Panoramic ‘sense of place’ is the theme at Rosewood Hong Kong
As far as city skylines go, Hong Kong has one of the world’s most recognisable, and from the Manor Club on the 40th floor of the new Rosewood harbourside establishment, all eyes are on the spectacular view.
The 26th hotel to open under the Rosewood brand – which was acquired by the Cheng family of Hong Kong in 2011 and today has properties in London, Paris and Abu Dhabi – this landmark location sits proudly on prime real estate that dates back to 1910. Formerly Holt’s Wharf, a railway hub, the Salisbury Road site is significant today because it is one of the last parcels of prime land left.
Positioned as a high-end manor rather than a luxury hotel, the “vertical estate” towers over Kowloon Island in the popular Tsim Sha Tsui shopping district. It adjoins the harbour’s new arts and retail complex, K11 Musea. The Avenue of Stars along the Victoria Harbour waterfront and the famous Symphony of Lights multimedia show are right on the doorstep too.
A 4.7-metre bronze sculpture by British artist Henry Moore welcomes guests to the hotel. Once in the lobby, the mansion vibe resonates – it is immersive, refined and very Tony Chi.
With this site, the Taiwanese-born interior designer who has had a hand in Andaz Tokyo and Mandarin Oriental Guangzhou, manages to cleverly roll Hong Kong history and the Cheng family legacy together to create the hotel’s unique philosophy – “Sense of Place”.
I’m checking into a Grand Harbour Corner Suite on the 39th floor of the 43-storey hotel. It is sophisticated and stylish with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the harbourside. Of the 413 rooms and suites and 186 additional luxury residences, most of them offer Kowloon Peak or Harbour views. Entry-level rooms are a generous 53 square metres while the suites are some of the biggest in the city (at 92 square m), and they feel more like private residences than a hotel room.
I’m given access to the hotel’s 24-hour butler service and Manor Club, and also have an in-room beverage trolley, a luxurious marble-laden double shower and vanity, a statement soaking tub with inbuilt television, dual lounge areas, a sizeable walk-in wardrobe and a “smart” toilet that wants to speak to me constantly (annoying but easily fixed by shutting the door).
The blackout blinds ensure a restful night’s sleep, the pillow menu is luxurious, but, it’s the attention to detail – the free charging device and USB I’m lent, the pocket guide I’m gifted as a resource, and the beautifully curated haute chinoiserie – that make this hotel a home.
Overall, service is efficient and thorough. I have access to my butler via WhatsApp and find the level of attentiveness offered measured yet not overbearing. Special mention must go to cultural concierge Lotus Leung who showed me her Hong Kong.
Guests will likely spend a good chunk of their time in the Manor Club lounge thanks to its all-day dining offerings, pool room and outdoor terrace with views. The Legacy House is the standout dining outlet. Designed to honour the Cheng family patriarch Dr Cheng Yu-Tung, the restaurant is the ideal business meal venue. Interiors are warm and the Cantonese menu full of great options with dishes starting from HK$50 (Dh23).
Breakfast is served in Holt’ Cafe modelled on a traditional tea house.
The Butterfly Room is the refined go-to location for high tea, and when the sweet trolley is rolled out, it’s not hard to see why.
Business travellers will appreciate the meeting and event facilities – there are two ballrooms, indoor and outdoor function spaces catering for up to 2,000 people, along with seven meeting rooms and a hospitality suite with its own private terrace and, of course, harbour views.
About 30 minutes drive from the airport, transfers to and from the hotel to the airport can be arranged at a cost of (Dh772) each way. If travelling within Hong Kong, the East Tsim Sha Tsui MTR Station and Star Ferry terminals are within walking distance.
Double rooms start from Dh2,343 per night, including breakfast, taxes and Wi-Fi. Access to the Manor Club costs Dh927 per room, per day.