! That is a treat in such gorgeous surroundings. Love staying on the HK side as just so much more within walking distance. Of course the Pen does have a special flair, but don't think the pool compares to the FS, personally. FS is much more like tropical resort, which is definitely my preference. Loved it.
Jul 28, 2016, 10:33 pm
#52
Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: Jakarta
Programs: Krisflyer PPS, SPG, Hyatt GoldPassport, Shangri-la Golden Circle, British Airways ExecClub
Posts: 1,245
My pleasure!
No, I didn't feel that the staff was snobbish at all. The concierge was extremely friendly as well except for one member that I encountered briefly and seemed a bit arrogant to me. But mostly, it was very pleasant. People smiled and were eager to assist when needed. Nothing over the top, either. It wasn't like flying in Singapore Airlines' First Class
If you want to know more, I'd be happy to share more thoughts/details.
Cheers,
No, I didn't feel that the staff was snobbish at all. The concierge was extremely friendly as well except for one member that I encountered briefly and seemed a bit arrogant to me. But mostly, it was very pleasant. People smiled and were eager to assist when needed. Nothing over the top, either. It wasn't like flying in Singapore Airlines' First Class
If you want to know more, I'd be happy to share more thoughts/details.
Cheers,
I love the FS Hong Kong. The Club there is truly stupendous. Can't find many where they pour Ruinart champagne all day long! That is a treat in such gorgeous surroundings. Love staying on the HK side as just so much more within walking distance. Of course the Pen does have a special flair, but don't think the pool compares to the FS, personally. FS is much more like tropical resort, which is definitely my preference. Loved it.
Jul 29, 2016, 5:36 am
#53
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: Germany
Programs: Some
Posts: 11,517
I have 2 problems with the FSHK. First, they haven't done a serious renovation for ages and the physical product is already starting to show it's age and lag behind competition after 10 years. Second, I encountered disappointing service issues with the hotel and haven't gone back for 2 years. Most of the old staff have left and it's starting to deteriorate ever since they change their GM. Now my primary hotel in HK is actually the LMO.
Jul 29, 2016, 9:17 am
#54
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
I love the FS Hong Kong. The Club there is truly stupendous. Can't find many where they pour Ruinart champagne all day long! That is a treat in such gorgeous surroundings. Love staying on the HK side as just so much more within walking distance. Of course the Pen does have a special flair, but don't think the pool compares to the FS, personally. FS is much more like tropical resort, which is definitely my preference. Loved it.
Jul 29, 2016, 7:28 pm
#55
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: Enroute to ? & likely flying in ' A ':)
Programs: TPPS, UA, EK ...; Marriott BONVOY , HH, GP, GC..
Posts: 4,217
Thanks! May try out in next trip. Due to slowdown, a lot of bargains to be had now for HK.
First trip to HK definitely for the novelty factor. But after that, why? Subway is more convenient.
I have 2 problems with the FSHK. First, they haven't done a serious renovation for ages and the physical product is already starting to show it's age and lag behind competition after 10 years. Second, I encountered disappointing service issues with the hotel and haven't gone back for 2 years. Most of the old staff have left and it's starting to deteriorate ever since they change their GM. Now my primary hotel in HK is actually the LMO.
First trip to HK definitely for the novelty factor. But after that, why? Subway is more convenient.
I have 2 problems with the FSHK. First, they haven't done a serious renovation for ages and the physical product is already starting to show it's age and lag behind competition after 10 years. Second, I encountered disappointing service issues with the hotel and haven't gone back for 2 years. Most of the old staff have left and it's starting to deteriorate ever since they change their GM. Now my primary hotel in HK is actually the LMO.
Subway has no view unlike Star Ferry :-: , pun intended . Only thing is , now the " cruise " is too short across the harbour . Now closer to FS but farther from MOHK / LMO
.Same to Pen on Kowloon though
While I have enjoyed the meals & views from the club lounge , have only visited the rooms / suites which are " ok " . The restaurants are good enough .
But I prefer to be in central Central .. MOHK rather than LMO with no " view " & a tad too close to office ( s ) & shops
Jul 29, 2016, 7:43 pm
#56
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
Aug 11, 2016, 9:21 am
#57
Join Date: Jan 2005
Posts: 928
Whilst it gets luke warm reviews on here, I'd love to try the RC this October. I love to sunbathe and swim so obviously the FS is an obvious choice, but I've already tried it.
My question is, is there any outside area to sunbathe all the way up at the RC near the pool or is it too high?
Thanks
My question is, is there any outside area to sunbathe all the way up at the RC near the pool or is it too high?
Thanks
Aug 11, 2016, 9:34 am
#58
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Europe
Posts: 2,599
Whilst it gets luke warm reviews on here, I'd love to try the RC this October. I love to sunbathe and swim so obviously the FS is an obvious choice, but I've already tried it.
My question is, is there any outside area to sunbathe all the way up at the RC near the pool or is it too high?
Thanks
My question is, is there any outside area to sunbathe all the way up at the RC near the pool or is it too high?
Thanks
Sep 17, 2016, 8:51 pm
#59
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: Melbourne, Australia
Programs: QF Platinum & Lifetime Gold
Posts: 1,340
There are so many excellent hotels in Hong Kong, but I stayed at the RC this week and it was exceptional.
Hard product, soft product, the views just exceptional. I thought better than the FS and that too is exceptional.
Position is not a huge problem considering the taxis are cheap and plentiful and there is a train station directly next to the hotel.
Crowds in lobby weren't a problem either , they have staff everywhere to "kick" the crowds out pronto.
I have stayed all over the world, and this was the best hotel I have ever stayed in (yes for me beating the HK Penn, FS, MO, LOMO, etc).
Hard product, soft product, the views just exceptional. I thought better than the FS and that too is exceptional.
Position is not a huge problem considering the taxis are cheap and plentiful and there is a train station directly next to the hotel.
Crowds in lobby weren't a problem either , they have staff everywhere to "kick" the crowds out pronto.
I have stayed all over the world, and this was the best hotel I have ever stayed in (yes for me beating the HK Penn, FS, MO, LOMO, etc).
Sep 17, 2016, 10:32 pm
#60
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: BKK
Posts: 6,741
Not my first visit to HK, but decided to burn a pair of UA upgrade certs on a last minute splurge. I have the option of (in order of price):
(a) Harbor view club room at the FS;
(b) Deluxe Victoria hrb view suite at Ritz (with club access);
(c) Harbor view at Penn (tower - breakfast incl).
Price is pretty close, but FS is the cheapest via an AMEX deal. My recollection is that the FS club is nice and rooms are ok but not special. I haven't stayed at the Penn since the update, but it's a good location (although no club). I haven't stayed at the Ritz - though it appears to have good connections to HKG via express train.
I hope to use the spa (old, aching bones) - hence these three choices. Any suggestions/recommendations?
Aloha!
(a) Harbor view club room at the FS;
(b) Deluxe Victoria hrb view suite at Ritz (with club access);
(c) Harbor view at Penn (tower - breakfast incl).
Price is pretty close, but FS is the cheapest via an AMEX deal. My recollection is that the FS club is nice and rooms are ok but not special. I haven't stayed at the Penn since the update, but it's a good location (although no club). I haven't stayed at the Ritz - though it appears to have good connections to HKG via express train.
I hope to use the spa (old, aching bones) - hence these three choices. Any suggestions/recommendations?
Aloha!