Park Hotel

BACKGROUND Founded in 1961, Park Hotel Group manages, owns and develops hotels around Asia PaciÀc. It operates 15 properties in 11 countries across the region. Grand Park is its luxury brand, while Park Hotel is branded as “upscale”. Park Hotel Hong Kong is the Àrst venture of the group. It has a number of hotels in the pipeline including Park Hotel Farrer Park that opens in Singapore, and Park Hotel Yeongdeungpo that opens in Seoul this year.

WHAT’S IT LIKE There are two entrances to the hotel but I somehow always used the one on Chatham Road, since it connects to the Tsim Tsha Tsui MTR Station in Àve minutes. It also connects directly to the elevators allowing guests to bypass check-in crowd upon entering the hotel. The design of the lobby is simple and minimal. The hotel is positioned as a business property and adapts a “no frills” look. The back of the reception is adorned with Oriental fans adding colour to the otherwise monotoned space. A dark red pillar adds further character to the area.

WHERE IS IT On Chatham Road, in the heart of Kowloon’s bustling commercial and entertainment centre. China Ferry Terminal is eight minutes by road.

ROOM FACILITIES There are 347 rooms in this hotel, which can never be guessed from the size of the reception and its entrance. Room categories begin at Superior (23-35 sqm) and continue to Superior Plus (25-35 sqm), Deluxe (27-38 sqm) Deluxe Plus (35 sqm), Premier (37-43 sqm) and Deluxe suite (40-64 sqm). Apart from diͿerences in size, facilities don’t vary much across room types, except Premier rooms and above have a nespresso machine Àtted with free access to the minibar. Guests of Premier and Deluxe rooms can also avail of free laundry (one piece per day), late check-out and cocktails for an hour and a half at the hotel bar. My Superior room’s simplistic design was emanated through its grey wallpaper, light green curtains and and silver headrest above the bed. The wardrobe features a digital locker and bathroom slippers. A SONY Áat-screen television is placed on a cabinet in front of the bed that also holds the handy-phone, a device that is placed frequently across hotels in the Asia PaciÀc.

It oͿers a wiÀ hotspot for your smartphone and even lets you call abroad to a number of countries. This is one of the few hotels to have India in its network of the handy-phone calling service. Next to the cabinet is a basic desk and work chair. There is also a lounge chair placed on the right next to the window. The washroom is uncluttered and basic, with a bathtub and features in-house toiletries by Park Hotel Group. RESTAURANTS AND BARS

There are two restaurants Park Cafe (multi-cuisine) on level four where breakfast is served and Marigold Bar on the lobby level. BUSINESS AND MEETING

FACILITIES It features VIP Room It features VIP Room I, II and III spread across 30 sqm each. The space can be hired for board meetings and small gatherings.

LEISURE FACILITIES There is a Àtness centre at the property but no swimming pool or spa since it’s targeting business travellers and families who spend most of their time outside the hotel.

VERDICT Basic amenities and services in a fantastic location. Meant for corporate visitors who wish to stay in Kowloon, close to the MTR.