Special: Hong Kong Hotels
Here is a list of luxury and business hotels that you can look up on your next visit to the city
BACKGROUND Hong Kongbased Marco Polo Hotels operates three properties in Kowloon: Marco Polo Hong Kong Hotel, Prince Hotel and Gateway Hotel (where I stayed). The recently renovated Gateway Hotel underwent refurbishment in 2013 and seems refreshingly new.
WHAT’S IT LIKE I entered from the drop-oͿ point of the free shuttle bus (K2) and a pathway led me to Gateway Hotel. The entrance is connected through Harbour City mall in Kowloon. Its main lobby is striking with metallic colours and a sna]]y gold light À[ture on the ceiling. An abstract red artwork on the ceiling adds an urban, contemporary look to the hotel. The overall feel is quite trendy and modern. My bag was politely taken care of and since I was booked at the Continental Superior suite, my check-in took place at the Áoor dedicated to Continental Club rooms and suites on the level 1 . This Áoor also houses the Continental Club /ounge that oͿers a host of services including afternoon tea with hors d’oeuvres, free cocktails in the evening, free breakfast, 20 per cent oͿ on laundry, pressing and dry cleaning and many other conveniences. A “spectacular new Áoorµ is coming up on level 1 , details of which are kept secret.
WHERE IS IT 5ight ne[t to Harbour City mall at Tsim Tsha Tsui, Kowloon. Marco Polo and Prince Hotel are beside Gateway Hotel and can be accessed through connecting pathways.
ROOM FACILITIES There are several room categories starting at Superior rooms (2 sqm) to the Continental Superior suite (58 sqm) where I stayed. My suite was on the 1 th Áoor, towards the e[treme right. 2verlooking the main street, it has two large windows with metallic grey curtains. The layout of the open plan suite is smart, with the sink in the middle of the bedroom and living room. There are mirrors across making it look roomy and elegant. The minibar situated in the living room has a nespresso machine and is replenished daily with free beverages. A round table with a sleek geometric print and comfortable beige sofas face an LG LCD television. The bedroom also has a mounted Sony Bravia LCD television. Purple is splashed across in bits and pieces, from cushions to the headrest of the bed ³ there is an evident eͿort made to maintain a modish and aesthetic design sense. The desk faces the bed and has a handy phone which can even be taken outside of the hotel. It oͿers free calling to a number of countries including USA, China and Japan and can be used as a hotspot for your smartphone. Trussardi toiletries along with a dental kit, shaving kit and other wellness amenities are provided. RESTAURANTS AND BARS The Continental Club Lounge is an intimate space to host colleagues and informal business meets over tea or cocktails. Breakfast is also laid here for guests staying in the Continental Club Áoor rooms. Spread across 1,8 sqm is Three on Canton, a formal restaurant serving Cantonese cuisine. Be on Canton is the al fresco, casual dining area of the hotel that serves resort-style dining, aperitifs, cocktails and delicious snacks. BUSINESS AND MEETING FACILITIES Gateway Hotel has four function rooms that are coded as per colour ³ 2cher (10 sqm), Noire (60 sqm), Fuchsia ( sqm) and Turquoise ( 3 sqm). There is also a special wine room called JiM for those e[clusive occasions that can accommodate 12 delegates. LEISURE FACILITIES Guests can use the outdoor swimming pool at the nearby Marco Polo Hong Kong Hotel or use the Àtness centre at Prince Hotel’s 24-hour gym. VERDICT Contemporary comfort with convenient business utilities, surrounded by some of the best entertainment options in the bustling city.