Living History

Be a guest of The Pottinger Hong Kong and let an enlightening journey begin

Many city hotels boast a “central location” but perhaps none of them can make that claim quite like The Pottinger Hong Kong, the latest addition to the Sino Group of Hotels.

The name of this new property is derived from the Grade I-listed street on which it stands. Pottinger Street runs between the city’s most historical thoroughfares – Hollywood Road and Queen’s Road, and marked the beginning of the Central District.

Today this area is the premier commercial and financial centre, as well as an exciting hub of entertainment and dining options. The thriving nightlife of Lan Kwai Fong and SOHO are minutes away, as are prestigious shopping destinations IFC and The Landmark. This area also provides unbeatable access to a range of transport options, from the Airport Express to the Central MTR Station.

Looking at this bustling site now, it’s hard to imagine that 150 years ago the waterfront was just a stone’s throw away. Despite all the changes over the past decades, Pottinger Street remains true to its original form. Quite a number of the stalls and businesses have been around for decades and have witnessed the growth of the city. They keep old traditions alive, which makes a stay at The Pottinger Hong Kong like being a part of living history.

Stepping into the hotel’s lobby of classic elegance from the urban hustle and bustle, there is an immediate sense of calm and tranquility. All of the 68 luxury guest rooms and suites, ranging from 23 sqm to 68 sqm, are fitted with modern amenities such as free Wi-Fi, 42-inch LED TV with Interactive IPTV and sound system, Blu-ray DVD player, Nespresso coffee machine, minibar and electronic safe. Guests also get pampered with Acca Kappa bathroom products and plush bedding sets.

The décor of each room is themed after a Chinese flower, and Chinese motifs can be found everywhere. But one of the most notable elements is the photography by Fan Ho. Born in Shanghai in 1931, Ho found his true calling at the age of 14, when his father gave him a Rolleiflex twin-lens camera. His collection of works documents Hong Kong’s growth from a fledgling seaport to one of the world’s top business centres, with many images depicting local residents going about their daily life. Ho has been named one of the Top Ten Photographers of the World by the Photographic Society of America eight times, in addition to some 280 photography awards throughout his long career. While most people have to travel to institutions such as the Bibliothèque Nationale de France or the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, guests of The Pottinger Hong Kong can admire his works from the comfort of their rooms.

Completing the experience is the food and beverage outlets. One particularly exciting development is the newly opened Gradini, a new dining hotspot set to become talk of the town. This restaurant marks the comeback of renowned chef Giovanni Greggio, who will delight guests with his classic Italian cuisine. Highlights from the menu include Iberico pork loin “Milanese style” on sautéed potato, and homemade tagliolini with Maine lobster, fresh tomato and basil (pictured above).

Gradini serves up a range of desserts for the sweet finish, but guests may also choose to visit Venchi, a household name in confectionary from Italy, and already a firm favourite with locals. Its artisanal gelato and chocolate are to die for.

For a fusion experience, the Holytan Grill serves up Japanese specialities prepared using French techniques with the exclusively designed Far Infrared Oven. Top quality wagyu beef and freshly imported seafood are some of the delicacies you can expect to find.

For high tea or cocktails, The Envoy combines English traditions with a modern attitude. The spacious outdoor terrace is set to draw the city’s hipsters.

As a guest of The Pottinger Hong Kong, you are not just a traveller, but an explorer of history and culinary arts.